1972 Volkswagen Beetle starting issues

Sometimes the starter gear gets hung up in the flywheel. Put it in 3rd and push it backwards a little, then forwards a litlle. Could do the trick.
If not, trace your wires from the ignition (key end)
all the way round to the starter, and so forth eventually to the engine. If everything is clean and tight, there's a procedure in the "idiot" book on how to check your starter.
"how to keep your vw alive forever."
by john muir

good luck