Author Topic: The Beetles (Read 1836 times)

Bug Maniac · « **on:** May 21, 2005, 10:27:49 AM »

Please could somebody tell me what the different types of beetles are and various engine sizes that came as standard, I was at a meet last night and there was a fair ammount of beetles there, all of them different but I did'nt get chance to speak to any of the guys who owned them.

Also can anyone recommend a good restoration manual / book for a beetle, I have heard the name bentley used is that a good one.

Thanks for help

ryanmacneil8448 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 21, 2005, 07:10:55 PM »

split window 194? to 1953? i think oval window to 1958 in 1967 they changed alot of things ( decklid hood headlights etc )1968 they got irs ( independent rear suspension ) 1971? is the first year for the super beetle which had macpherson struts up front as oposed to torsion bars but they still made the standard up to 1975 super beetles also had a rounder windshield 1975 got electronic fuel injection motor sizes range from 1100 to 1600. 1600 in Dual Port and single port i know i got some of this wrong but someone will correct me

silas · « **Reply #2 on:** May 21, 2005, 07:43:41 PM »

pffft. (the sound of a can of worms opening) B)

this is just the tip of the iceberg.

kdf - 1938 to 1947
split window - 1948 to late 1952
zwitter (oval with split rear window) late 1952 to early 1953
oval window - mid 1953 to august 1957
little big window - august 1957 to 1964
big window - 1964 up
super beetle - started in 1971

6 volt system up to 1966
12 volt system in 1967 and after

engine size varies from 1100cc (early) to 1600cc (late). allthough you can build them as big as you need. alot of guys on this forum run anything from a 1835cc to a 2332cc.

bentley manuals are reprints of og vw service manuals. they are THE manuals to have.

john muirs \"idiot's guide to keeping your vw alive\" is a good, simple read.

hot vw's put out a special edition \"how to\" book not to long ago. i cant remember the exact name of it.

\"how to hot rod your vw engine\" by bill fisher is a good book.

\"california look vw\" by keith seume is the cal-look history \"bible\".

check out the forums and galleries at http://www.thesamba.com/vw/ and start reading and looking at pictures and take note of different year beetles.

http://www.cal-look.com/ is another good site.

ryanmacneil8448 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 21, 2005, 07:45:43 PM »

yeah what he said

thrasherbill · « **Reply #4 on:** May 21, 2005, 07:54:08 PM »

And don't miss VolksRods.com if you like the sound of a sawzall!

ThrasheR

Bug Maniac · « **Reply #5 on:** May 22, 2005, 01:03:32 PM »

Many thanks for all information and help, much appreciated

Chad M · « **Reply #6 on:** May 23, 2005, 02:10:12 PM »

Your location says UK. Just for the record, you should know that there are many differences between the list provided to you here and a UK/Euro spec beetle. You should track down one of the guys at the next meet and get the straight goods on a Euro spec bug. Good luck.

silas · « **Reply #7 on:** May 23, 2005, 10:46:54 PM »

Quote

Your location says UK. Just for the record, you should know that there are many differences between the list provided to you here and a UK/Euro spec beetle.

que?

the only difference between my list and a euro spec beetle is that the 6 volt system was still used on euro's in 67.

the other main differences that i can think of off hand are the use of semaphores on euros up to 1960, the lack of towel rails on the bumpers, the early headlight buckets on a euro 67, and the fact that in some cases the steering wheel, pedal cluster and glove box are on the wrong side. you're right tho, there are a few more differences.

if memory serves correct, bus maniac is thinking of moving to canada where euro spec beetles are harder to find.

Chad M · « **Reply #8 on:** May 24, 2005, 03:37:44 AM »

What about 1300cc superbeetles and the 1200cc engines that were around until the late 70's. I think these were dual port motors too. I looked at a standard '67 that had a dp 1200 (canadian version) right in Vancouver not too many years ago. I'd say there are too many variations, exceptions and rarities to ever have an exhaustive list.

silas · « **Reply #9 on:** May 24, 2005, 02:21:18 PM »

Quote

I'd say there are too many variations, exceptions and rarities to ever have an exhaustive list.

i completely agree.

hence...

Quote

pffft. (the sound of a can of worms opening)

if all of us here put our minds to the task, this thread would be hundreds of pages long and would probably never end.

i realize that the list i provided was extremely general, but it was just meant to be a basic outline for the changes that have taken place over the years.

B)

Bug Maniac · « **Reply #10 on:** May 24, 2005, 02:29:48 PM »

I am impressed you guys sure do know your stuff, thanks again