What would it take to make my 1971 vw super beetle run on E85?

You'd need an alcohol-rated carb, alcohol-rated fuel lines, an alcohol fuel filter, and a LOT of patience because while E85 sells for less money per gallon, you're going to burn more of it to get the same power. So you have to mess with the carb settings to get the engine to run right. I don't think you'll like it.