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The VW Beetle - Changes Through the Years

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cemspec Casual Dubber

42 posts · joined Aug 2013 ·

#968765
I am new to VW beetles and am currently in the process of purchasing my 1st superbug.

I have been trying to do my research to learn what I can about these awesome little cars and came across a great website that helped me understand VIN and Engine no.s by year and a good description of each model. Thought I would share it with you guys!

Someone might find it helpful and interesting like i did! 1940 - 1985 scroll through the pages!

http://www.vw-resource.com/years.html#1971-1980

cemspec Casual Dubber

42 posts · joined Aug 2013 ·

#968768
Ok, it was correct for my engine no. in the year model of my superbug and the VIN no. was also correct!

A aussie guy did it I thought!

68AutoBug Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138\% - YIKES --

11,654 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#968801
cemspec wrote:I am new to VW beetles and am currently in the process of purchasing my 1st superbug.

I have been trying to do my research to learn what I can about these awesome little cars and came across a great website that helped me understand VIN and Engine no.s by year and a good description of each model. Thought I would share it with you guys!

Someone might find it helpful and interesting like i did! 1940 - 1985 scroll through the pages!

http://www.vw-resource.com/years.html#1971-1980
Hi
Yes Rob & Dave;s website was done by Rob from Adelaide and Dave from the USA , so some info would be accurate and some not. Its IS a very good website though.. I have a read now & then and have printed some pages out.
Why especially do you want a Superbug?

Lee
- Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY---

cemspec Casual Dubber

42 posts · joined Aug 2013 ·

#968805
Hi Lee

I actually just bought a beetle 74 model sight unseen and it is currently being shipped to me. I went on 'New Members Forum' to introduce myself and put a picture of the bug I was buying and thats where I was told that I had bought a Superbug, I didnt realise, at least I know for sure now! 🙂

barls Administrator Causer of Chaos and Mayhem

9,473 posts · joined Jun 2004 ·

#968815
68AutoBug wrote:Why especially do you want a Superbug?

Lee
why wouldnt you?
modern suspension and other features.
im sorry but beams belong on tractors and early vw, that the reason just about every modern car has strut suspension.
each to their own, i say but never belittle someone elses choice because it doesnt follow your opinion
“We all pay for life with death, so everything in between should be free.” Bill Hicks
the chaos project - click me

1303Steve Scirocco Rare

8,650 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#968817
Hi

Welcome along cemspec, there are a few Luddites on here

Some of the facts in that VW resource website are wrong for Australian bugs.

Like "Wheels change from 5.6x15 to 6.0x15 in late 72.", I think he means tyres changed

"New double vacuum distributor with vacuum retard (5 degrees ATDC) at idle.
EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) added. New muffler. " & "Activated charcoal filter to catch fuel fumes." all these were US market things

As far as VW was concerned, there were 1200 & 1300 Beetles, these could have anything from a 1200 - 1600 motor and 1302 & 1303 Beetles, 1302 is a flat screen Volkswagen S in Australia and 1303 is a curved screen Volkswagen L in Australia.

So Lee you have a 1300 Beetle, the model before the 1302

Forum member Joel did a great write up various models but I cant find his post at the moment

Steve

cemspec Casual Dubber

42 posts · joined Aug 2013 ·

#968822
Thanks Steve for the info i have actually read Joels write up it was very good!

Everyone is very passionate about their cars and that they have the best model around! Each to their own, if we didnt have different tastes we would all have the same car!

My main reason for wanting a 73 or later model was I have kids and felt uncomfortable sitting that close to the flat windscreen and wanted abit of a gap not because its better! That is it! not for a superbug etc that seems to be a bonus now with more modcons but for mothers logic thinking, very different to most of the boys out there!!

Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang

9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 ·

#968823
barls wrote:
68AutoBug wrote:Why especially do you want a Superbug?

Lee
why wouldnt you?
modern suspension and other features.
im sorry but beams belong on tractors and early vw, that the reason just about every modern car has strut suspension.
each to their own, i say but never belittle someone elses choice because it doesnt follow your opinion
Bugger the better suspension, brakes, aeroynamics and bigger engine, I'm just happy to have a boot space that is big enough it can hold more than just an empty chip packet 😉

AA003 Custom Title Time!

1,189 posts · joined Oct 2011 ·

#968824
1303Steve wrote:Some of the facts in that VW resource website are wrong for Australian bugs.

"New double vacuum distributor with vacuum retard (5 degrees ATDC) at idle. & "Activated charcoal filter to catch fuel fumes." all these were US market things
Steve
Australian Beetles had that.
I read it on samba, so it must be correct.

Sometimes Volkswagen dealers sell spare parts. Amazing isn't it!😂

Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang

9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 ·

#968827
THey had DVDA dizzys for all of 5 mins in 71 till VW recalled them and fitted single vacuum.

You will find charcoal canisters but only on the last 75 and 76 Beetles

cemspec Casual Dubber

42 posts · joined Aug 2013 ·

#968829
Yes Joel a girl has to put the shopping somewhere!!

Cant wait to see my orange bug now learnt so much more about it thanks guys!

I would love to put a sunroof and carrera whale tail on it (if I could find one) but I am sure that is a whole new topic the pros and cons of them!!

helbus Administrator Mad fabricator, paint and body

7,386 posts · joined Sep 2002 ·

#968846
After owning a 1970 1300 standard and now a 1971 1302 S, I must say that the drivetrain is great as a daily driver in the 1302 S.

The 1300 Standard was much more work to maintain and more work to drive in stop start traffic, having only drum brakes and a 1300 engine.

The 1302 S with the changes in suspension, the disc brakes and the 1600 engine was so different, and yes the shopping did now fit in the luggage compartment.

Personally I like the 1302 S, as I still am able to feel the steel dash/ flat screen love of an older design inspired body, but have a more modern drivetrain (for a Beetle in the early 70's)
EJ22 into Bay Microbus - Finished project build thread- click on this spot here for info

Phil74Camper Head in the Clouds

2,703 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#969292
If you want a fairly comprehensive article on the annual changes to Australian Beetles, and what Euro changes were NOT included, we have documented them here:

http://www.clubvw.org.au/austvw001

68AutoBug Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138\% - YIKES --

11,654 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#969308
Joel wrote:
barls wrote:
68AutoBug wrote:Why especially do you want a Superbug?

Lee
why wouldnt you?
modern suspension and other features.
im sorry but beams belong on tractors and early vw, that the reason just about every modern car has strut suspension.
each to their own, i say but never belittle someone elses choice because it doesnt follow your opinion
Bugger the better suspension, brakes, aeroynamics and bigger engine, I'm just happy to have a boot space that is big enough it can hold more than just an empty chip packet 😉
Hi Joel
I just asked why He wanted a Superbug??

I Never mentioned any of What You are saying... or belittled some ones choice of Beetle... I did own a SUPERBUG back in the 70s..
and I do remember the large front boot..

There are VW owners who like Supers and VW owners who like NON Supers... Some like beetles with king pins .. Some like beetles with narrowed front ends, and some who don't like VW engines...

 LEE
- Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY---

68AutoBug Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138\% - YIKES --

11,654 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#969311
Phil74Camper wrote:If you want a fairly comprehensive article on the annual changes to Australian Beetles, and what Euro changes were NOT included, we have documented them here:

http://www.clubvw.org.au/austvw001 [/quote

Thanks for that Info Phil..

LEE

All the later VW Books written by UK or USA Authors are now making the VW year with German made cars as from Jan to Dec making it difficult for new comers to the VW ownership
"HOBBY" confusing to say the least.. lol

LEE
- Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY---

68AutoBug Beetle Restorer - Experience over 138\% - YIKES --

11,654 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#969313
cemspec wrote:Yes Joel a girl has to put the shopping somewhere!!

Cant wait to see my orange bug now learnt so much more about it thanks guys!

I would love to put a sunroof and carrera whale tail on it (if I could find one) but I am sure that is a whole new topic the pros and cons of them!!
Keep looking about, as Carrera whale tales are about..
I saw one last year locally, but it was sold along with the car...
They were popular in the 70s..
Sun roof - smaller non genuine VW ones are available new...
which were also popular in the 70s in lots of cars..

The genuine VW type which You can put Your whole body thru =
I did hear of someone finding a complete new kit a few years ago... and I did see recently where a similar sun roof is being made in Brasil ,, I think I saw that on Here... along with prices and freight

You can also get pop out side windows... new & used...

cheers

LEE
- Helping keep Air Cooled VWs on the road - location: SCONE in the Upper Hunter Valley - Northern NSW 320 kms NNW of SYDNEY---

Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang

9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 ·

#969317
68AutoBug wrote: Hi Joel
I just asked why He wanted a Superbug??

I Never mentioned any of What You are saying... or belittled some ones choice of Beetle... I did own a SUPERBUG back in the 70s..
and I do remember the large front boot..

There are VW owners who like Supers and VW owners who like NON Supers... Some like beetles with king pins .. Some like beetles with narrowed front ends, and some who don't like VW engines...

 LEE
Don't fret Lee, it was all said tongue in cheek.

A bug is a bug regardless of how big the tail lights or windscreen are and what running gear is underneath.
I'll take a Bug from any era, I just like the late Supers because the suspension is a lot more modern and refined and can be upgraded more than the original 1930s torsion bar/swing axle configuration.