I purchased a 1962 Beetle a couple of years ago and it has mostly been 'sleeping' in the garage. One issue I have (I have not had time to drop the engine) is the engine squeals when in gear. Ok here are the strange symptoms. It was converted to 12V by the other owner and a new engine was installed. The original tranny is still there.
1. If I try to start the car with my foot depressing the clutch, it is so labored, it sounds like my battery is dead. Barely turns over.
2. Take my foot off the clutch and turn the key, vrooom! starts no problem.
3. Put my foot on the clutch to change gears and again the engine rpm dips.
4. Put it in gear, let out the clutch, it goes! but makes a loud squealing noise!

Was there something he should have done with the clutch or other component of the transmission when he added the new engine? Maybe he did not align the clutch properly? I have not really looked too closely at everything (no time and I just wanted to have a bug in the garage again) so I will try to check and answer any question anyone may have. I have removed and installed engines before but never had to mess with the tranny.

Thanks for any thoughts!