How can you increase MPG of a stock `69 Beetle?

With the increase of gas prices lately, is there anyway to increase gas milage of a 1969 Beetle? I am getting ready to rebuild the engine, so I would like to improve the current 25 MPG to maybe 30 or low 30s.

I am eyeing an `84 Volks Rabbit too, and I know the Beetle will never achieve the 40 - 45+ that the Rabbit will, but surely there is something to improve MPG?

If you are doing a full engine overhaul, you should see a little better mpg after it is done. Some things I do to my 66 Beetle are simple weekly tuneups. For example, open up the valve covers and make sure the valves are properly gapped, get the timing light out and make sure the timing is correct, and inspect the points and condenser...all that jazz. I noticed that the daily wear and tear on my 1300cc would alter my mpg when I didn't give it some love on Sunday afternoons. This may be helpful even on a newly overhauled motor. Hope this helps...happy motoring

Hot VWs mag recently did a bit of a writeup on boosting performance on a stock 1600 that you could use on your 1300. A few of the things they did to their engine would benefit in mpg as well. A vacuume advance distributor is a must for mpg, switching to electronic ignition with vacuume advance would eliminate the point maintenance and improve overall performance and mpg, good plugs, wires, coil, of course only use Bosch caps and rotors, and also add a decent exhaust system (header and muffler(s).

Keeping everything adjusted right and in tune is one of the best ways to ensure the best mpg and longevity.