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-   -   My 1967 1500cc VW Beetle - Restoration done (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/post-war/34027-my-1967-1500cc-vw-beetle-restoration-done-8.html)

Guys chill :)

Pavan, you have done a very few of us can even dream of doing in India. Period! originality etc its your babe, you decide how you wanna take it further.

Caution:
Not for persons with dissimilar opinions::D

I agree with the above two distinguished gentlemen who have since proved their ability to take a piece of disintegrating metal and turning it around into a beautiful artifact.
Although I do not agree to their interchanging of parts, sometimes, being inevitable, I do subscribe to the common opinion that cars are meant to be driven and not only parked, covered, dusted and sighed upon. In the past due to want of better knowledge, liberties certain were taken but at that time these cars were not collectibles. You would have seen many an Ambassador Mark-I s being renovated to their later marked avtars (Mark-II -III and even IV) Back then it was keeping with the times, doing that now, would be sacrilege.
I agree with 71's comments on the laudable task of regeneration of the German Marque by PavanKadam. The intentions are right and the fervid passion shows in PavanKadam's work.
Having said this, please do not take this in the wrong sense or as an offensive post PavanKadam, I will dare to continue;
Dear PavanKadam,
while your intentions and efforts are to be lauded, your hostility conflicts with your passion and desire, not helping anyone, least of all you. Please go through many a thread and see the fate of similar members who are left to dwell with their own breed, a very solitary abode, even amongst such a populated forum.
The common desire and hunger for restoration amongst all of us (wherein I am not even remotely claiming to be an expert or anything, lest someone misunderstands it as such) brings us closer just as members of an avian species of identical plumage tend to congregate.
My advice to you is to kindly treat the comments on the thread as constructive criticism and that only.
Please realize that almost everyone here has a job to do and is involved in something or the other, other than cars. They are reading your thread because you started it. You started a thread because you were proud of your achievement, (something we all are too, very very proud of a fellow and team-mate's accomplishment) and wanted to share it with your like. Presumably, also seeking information from those who are more endowed with what you are seeking( again I am not in this august group). I have eagerly kept a keen watch on this wonderful and informative thread with a host of serious information dripping from various sources. Sad and confusing that you seem to view it differently.
Excuse me for saying this but all of a sudden, dismissing suggestions and blatantly requesting members to refrain from commenting on certain issues, makes you look, IMHO, quite presumptuous.
Please do take time off from your unwarranted and semi-agitated state
to review and go through the posts once again. I am you will see things differently.
Meanwhile continue to do the wonderful and passionate job that you are doing. No offense meant:)

i will try to post the changes made to the VW Type1(beetle) over the years starting from 1940 to 1979.as many may know after 1979 Beetles were made only in Mexico & Brazil .first i will post the changes made from 1940 to 1950
1940 (1 Jan 40 to 31 Dec 40)Chassis: 1-00,001 - 1-01,000*
Engine: 1-00,001 - 1-01,000) -22bhp 5.8:1 compression 985cc
1941 (1 Jan 41 to 31 Dec 41)Chassis: 1-01,001 - 1-05,656*
Engine: 1-01,001 - 1-06,251)No changes noted.
*1942 (1 Jan 42 to 31 Dec 42)Chassis: 1-05,657 - 1-014,383* Engine: 1-06,252 - 1,017,113
No changes noted.
*1943 (1 Jan 43 to 31 Dec 43) Chassis: 1-014,1-0032,302*
Engine: 1-017,114 - 1-045,707) 25bhp 5.8:1 compression 1100cc
1944 (1 Jan 44 to 31 Dec 44)Chassis: 1-032,305 - 1-051,999* )Engine: 1-045,708 - 1-077,683)No changes noted.*
1945 (1 Jan 45 to 31 Dec 45) Chassis: 1-052,0001-053,814*)Engine: 1-077,683 - 1-079,093
No changes noted.

1946 (1 Jan 46 to 31 Dec 46)Chassis: 1-053,815 - 1-063,796*)Engine: 1-079,094 - 1-090,732
Changes:Pushrod tubes get compressible corrugated ends, replacing springs. Fuel tank raised. Grease nipple introduced on brake cables. Tyres increase from 4.5x16 to 5.0x16.*

1947 (1 Jan 47 - 31 Dec 47)Chassis: 1-063,797 - 1-072,743* Engine: 1-090,733 - 1-0100,788

Changes:Reinforced ball bearings on rear hubs. Spare wheel secured with bracket for chain and lock. Fan housing has manually adjusted flap which closes half of air-intake (summer/winter setting). Chassis number punched on tunnel between gear lever and handbrake lever.
1948 (1 Jan 48 to 31 Dec 48)Chassis: 072.744 - 091,921)*
Engine: 100,789 - 122,649)
Pope's nose' licence plate light. Steering column has longitudinal groove for steering lock. Modified brake drums.

1949 (1 Jan 49 to 31 Dec 48)
Chassis: 091,922 - 138,554*
Engine: 122,650 - 169,913
Solex carburettor standard. Domed top on air filter. Inlet manifold support. Front torsion bars transposed - 5 in lower tube, 4 in upper tube. Exhaust valves get case hardened stems. Elektron gearbox casing replaces magnesium alloy. Fuse box relocated to inner left hand front wing. Pressing for number plate on engine lid dropped. Fuel tank shape altered, no gauge strainer fitted. Filler cap gets VW emblem. Cylinders have higher phosphor content. Brown rubber mats in front foot wells, sitting on rubber floor pan covering. Brake cables get Mipolam sheeting. Larger roller for accelerator pedal. Two types of shock absorbers available Boge or Hemscheidt. Pull cable bonnet release.

First sale in the US. US Models: Crank starter hole dropped Grooved bumpers with flared guards introduced, Deluxe interior featured ivory dash panels an knobs, 8 day clock, two spoke steering wheel, rear bolster pillows.

rest in next post

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

changes in beetles from 1955 to 1960
1955 (1 Jan 55 to 31 Dec 55) Chassis: 781,885 - 1,060,929* Engine: 945,527 - 1,277,347
chnages:Flashing blinkers replace semaphores. Top window in tail light housing dropped. Gear lever moved forward. Dished steering wheel.*
1956 (1 Jan 56 to 31 Dec 57)
Chassis: 1,060,930 - 1,394,119*
Engine: 1,277,347 - 1,678,209
Optional sunroof changed from cloth to plastic (and is smaller). Tail light housing raised 2 inches, and has only one window. Gear shift handle is curved. Bumper overiders added. Export models get dual chrome exhaust pipes (black enamel on standard models). Front seats made wider, with 3 position adjustable backs. Steering wheel spoke moved off-centre. Heater knob moved forward. Larger fuel tank with more luggage space - flatter top, deeper bottom. Fuel filler neck reduced from 80 to 60mm. New jack able to lift whole side of car (two wheels). Ground clearance on export models reduced to 155mm. New vinyl/cloth door panels. Larger oil pump mounting shaft. Fuel filter tap removed. Copper plated fulcrum plates in universals. Increased starter motor horsepower. Tubeless tires. Late 56 front floor heater outlets moved rearward.*

1957 (1 Jan 57 to 31 Dec 57)
Chassis: 1,394,120 - 1,774,680*
Engine: 1,678,210 - 2,158,321

Optional sunroof gets smaller again. Oil galleries in engine get bigger. Ring and Pinion ration changed. Better sound deadening to engine compartment. Tubeless tires. Brake pedal redesigned for more leverage. Adjustable striker plates in door frames.*

1958 (1 Jan 58 - 31 Dec 58)
Chassis: 1,774,681 - 2,226,206*
Engine: 2,156,322 - 2,721,313

Larger windshield. Squarer rear window. Frame head reinforced. New instrument panel. Larger wiper blades sweep more windscreen. Front blinkers moved to top of mud guards . Engine lid redesigned. Flat accelerator pedal replaces roller type. Convertibles get horizontal air inlets. New dished steering wheel. Wider brake drums and shoes. New clutch, stronger springs. 3rd and 4th gear ratios changed. Oil bath air cleaner taller but smaller diameter.*

1959 (1 Jan 59 to 31 Dec 59)
Chassis: 2,226,207 - 2,801,613*
Engine: 2,721,314 - 3,424,453

Outer front suspension control arm bushings become needle rollers. Frame reinforced for more strength. Front anti sway bar added. Improved fan belt. Stronger clutch springs. Modified heater junction box. Exhaust system modified with conical asbestos seals between exhaust pipes and muffler. Hub cap removal tool included in tool kit.1

1960 (1 Jan 60 to 31 Dec 60) Chassis: 2,801,614 - 3,192,506* Engine: 3,424,454 - 3,912,903
Recessed steering wheel for safety, with semi circle horn ring. Steering damper. Steering box is worm-and-peg instead of worm and roller. Generator increased from 160 to 180 watts (26.5 to 30 amps). Crank/generator pulley ratio reduced from 1:2 to 1:1.75. Outside door handles now push button (was pull type). Padded sun visor. Seat back re-contoured. Wolfsburg crest on front hood has less colour. 28PCI carburettor has vacuum only advance for distributor. Anti roll bar to front suspension. Late 59 valve head strengthened where it welds to valve head.*

rest in the next post

1961 (1 Aug 60 to 31 July 62) .Modelling period changed to new style(August -July )*Note the change in the model year dates.

Chassis: 3,192,507 - 4,010,994
Engine: 3,912,904-3,924,022
*********** 5,000,001 - 5,958,947

1200cc engine, 40bhp (SAE), 34BHP(DIN), 7:1 compression. Fuel pump relocated to right of distributor. Generator stand now separate from block. Lifter and pushrods no longer one-piece units. Valves are angled in heads. 28 PICT carburettor with auto-choke. Front and rear shock absorbers are softer. Fully synchromesh transmission. Vacuum advance distributor. Positive crankcase ventilation (spiral grove in crankshaft behind crank pulley). Flatter fuel tank. 28 blade cooling fan. Tie rod ends permanently greased'. Sissy bar added. Non-repeat starter switch. Wider front shoes and linings. Transparent brake fluid reservoir. Pump type windshield washer. Push-on wiring connectors. Larger heater pipes. Sun visor and grab handle for passenger. Rubber covers on running boards colour matched for some body colours.
Non-repeat starter switch.

1962 (1 Aug 61 to 31 July 62)
Chassis: 4,010,995 - 4,846,835*
Engine: 3,924,023-3,924,914
*********** 5,958,948 - 6,935,203*

Fuel gauge replaces reserve tap. Tail light glass' now plastic. Spring balance to front hood. Sliding covers on heater outlets. Progressive valve springs. Anchor points for seat belts. Stronger clutch springs. Clutch operating lever gets circlip retainer instead of clamp screw. Adjustable tie rods on export model. Cooling thermostat temperature changed from 75-80c to 65-70c. Gear knob conical and smaller. Windshield washer uses spare tire for air pressure. Last YEAR of SEMAPHORES on NON-US models. Larger taillights. Breather pipe moved from air intake to air cleaner body. Standard model gets hydraulic brakes. Door hinges get three screws instead of four.

1963 (1 Aug 62 to 31 July 63)
Chassis: 4,846,836 - 5,677,118*
Engine: 3,942,915-3,959,303
*********** 6,935,204 - 7,893,118*
Fresh air heating replaces stale air heating. Engine gets redesigned fan housing, muffler and heat exchangers. Leatherette head lining replaces wool cloth. Folding handle for sunroof. Nylon window guides. Foam sandwich floor mats. Wolfsburg crest discontinued. Improved rubber bush to spring plate. Clutch cable shortened 10mm. 28PICT carburettor accelerator pump stroke increase from 1.1 to 1.4cc. Heat resistance clutch springs. Folding handle for sunroof. Nylon window guides. Hubcaps loose black highlighting.*
"VW" emblem on upper hood, centre near windshield

1964 (1 Aug 63 to 31 July 64)
Chassis: 5,677,119 - 6,502,399*
Engine: 3,959,304-3,972,440
*********** 7,893,119 - 8,796,622*

Metal sunroof, crank operated. Horn has two buttons instead of half ring. Vacuum pipe changed from loop to inverted V' bend. Larger front turn signals. Larger licence plate light. Aerated vinyl material for seats. 28PICT/1 carburettor in late 64. Rear Hoesch shock absorbers get PVC protective tubes. Oil bath air cleaner modified on bottom to accommodate enlarged auto choke.*

1965 (1 Aug 64 to 31 July 65)
Chassis: 115,000,001 - 115,999,200*
Engine: 3,972,441-4,050,000
*********** 8,796,623 - 9,800,000*
Note new type of chassis number.
Master and wheel cylinders redesigned. New cooling air control with flaps under fan (formerly annular ring inside fan). Improved heater. Lever type heater controls. Slightly curved flat' windscreen, all windows bigger. Slimmer door posts and windscreen posts. Window vent has lock moved to bottom. More powerful wiper motor, and longer blades with tension spring (previously compression spring). Thinner, more contoured front seats (increased rear leg room). Rear seat folds flat. Engine lid catch now pushbutton. Swivelling sun visors. Convertibles have dome light in rear view mirror assembly. Warm air hose from fan shroud increased from 55 to 60mm. Heat exchangers get ribbed exhaust pipes. Clutch plate hub modified with phosphate sliding splines. Steering worm has marking ring for adjustment. Standard model gets synchromesh on all four gears. Rocker arm outer oil drilling is welded shut. 1200 standard model gets breather between crankcase and air cleaner. Recommended spark plugs are Champion L86Y, Bosch or Beru .

rest to follow

Ajay99,

Dude you seem to have lot of learning material.

Thanks for the info you have given.

Having so much info, i feel its a must for your kind of person to own one Beetle.

Would be waiting for you to own one.

Best of Luck

cheers....

I assume this list of changes is for the American market. While the American cars gained "bullet" flashing indicators under the headlights, the euro models continued with semaphores upto 1960. My friends original single owner untouched 1960 model originally from Africa is proof of this. My 56 from Africa curiously has no semaphores or bullet indicators, but top mounted tear drop type, which only appeared in 58 elsewhere. I dont see any evidence of the semaphores being closed, so it is a curio.

Also, a 'dished' steering wheel was not offered till 1960. (By dished I assume he means depressed in the centre). Initially it debuted with a 3 spoke plain wheel very similar to what was offered on the Matador in India earlier, and shared with many german cars of the era. The standard version of the Beetle continued with this wheel well into the 60s (alongwith no fuel guage and a non synchro gearbox!) while the deluxe/export versions gained the "batwing" wheel, offered till 55, named as the spokes resembled a bats outstretched wings. In 56 came the off centre spokes, and in 60 came the recessed wheel with half horn ring.

Karl

What you are referring in the first pics came in early 1940's and continued till 1950.

Only later 1954's started with the bat webbing type steering and continued till 1960.

And only later to 1960's came the one with half horn ring. which continued till late 1970's.

The dash board designs are the one that is debatable, if you look at 1964 model onwards the company did all mix and match of parts for different countries.Nothing book specific,.

Nope, you are wrong here, and Im positive. The 3 spoke wheel was offered from day one right upto the mid sixties (Ill confirm the date later) in the "standard" version, which was offered only in Grey, had painted bumpers and wheel caps, and instead of chrome strips on the side it had a red coachline painted. It also had a non synchro gearbox and no fuel guage. The Batwing wheel was introduced on the deluxe around 49, and was replaced in early 56 by the off centre spoked design (like that in my car). In early 1960 the depressed spoke design was introduced, with the half horn ring. Later in the 60s the ring dissapeared, only to re appear for a short while.

Here is factory literature to back me up.

The scans (numbered 1-8) date to 1938, 1949, 1951, 1952, 1955, 1956, 1958, 1960 respectively.

To add to the previous post, this is a picture of a 1965 Standard model Beetle, still featuring the 3 spoke wheel, no fuel guage, and a non synchro gearbox. (A new post as I cant add pics to an edited post).

karl, i will check the points raised by you and reply later .
in the meantime
changes for the year 1966

1966 (1 Aug 65 to 31 July 66)
Chassis: 116,000,001 - 116,1021,300*
Engine: D 0,000,001 - D 0,095,049 1200 34bhp (DIN)
*********** E 0,000,001 - E 0,006,000 1300 37bhp (DIN)
*********** F 0,000,001 - F 0,940,716 1300 40bhp (DIN)*

Note the new type of engine numbers. The prefix denotes the engine type. 1300 engine introduced.
"1300" badge on engine lid. 30PICT/1 carburettor. Cam bearing shells added to engine. Emergency blinker switch. Ventilated wheel slots and flatter hub caps. Bigger rear view mirror. Headlight dimmer moved to turn signal lever. Centre dashboard defroster outlet. Horn ring - semi circle. Ball joint front suspension replaces king pins. Improved torsion bars 10 leaves in each tube, and distance between tubes increased from 120mm to 150mm. Tapered roller wheel bearings replace ball bearings. Anti-burst door locks. Safety lock for front seat backrests. 1300 with 30PICT/1 carburettor has longer accelerator pump connecting rod.*

changes for years 1967 to 1970 already posted earlier in this thread.will continue in next post

years 1971-1972
1971 (1 Aug 70 to 31 July 71)
Chassis: 111,2000,001 - 111,3200,000*
Engine: D 0,675,000 - D 0,835,006*
*********** AC 0,000,001 - AC 0,003,239 40bhp(DIN)1300*
*********** AB 0,000,001 - AB 0,141,591 44bhp(DIN)1300*
AF 0,000,001 - AF 0,000,444 46bhp(DIN)1600*
AD 0,000,001 - AD 0,360,022 50bhpDIN (65bhpSAE 1600)*
AE 0,000,001 - AE 0,558,000 47bhpDIN 60bhpSAE 1600(USA)

Dual port 1600 engine. Three part induction manifold. Better quality alloy used in crankcase. Solex 34PICT/3 carburettor. Combination vacuum/centrifugal distributor (double vacuum and retarded ignition on US models AE engines). Activated charcoal filter to catch fuel fumes. New larger oil cooler mounted doghouse' style venting to atmosphere gives better cooling to No 3 cylinder. Bigger capacity cooling fan. New clutch throw-out assembly and ball release bearing. Headlights go off when ignition off. Crescent vents behind rear window for improved cabin ventilation. Bigger front brakes- 248mm dia x 45mm (drum brake models). Towing eye added to front torsion bars on 1200 and 1300 models from Nov 70.

First year for Super Beetle: Re-designed front end with McPherson strut suspension, louvered front apron (Standard beetle still in production too).*
Crescent vents behind rear quarter windows in US
All models get "3 point" front seat mounts.

1972 (1 Aug 71 to 31 July 72)
Chassis: 112,2000,001- 112,3200,000 (or might be 112,2961,362)
Engine: D 0,835,007 - D 1,000,000*
*********** AC 0,003,240 - AC 0,006,700*
*********** AB 0,350,001 - AB 0,699,001*
*********** AF 0,000,445 - AF 0,000,801*
*********** AE 0,558,001 - AE 0,917,263*
AH 0,000,001 - AH 0,005,900 47 bhp(DIN)1600(USA)*
AD 0,360,023 - AD 0,598,001*

Engine lid gets 4 sets of air slots. Smog control models get extra plumbing (both studs and supers). Windscreen wiper switch mounted on steering column stalk. New steering column. New distributor with vacuum retard (5 degrees ATDC) at idle. EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) added for California cars. New muffler. Modified 3rd and 4th synchro rings to reduce noise. "Baja bug" introduced. Karman Ghia gets disc front brakes in US (already from 67 in other countries). Wheels change from 5.6x15 to 6.0x15 in late 72. Larger rear window. Collapsible hub steering wheel. Hinged parcel shelf over rear luggage area. Restyled speedo. Clutch operating arm lengthened in Sept 71.

to be continued in next post

year 1973
1973 (1 Aug 72 to 31 July 73)
Chassis: 113,200,001 - 113,3200,000
*** VW1303 133,300,001- 133,3200,000*
Engine: D 1,000,001 - D 1,115,873*
*********** AC 0,006,701 - AC 0,008,195*
*********** AB 0,699,002 - AB 0,990,000*
*********** AF 0,000,802 - AF 0,036,768*
*********** AE 0,917,264 - AE 1,000,000 (to 1 Oct 72)*
*********** AK 0,000,001 - AK 0,239,364 (from 1 Oct 72)*
*********** AH 0,005,901 - AH 0,114,418*
*********** AD 0,598,002 - AD 0,990,000*

Reduced horsepower in US models (60 to 58 SAE). 600 watt (50 amp) alternator replaces generator in mid year. Improved intake pre-heating for faster cold weather warm-up. Engine case near No3/flywheel are reinforced to prevent cracking. Softer transmission mounting. Softer clutch. Porsche style pressure plate. Oil drain plug removed from oil strainer cover plate. New fuel pump (with cut-off valve) to clear alternator. Paper air filter. New lifetime lubricated' front and rear wheel bearings. Redesigned fresh air system. New interior light assembly. Stronger bumpers. Large round tail lights added.. Sports Bug' option. New front seats with multiple adjustment.

Supers get: Larger curved windscreen and smaller front lid to luggage compartment. New dash. Front turn signals larger.

1974 (1 Aug 73 to 31 July 74)
Chassis: 114,200,001 - 114,2999,000*
*** VW1303 134,200,001 - 134,2999,000*
Engine: D 1,115,874 - D 1,284,228*
*********** AR 000,001 - AR 121,271 44bhp(DIN)1300*
*********** AS 000,001 - AS 171,566 50bhp(DIN)1600*

Self restoring energy absorbing bumpers. Quieter muffler. New cylinder head alloy for better heat dissipation. "Softer" steering wheel to improve safety. Smaller front headrests give better rear vision. Computer sensor pressed into top of block to give TDC. Computer sensor for ignition voltage. Seat belt ignition interlock. Seat belt and brake warning light combined. Super beetle and convertible have slight negative king pin offset. Super beetle has square glove box knob. Warning light for hand brake. Ghia has thicker front disc pads. Last year of Ghia in the US. Internal regulator to alternator in late 74, distributor gets vacuum and centrifugal advance.* Wider track for front (new strut arrangement) and rear wheels, steering wheel collapses even more than in previous models

A lot of the VW info on the web tends to be US centric and does not contain all the model variations. For instance,
* VW build both standard and Deluxe (I think that was the name) models elsewhere, but not in US. The std models had no chrome, no fuel gauge, no glove box door etc.

* Model names on the decklid were different between US and non-US for several models

* US features were not often the same (eg. no disc brakes)

Some good sources of info (I'm sure there are others -- pls add to list):

TheSamba.com :: Volkswagen Classifieds, photos, shows, forums, and information (check out the forums and the tech and archives sections)

vwhelp.com (parts manual with exploded diagrams avail here -- on other sites as well. I also have a factory parts manual if some pics are not clear)

The Old Volks Home - Index and Links

vwtyp1.com

Rob and Dave's Aircooled Volkswagen Pages

AllAirCooled | Connecting the Air-cooled Community!

Ajay99,
Since you are copy-posting from another source, please reference the source (url or auther name or...) as well so that it does not appear as you are posting your own work.

Moderators,
Perhaps we should carve out some of these posts into a separate thread -- "Beetle Restoration Resources & Info" since we are hijacking Pavan's original post

Ajay99, I am really amazed at the amount of information you have on these vehicles.

I agree: with 71Convertible. Maybe discussions and debate need to be moved away from this thread. That would help someone who would like to really refer later.

This thread should be dedicated to Pavan's restoration job and updates alone.