AirSpeed VW Community Forums

General Forums => Air Speed Lounge => Topic started by: Trevor P on August 11, 2006, 06:31:18 PM

Title: Split Windows
Post by: Trevor P on August 11, 2006, 06:31:18 PM
I was just wondering if anyone knew the # of split window beetles that exist in Vancouver or all of BC for that matter. I'm talking confirmed existence...not tall tales.
I know of 3 in Alberta, and 3 here in Saskatchewan.
Title: Split Windows
Post by: Russ on August 11, 2006, 08:57:59 PM
i'll start the list
Gavin
Jason B
Bruce T
that is all i can think of off the top of my head
Title: Split Windows
Post by: vwshawn on August 11, 2006, 10:09:05 PM
I remember Mike Gordon had a split window, Dark Blue.
This car was in his Father's Garage.
Title: Split Windows
Post by: Geoff on August 12, 2006, 08:55:23 AM
Gavin
Jason B x2
Bruce T
Tom Gordon
Marcel
Plus I know of three others on the mainland but not sure of their names.
Country Volks has at least one
There are 2 others on the island as well.
 
Title: Split Windows
Post by: steveo_32 on August 12, 2006, 12:41:32 PM
two years ago at the Victoria meet there were four.
all local cars, talked to all the owners
one in show three in parking lot
And mine
Title: Split Windows
Post by: Bruce on August 12, 2006, 01:37:41 PM
In the late 80s there was a shop in Burnaby near Rumble and Griffiths called W&W Motors (I think).  It was run by two old Germans, both named Willie.  One of the Willie's wives, drove a zwitter.  I had a look at it the one time I saw it at the shop.  This car has never been seen at any VW show ever.  

Anyone know what happened to this car?

Here's a previous list:

http://www.airspeedparts.com/community-for...t=ST&f=4&t=7600 (http://www.airspeedparts.com/community-forum/index.php?act=ST&f=4&t=7600)
Title: Split Windows
Post by: silas on August 12, 2006, 05:32:44 PM
Quote
I was just wondering if anyone knew the # of split window beetles that exist in Vancouver or all of BC for that matter. I'm talking confirmed existence...not tall tales.
so are you including oval dash/split rear window zwitters?

it's only a matter of opinion, but i feel that all split windows beetles were pre-zwitter era.
Title: Split Windows
Post by: AirCooledRules on August 12, 2006, 05:58:35 PM
Everyone forgets about the one at Cowell. does anyone know the story with that car. how long has it been there. i know its been there as long as i can remember which is atleast the last 10+ years.
Title: Split Windows
Post by: slammedbus on August 12, 2006, 06:12:08 PM
I do vaguely remember the story from talking to Rand Cowell. I forgot all about that car....was it a split though??
Title: Split Windows
Post by: nivag on August 12, 2006, 07:35:12 PM
Silas - If choosing between split or oval era, I might be bias but if a Zwitter has 2 little windows out back it probably falls more under split than an oval - IMO.

I know there are a few on the Island, when the guy I bought mine from opened his barn door, it was in a row of 3  :blink: Have a great pic somewhere of that.

Also I have met a few older felows locally over the years that claim to have a few here and there, so I think there are a few more than we all know.
Title: Split Windows
Post by: Trevor P on August 12, 2006, 09:00:46 PM
Of course Zwitters are splits! I do prefer the dual glove box dash though, but I wouldn't kick a '53 outta my garage cause it chose to be different. ;)

Ok, looks like there's too many splits in western Canada...I'm gonna continue looking for Barndoors, and other rarities.  :lol:
Title: Split Windows
Post by: Bruce on August 13, 2006, 12:30:50 PM
Quote
I do vaguely remember the story from talking to Rand Cowell. I forgot all about that car....was it a split though??
It is a split.  The first time I saw it was about in 87 or 88.  They call it a 52, but when I opened the front, the tag clearly says 53.
Title: Split Windows
Post by: Bruce on August 13, 2006, 12:42:47 PM
The Cowell split reminds me of the first split I ever saw.  The VW dealer in Vernon, Felix Garage, had a zwitter, I saw in about 79-80-81.  For a while it was in their tiny showroom.  Then it was out in the parking lot in the weather.  Finally it was pushed out behind the building with all the trash.  It sold and eventually found it's way to Kamloops.  Sometime in the early 90s, a VW enthusiast from Revelstoke, Drew, was in Kamloops perusing the classifieds when he spotted the ad.  He told me he didn't say a word, just handed the paper over to his wife.  She knew they had to go and look at it.  A short time later it was in his garage.  Sadly, a few years ago Drew lost all interest in VWs and sold everything.  I don't know where that split went.  
Anyone want to track that one down?  I may be able to come up with a phone number for Drew.  I'm sure Jason knows Drew.
Title: Split Windows
Post by: OUTKAST on August 13, 2006, 04:10:54 PM
Went to a collecter back east in toronto I believe I see Drew once a year still not back in the VW scene yet . I actually got a ride in it one day around revelstoke fun car  :) Hey gave me a box of assorted parts last time up there all he had left VW related  
Title: Split Windows
Post by: btljuce on August 14, 2006, 03:26:11 PM
trev, was one of that three jp's 52 ? , what about tamara's 53?
Title: Split Windows
Post by: Trevor P on August 14, 2006, 07:04:59 PM
I didn't count hers, but there is a guy in Calgary that Ken told me about that has two of them.

BTW...nice pic of the 56! :rockon:  
Title: Split Windows
Post by: blue jay on August 14, 2006, 11:59:11 PM
Quote
I didn't count hers, but there is a guy in Calgary that Ken told me about that has two of them.

BTW...nice pic of the 56! :rockon:
 Trevor I know of a few more in Alberta.

 My Dad works with a guy, his wife
Title: Split Windows
Post by: Bruce on August 15, 2006, 10:11:47 AM
Quote

Last Summer Bill ran into some young kid with an Oval, when he stopped to talk to him the young kid said he had a split window at home too!!(Don't know if you can believe that one.)
 
Sounds like the loser in Langley that was spouting off that he owned a Hebmuler.  I got his name and address and went to his house.  His teenage daughter answered the door, and when asked, was confused. She said her father only owned one VW, and it was a 64 Beetle convertible.
Title: Split Windows
Post by: btljuce on August 15, 2006, 04:30:24 PM
looks like jp is selling his split   http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/det...l.php?id=328391 (http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=328391)
Title: Split Windows
Post by: btljuce on August 15, 2006, 04:31:24 PM
Quote


BTW...nice pic of the 56! :rockon:
thanks dude !!
Title: Split Windows
Post by: Trevor P on August 15, 2006, 06:16:22 PM
Quote
Quote
I didn't count hers, but there is a guy in Calgary that Ken told me about that has two of them.

BTW...nice pic of the 56! :rockon:
Trevor I know of a few more in Alberta.

 My Dad works with a guy, his wife
Title: Split Windows
Post by: ehos on August 15, 2006, 11:17:14 PM
I don't think it's a complete 52 section welded in.  It's just the center part that's welded in.

You can tell from a mile away it's an Oval window converted to a split because of the wierd angles on the oval window.

I'll try to find pics to show my point.

Silas: Sorry, 'Zwitters' are not splits for this very reason.  Anyone can turn an oval into a split and call it a 'Zwitter.'   It's so bad now that REAL Zwitters are totally discredited...
Title: Split Windows
Post by: Trevor P on August 16, 2006, 03:52:34 PM
Quote
I don't think it's a complete 52 section welded in.  It's just the center part that's welded in.

You can tell from a mile away it's an Oval window converted to a split because of the wierd angles on the oval window.

I'll try to find pics to show my point.

Silas: Sorry, 'Zwitters' are not splits for this very reason.  Anyone can turn an oval into a split and call it a 'Zwitter.'   It's so bad now that REAL Zwitters are totally discredited...
I don't agree. Even though I stated I prefer a dual glove box car, you can't discredit a REAL zwitter. Look at the prod. #'s on a 53 split compared to a 52....far less zwitters were made. Even if someone made a clone zwitter, chassis and body #'s don't lie, and there is always something overlooked that a keen eye can point out to spot a fakie.
Besides who gives a shit when there is a 2.3L monster in the back pulling the wheels up. The back of the car with the rear window would be the only thing you would notice anyways! :lol:
Title: Split Windows
Post by: Greg on August 16, 2006, 04:21:53 PM
Theres a few on the island

2 in the parksville area - Dave T

Ive seen a olive green one driving around Victoria (This was about a year ago, saw it a bunch but now its gone... Dont know where she went.)

Ive heard of one somewhere in victoria for sale, a 53 split... Thats all I know about it.

With the amout of old cars tucked away in old peoples Garages, theres bound to be more here.



 
Title: Split Windows
Post by: silas on August 16, 2006, 06:15:26 PM
Quote
Quote
I don't think it's a complete 52 section welded in.
Title: Split Windows
Post by: ArsenicPants on August 16, 2006, 09:28:58 PM
Quote
looks like jp is selling his split   http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/det...l.php?id=328391 (http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=328391)
wow
must be nice, asking 10 grand for a car that is made up almsot entirely by unoriginal parts, with rust, and red oxide primer

maybe i should be asking 5 grand for my POS '75 Super


sorry, no offense to JP or anyone, i just think it's all a little rediculous
Title: Split Windows
Post by: AirCooledRules on August 17, 2006, 06:10:16 PM
to put it very simply, a zwitter is a split window because it has a split window, which is what classifies a split as a split. its not called a 16'' steel wheel, dual glove box car. its a split.

you could argue that a 51 split is not really a split because its so different then a 45 car, the tail lights, no chrome, no side trim on some, the decklid, not ever the dash is the same, to name a few things.

its true that a zwitter is very different then most split window beetles, but its still a split window.

to say that a zwitter is not a split, is like saying that a 57 belair is not a tri5 chev, or a 63 stingray isnt a midyear because of the bar going through the rear window.

 :blink:  :blush:  :D  
Title: Split Windows
Post by: ehos on August 17, 2006, 08:42:35 PM
Quote
wow
must be nice, asking 10 grand for a car that is made up almsot entirely by unoriginal parts, with rust, and red oxide primer

maybe i should be asking 5 grand for my POS '75 Super


sorry, no offense to JP or anyone, i just think it's all a little rediculous
No offense taken at the price comment.  

Just FYI, my restored semaphores cost twice as much as what I can pick up your 75 Super for.  But, you buy split parts all the time, so I'm sure you already knew the prices of split parts!

Lemme know how much a set of aluminum side trim costs for a split.  It will be an eye opener for you.   :rolleyes:
Or a split decklid, or split taillights, split bumpers etc etc...  add them up, let me know what the total is.

Besides, mines a bargain.. check this out..

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/det...l.php?id=349189 (http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=349189)


jp
Title: Split Windows
Post by: ArsenicPants on August 17, 2006, 09:31:19 PM
Quote
Just FYI, my restored semaphores cost twice as much as what I can pick up your 75 Super for.  But, you buy split parts all the time, so I'm sure you already knew the prices of split parts!

Lemme know how much a set of aluminum side trim costs for a split.  It will be an eye opener for you.   :rolleyes:
Or a split decklid, or split taillights, split bumpers etc etc...  add them up, let me know what the total is.

but that's exactly my point, it's still rediculous
i mean, it's still just an old car...

i'm as a big a fan of classic air cooled cars as the next, i just really can't get my head around how high the prices are
it's like first gen camaros, albiet beetles have way more class, they're also incredibly overpriced considering the grand scheme of things

like honestly, i'm not making a statement against you in peticular in any way, just the way things are these days
all the power to ya for selling smart to a secular community
Title: Split Windows
Post by: Stephan Schmidt on August 18, 2006, 06:11:05 AM
There are a few split window beetles sitting in fields up north that we have seen.

That is all...

Stephan
Title: Re: Split Windows
Post by: 72vwtype2 on November 11, 2008, 01:04:47 PM
Seeing the 52 split (which should remain a hard top :laugh:), got me thinking that it's been several years since there was a good discussion about the whereabouts of possible splits. Any "new" splits in the area?
Title: Re: Split Windows
Post by: Bruce on November 11, 2008, 07:29:54 PM
I don't know about new ones, but I know of another one in Port Alberni.  Pretty sure it's a zwitter.
Title: Re: Split Windows
Post by: VW 144th on November 11, 2008, 07:52:26 PM
I didnt see anyone mention DD has one as well....
Title: Re: Split Windows
Post by: Trevor P on November 11, 2008, 09:45:08 PM
Wow this post is back from the dead.
A zwitter was found in 2007 in Northern AB.....and I passed up on buying it  ::)