Crank handle starting question

Hi

I watched this today




can anyone tell me please when did Beetle's do away with the crank handle starting? Is it a split window Beetle thing?

thanks

The Beetle's starting handle hole was discontinued in 1949. Improved electrics (starter motors) made the crank handle obsolete.

Not something you need to worry about in Australia - we didn't get VWs here until late 1953 (Melbourne) and Easter 1954 (Sydney) - oval window Beetles. Split windows were never sold here, so any you see have been private imports.

Phil74Camper wrote:Not something you need to worry about in Australia - we didn't get VWs here until late 1953 (Melbourne) and Easter 1954 (Sydney) - oval window Beetles. Split windows were never sold here, so any you see have been private imports.

thanks Phil

Think I have only seen on split window Beetle here, that was a 1949 LHD car,

I assume in Australia they are very rare, especally in RHD?


Kind Regards
Des

That would have to be in Germany

I've seen lots of starter handle crankshaft bolts at VW swap meets....
I think they were also used on VW engined generators..

did country buggies have the hole for the starter handle??

LEE

Well they aren't quite like rocking horse poop, but pretty close to it. There are a few VW enthusiasts with split-window Beetles; Rod Farrell has a beautiful one, and so does Ray Black, and a few more serious Sydney VW guys would have one or more. We usually get one or two at the Nationals, and I would think there would be some in Melbourne too - were there any at the DOVW last year? But don't go looking for one in the classifieds!

yes and yes but also on Kombis

Phil74Camper wrote:But don't go looking for one in the classifieds!

Yes the split '48 I saw was for sale for $35k, that was about 12 months ago.

Country Buggys also came out with crank handles.They are great fun to try.🤪