VW Beetle starting

Depending on the year, early Beetles, (i.e., the original run from '49 to '74) start just as you start any early car with a carburetor. If it has the automatic choke, and the engine is cold, push the accelerator all the way to the floor once and let up immediately. This sets the choke. Then, just turn the key over until it starts. If it fails to start, don't pump the gas endlessly. Try once again first.

If the car is warm, and has the automatic choke, it should start without any accelerator manipulation. If not, hold the gas pedal about half way down and crank it over.

For older Bugs with the manual choke, it works thusly:

If it's cold, pull the choke all the way out, and give the gas 2 or 3 pumps. Crank it over. As the car warms up with driving, slowly push the choke in until it runs at a good idle speed.

If it's warm, then you leave the choke in, and start normally. If it doesn't start right off, again, let the gas in about half-way.