contd from previous post
changes in beetle models from 1950 to 1955
1950 (1 Jan 50 to 31 Dec 50)
Chassis: 138,655 - 220,133*
Engine: 169,913 - 265,999
Small emblem hubcap replaced big emblem. 5 torsion leaves in each tube. Gaskets between cylinders and heads. Bosch headlights replace VW item on saloon and cabriolet. Tailpipe increased from 31 to 32mm. Inlet manifold now made of light alloy. Small cut-outs in tops of door windows. Hydraulic brakes on export saloons and cabriolets. Automatic engine cooling control by bellows. Brake master cylinder reduced from 22.2mm to 19.5mm. Rear brake cylinders reduced from 19.05mm to 15.9mm. carburettor fitted without hinged float from chassis 213301 to 213455. Optional cloth sunroof. Hole for external crank handle discontinued on Cabriolet in late 50. Heat riser added to intake manifold. Offset wrist pin to reduce piston slap. Stronger alloys for exhaust valves and inserts.
US Models: Ashtray introduced on dash board and right rear interior panel. Noise mufflers added to heating ducts. T style heater knob with 90 degree rotation to lock in place.
1951 (1 Jan 51 to 31 Dec 51)
Chassis: 220,134 - 313,829 Engine: 265,000 - 379,470)
Changes:Chrome moulding to windshield. Wolfsburg crest on front hood. Vent flaps to front quarter panels on export models. Double acting shockers replace rear lever shockers. Glove box door added to convertibles. Single valve springs replace double springs.*
1952 (1 Jan 52 to 31 Dec 52)
Chassis: 318,830 - 428,156*
Engine: 379,472 - 519,258
Crankshaft end play adjusted by 3 shims. Tyre size changes from 5.00x16 to 5.6x15. Six leaved torsion bars increase suspension travel. New instrument panel from October. 26PCI(or 28PCI?) carburettor in late 52. Transmission has 3 synchro gears (2nd, 3rd, 4th) replacing old crash box. Window crank range reduced from 10.5 to 3.5 turns. Vent windows. Vent flaps in quarter panels discontinued. Rotary heater knob introduced. T type engine lid handle introduced. Two brake/taillights replace single unit. Interior light moved to left side door pillar. Bigger, stronger bumpers. Self parking wipers. Crank starter hole discontinued on all models. Widened body side trim Oval horn grill to front. Redesigned "Pope's nose" number plate light.
Glove box gets door.Turn signal control moved to steering wheel from dashboard.
1953 (1 Jan 53 to 31 Dec 53)Chassis: 428,157 - 575,414*
Engine: 519,259 - 695,281
changes noted:
After 10 thMarch1953, split rear window became one-piece oval, and fuel filler neck increased from 40 to 80mm. Lock button added to vent windows. Chrome plated ash tray handle. Adjustable door striker plates. Altered 3rd and 4th gear ratios. Valve clearance changed to .004" Late in 53 carburettor with both vacuum and mechanical advance. Generator increased to 160 watts. 8 leaves in each torsion bar tube. Brake fluid reservoir under spare tire.
1954 (1 Jan 54 to 31 Dec 54)
Chassis: 575,415 - 781,884Engine: 695,283 - 945,525
1192(1200)cc engine, 36hp, 6.1:1 compression. Larger intake valves. Altered cylinder heads better cooling. 28PCI carburettor. Starter switch moved to ignition switch. Three way interior light. 6.6:1 compression introduced late 54. Oil bath air cleaner. Better fabric for seats. Rear seat gets rubber strap so it does not flip forward whilst braking. additional Contributions:
Lens in top of taillight housing ("heart" taillights for US models.
rest in the next post |