Today we are deep cleaning a rare 1957 VW Beetle magnesium transmission case. Before picking up a scraper, we are testing a 24-hour pre-soak method using a total wildcard solvent that’s completely safe on delicate aluminum and magnesium.
Watch step-by-step as decades of caked-on grease peel away like warm butter. Plus, I’ll share an hidden note discovered inside the bell housing, a crucial warning about heavy-duty degreasers, and a critical trick for installing solid axle boots without tearing them to pieces.
#EngineCleaning #DIYRestoration #VintageVW #WorkshopHacks
0:00 Intro
0:36 Step 1.0
3:20 Found Note
5:39 Step 1.5
8:40 Step 2.0
11:14 Step 2.5
11:53 Step 3.0
14:42 Axle Tube and brackets Disassembly
17:03 Painting
18:15 Step 3.5
20:04 Installing 1 Piece Axle Boots
24:59 Reassembly
28:44 Final Product
29:40 Before and After Pictures
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“Disclaimer: The content on @vwwerks is intended for entertainment and informational purposes. I am not a professional mechanic, and the information shared should not be taken as definitive advice. Due to the age and condition of these vehicles and parts, safety and reliability are not guaranteed. Always exercise caution and consult with a certified professional before attempting any automotive repairs or modifications. Viewers are solely responsible for their own safety and actions.”
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Für Deine Arbeit brauchst Du Dich nicht verstecken! Sie ist nicht gut, sie ist brilliant! Der Trick mit der Gummimanchette hat mich wirklich umgehauen! Danke für diesen wertvollen Tip!
Okay, and now all that old grease and dirt goes into the soil.
I realize you're using the wd40 as a cleaner de-greaser so it doesn't matter. Shake it before use if you're using it as a lubricant because all the wax in it settles to the bottom in only a few days.
I'd love to see this process with the the transmission IN the car…
Recently bought a 61 I found in a barn here in Germany. Been sitting or 56 years. Found a bunch of paperwork on some tennis club the previous owner was a member of. But also found the original warranty for the the engine that VW put in.
Incredible how that WD40 emulsified all the crud. I never knew it did this.
I saw a video where the guy cerakoted the engine block bronze.
Atomized wd40 would be explosive I would think …
My '57 had this weird asphaltic-type undercoating. Either some dealer offered it as an option, or some previous owner drove through a road construction zone. I used a heat gun and a plastic scraper, and it came off easily.
How come when you put the second boot on you didn’t put a gasket on it? PS I don’t remember you putting assembly lube on the first side. Sincerely, Chuck.
I would not have thought that wd40 would be a good degreaser. Pretty nice.
Great videos that box came out great,when i take mine out my 57 oval hope it comes out as good as yours
Are Volkswagen beetles a reliable vehicle? Witch ones would you avoid?
I have a 65’ Bug, and when I bought it, I was going through and cleaning everything I could. I pulled the ashtray, and saw what looked like a flakey piece of rust. Turns out it was a 1960’s Smokey The Bear Patch. About the size of a quarter, so it easily could have been missed. Meaning that my car had made it all those decades for that patch to be discovered by me, 11 years ago.
Another awesome video. I learn so much from your channel… thank you sir!!
Wow! That came out really good
Great and useful video. Thanks!
Thanks for this video. I will be doing this to the engine and transmission in my '55 Beetle and this gave me some great tips.
When I was 6 or 7 years old we would play in a local junkyard. There is lots of lost things to find in old cars. You would dig through until you had enough change for a soda and chips. I found a few pocket knives, old glasses, tons of small toys, and some tools. It was hot dirty work, and you had to be careful of wasps and snakes. Good times back in the day. I didn't know to look for silver change back then. I probably accidentally paid triple the price for the chips and soda not knowing most of the coins were 90% silver.