VUU74L ·
I'm new to the beetle world. Can anyone tell me what the difference is between a superbug and Lbug?
Aussieveedubbers · General Chit Chat
Superbug or L bug? Whats the difference?
https://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/threads/87044/superbug-or-l-bug-whats-the-difference
annosL ·
Probably the most obvious difference is the windscreen, super has the flattish screen and longer bonnet, L bug has a curved screen and shorter pregnant looking bonnet and also a plastic dash with a binnacle style speedo housing. Super has the more traditional dash spruced up a bit but there are more differences.
68AutoBug ·
VUU74L wrote:I'm new to the beetle world. Can anyone tell me what the difference is between a superbug and Lbug?
HI
THE 1302S THE SUPERBUG HAS A FLAT LOOKING WINDSCREEN.
and a flat metal dash like a normal beetle..
LOOKS FLAT.. and the 1303s [L BUG] has the large curved windscreen and the dash isn't flat..
vents in front of windscreen are in the bonnet on a 1302s superbug
they are in the body in the 1303s [L BEETLE]
LEE
waveman1500 ·
Yes, all of the things mentioned above are correct, plus there are many more differences. The L-bug's fenders are a different shape (more sharply peaked) and they have the huge ugly 'elephant's foot' tail lights at the rear. They also have the larger triangular bumper-mounting holes in the front fenders.
The S-bug is also called the 1302 (or 1302 S for the 1600cc, which is approximately similar to the version we got in Australia). These had the same rear fenders as the 1500 Beetle, but with reversing lights added to the tail-light lenses via a clear section at the bottom.
The L-Bug is also called the 1303. Note the large tail-lights, the curved front windscreen and the shorter bonnet.
The additional interior space provided by pushing the windscreen forwards in a curve is used to accommodate a padded rubber/vinyl style dashboard like a more modern car.
As opposed to the S-bug's more traditional vertical steel dash.
I believe that later versions had an in-between approach using a padded rubber cushion around the edge of the old-style metal dash, just before the L-bug came in. Was this dash used in Super-beetles or only in the late beam-axle cars? Can anyone correct me on this?
The S-bug is also called the 1302 (or 1302 S for the 1600cc, which is approximately similar to the version we got in Australia). These had the same rear fenders as the 1500 Beetle, but with reversing lights added to the tail-light lenses via a clear section at the bottom.
The L-Bug is also called the 1303. Note the large tail-lights, the curved front windscreen and the shorter bonnet.
The additional interior space provided by pushing the windscreen forwards in a curve is used to accommodate a padded rubber/vinyl style dashboard like a more modern car.
As opposed to the S-bug's more traditional vertical steel dash.
I believe that later versions had an in-between approach using a padded rubber cushion around the edge of the old-style metal dash, just before the L-bug came in. Was this dash used in Super-beetles or only in the late beam-axle cars? Can anyone correct me on this?
68AutoBug ·
Hi
i BELIEVE THE PADDED FLAT DASH WAS ONLY ON THE 1976 non SUPER BEETLE..... IN AUSTRALIA...
IT COULD HAVE BEEN ON 1302s SUPERS IN OTHER COUNTRIES
A LOT OF BEETLES HAD THEM IN THE USA...
THE REAR WINDOW WAS LARGER IN THE 1302S & 1303S..
AND THE 1976 NON SUPER... last beetle sold in Australia..
After a while You will be able to tell the difference between the 1302S SUPERBUG with the bulging bonnet and normal NON super beetles..
ALL Supers had the IRS CV JOINT rear suspension [plus the 1976 non super and all semi automatics 1968-74]
cheers
LEE
My Beetle has the 1302s tail lamps with reversing lamps
and a 1976 engine lid.. [same as 1303S engine lid]
Paulc1964au ·
ok so what is mine i always get confused or is mine just a 69 1500 now fitted with a 1600 twin port
waveman1500 ·
Paul, your Rosie is a 1500, not a Superbug of any kind. The Superbugs have Macpherson strut suspension at the front, whereas yours has the torsion bar beam axle. I love 1500s, I think they're possibly the best Beetle ever made, although I'm beginning to warm up to Supers now that I have one.
Paulc1964au ·
Thanks Waveman your not the first to suggest the 1500 is one of the best models ever made and I'm sure that up for discussion
Joel ·
Umm you're all missing the point, its a superbug regardless of the windscreen being flat or curved.
If its got struts its a superbug Period.
If its a 71-72 with the flat screen its a superbug S and if its the curved windscreen after 73 it's a Superbug L.
Its just the people who call superbug S "superbug" and Superbug L "Lbugs" or 1303 that cause the confusion, they were never called 1303 or 1302 in australia.
Lee, the padded dash was on all flat screen beetles after december 72 as it was a saftey requirement, my mustard 12/72 super had a factory padded dash as did both my 74 1300 bugs
If its got struts its a superbug Period.
If its a 71-72 with the flat screen its a superbug S and if its the curved windscreen after 73 it's a Superbug L.
Its just the people who call superbug S "superbug" and Superbug L "Lbugs" or 1303 that cause the confusion, they were never called 1303 or 1302 in australia.
Lee, the padded dash was on all flat screen beetles after december 72 as it was a saftey requirement, my mustard 12/72 super had a factory padded dash as did both my 74 1300 bugs
1303Steve ·
Hi
A few errors here. The 71 super bug had the smaller rear window like 1500 bugs and they didn't have reverse lights, they started in 1972.
Only the 74 & 75 models had the triangle front bumper holes. The 74 had blinkers on the top of the mudguard, the 75 had them in the bumper like 76 bugs, the 75 used the 2 bolt bumper brackets like the 76 model.
The front suspension also varied, the 71-73 bugs had 3 bolt front struts, the 74 & 75 bugs had 2 bolt front struts, there is some crossover models that had bits from earlier or later cars. later 74 & 75 bugs had the 3 point front seats.
Once I didn't like the elephants feet tail lights, they grew on me, they were also a safety feature.
The 1302 & 1303 model designation was used by VW, parts interpretors used a microfiche with the model designation 1302 & 1303, all other Beetles used the model designation 1200 & 1300, so Lee you have 1300 Beetle (with M options) as far as parts go.
Steve
A few errors here. The 71 super bug had the smaller rear window like 1500 bugs and they didn't have reverse lights, they started in 1972.
Only the 74 & 75 models had the triangle front bumper holes. The 74 had blinkers on the top of the mudguard, the 75 had them in the bumper like 76 bugs, the 75 used the 2 bolt bumper brackets like the 76 model.
The front suspension also varied, the 71-73 bugs had 3 bolt front struts, the 74 & 75 bugs had 2 bolt front struts, there is some crossover models that had bits from earlier or later cars. later 74 & 75 bugs had the 3 point front seats.
Once I didn't like the elephants feet tail lights, they grew on me, they were also a safety feature.
The 1302 & 1303 model designation was used by VW, parts interpretors used a microfiche with the model designation 1302 & 1303, all other Beetles used the model designation 1200 & 1300, so Lee you have 1300 Beetle (with M options) as far as parts go.
Steve
waveman1500 ·
1303steve, I can certainly understand how you can learn to love the elephant's foot lights. When I first bought my S-bug I was a bit of a torsion-bar purist and was really wishing that I had a front beam instead, but it's growing on me. The handling is good but the design is a bit fragile for my liking and the way that the swaybar is used to locate the bottom of the strut is very silly. Some new bushes cured my superbug shimmy for a short while and then it came back, but that is another story for another thread.
In terms of the elephant's foot lights, I actually quite like them on a German-look type car with these lenses:
In terms of the elephant's foot lights, I actually quite like them on a German-look type car with these lenses:
VUU74L ·
Now I'm really confused. You all know so much about the different models. i will post some pictures when i get a chance. My bug has the L on the back. It also has the padded dash, strut front and elephant foot lights (that I like). Does that make it a Super L? i spoke to someone today who said super beetles only went up to 73?
Craig S ·
Then the person you were speaking to does not know what they speak of!!!!
The confusion is all around what they're called.
As noted above, the first and most obvious difference is the fact that they have strut front suspensions. All the other detail is comparatively incidental. In some ways it would be easier if we just called them strut bugs.
In Europe they were called the 1302 (Strut bug with flat windscreen) and then the 1303 (strut bug with curved windscreen).
In Australia they were called the S bug (Strut bug with flat windscreen) and then the L Bug (strut bug with curved windscreen)
In the USA they were called SuperBeetles, although I don't know if there were name changes between the different models.
In Australia the S bug was sold from 71-72 as Joel said, and then they went to L Bug, until they stopped selling them in 1975(??). Cabriolet versions continued to be sold in some countries until 1979(again my date my be wrong).
There are some good books around that can help with the detail (bearing in mind that they are probably a book from OS and the dates and names will vary), and you can always visit:
http://www.superbeetlesonly.com/forum/index.php?act=home
Craig
The confusion is all around what they're called.
As noted above, the first and most obvious difference is the fact that they have strut front suspensions. All the other detail is comparatively incidental. In some ways it would be easier if we just called them strut bugs.
In Europe they were called the 1302 (Strut bug with flat windscreen) and then the 1303 (strut bug with curved windscreen).
In Australia they were called the S bug (Strut bug with flat windscreen) and then the L Bug (strut bug with curved windscreen)
In the USA they were called SuperBeetles, although I don't know if there were name changes between the different models.
In Australia the S bug was sold from 71-72 as Joel said, and then they went to L Bug, until they stopped selling them in 1975(??). Cabriolet versions continued to be sold in some countries until 1979(again my date my be wrong).
There are some good books around that can help with the detail (bearing in mind that they are probably a book from OS and the dates and names will vary), and you can always visit:
http://www.superbeetlesonly.com/forum/index.php?act=home
Craig
VUU74L ·
Not that it matters but is there any super beetle, or beetle for that matter, that is more sort after than others?
Joel ·
75Lbug with rack and pinion steering and the indicators inthe bumper is the most sort after when it comes to supers, standard bugs the 76 was the only one that came with IRS and disc brake front with a manual gearbox
All other standards had the swingaxle rear except the semiauto 1500s
All other standards had the swingaxle rear except the semiauto 1500s
waveman1500 ·
It depends what you're after. I believe that the 1975 L-bug had rack and pinion steering, so they are supposedly the best handling. Most people consider Beetles to be better looking or more classic/collectable/desirable the older they are, particularly oval windows and earlier. 1967 is kind of a changeover year for how many people think of Beetles, anything 1968-onwards has the vertical headlights and more modern features, so they're better everyday cars in stock form but usually not considered real 'classics'. At the end of the day only the early stuff, pre-1958 really commands good money in restored condition, so I suppose that you would call those the more 'desirable' cars.
Phil74Camper ·
It looks like Joel, Craig and Steve have just about covered it. To summarise, this is what was sold in Australia:
1968 - VW 1500 (torsion bar, discs)
1969 - VW 1500 (torsion bar, discs)
1970 - VW 1500 (torsion bar, discs)
1971 - VW 1300 (torsion bar, drums) AND VW 1600 Superbug S (strut, discs, flat screen)
1972 - VW 1300 (torsion bar, drums) AND VW 1600 Superbug S (strut, discs, flat screen)
1973 - VW 1300 (torsion bar, drums) AND VW 1600 Superbug L (strut, discs, curvy screen)
1974 - VW 1300 (torsion bar, drums) AND VW 1600 Superbug L (strut, discs, curvy screen)
1975 - VW 1300 (torsion bar, drums) AND VW 1600 Superbug L (strut, discs, curvy screen)
1976 - VW 1600 (torsion bar, discs)
It's become fashionable nowadays to use the European '1302' name for the Superbug S, and '1303' for the Superbug L, but those names weren't used here, and bringing them up now is causing obvious confusion for new VW people. In Europe, the 1302 and 1303 came with a choice of 1300 or 1600cc engines; the 1600 versions were the 1302S and 1303S, which are equivalent to what we got - we only got 1600cc engine in strut cars. 'L Bug' is just a colloqual shortcut for 'Superbug L'. No one seems to say 'S-Bug' but it's just as valid by that logic. Yes in the USA they were both just called the 'Super Beetle.'
VW Germany originally wanted to call the Superbug the '1301' but Peugeot had trademarked model numbers ending in '01'. So VW just used the next number - 1302. Sensibly, VW Australia used the 'Superbug' name instead - it's far more logical.
BTW the Aussie '67 was not a 'changeover' model - you're thinking of the Euro/US '67. Aussie ones were the same as '62-'66 except for detail changes.
1968 - VW 1500 (torsion bar, discs)
1969 - VW 1500 (torsion bar, discs)
1970 - VW 1500 (torsion bar, discs)
1971 - VW 1300 (torsion bar, drums) AND VW 1600 Superbug S (strut, discs, flat screen)
1972 - VW 1300 (torsion bar, drums) AND VW 1600 Superbug S (strut, discs, flat screen)
1973 - VW 1300 (torsion bar, drums) AND VW 1600 Superbug L (strut, discs, curvy screen)
1974 - VW 1300 (torsion bar, drums) AND VW 1600 Superbug L (strut, discs, curvy screen)
1975 - VW 1300 (torsion bar, drums) AND VW 1600 Superbug L (strut, discs, curvy screen)
1976 - VW 1600 (torsion bar, discs)
It's become fashionable nowadays to use the European '1302' name for the Superbug S, and '1303' for the Superbug L, but those names weren't used here, and bringing them up now is causing obvious confusion for new VW people. In Europe, the 1302 and 1303 came with a choice of 1300 or 1600cc engines; the 1600 versions were the 1302S and 1303S, which are equivalent to what we got - we only got 1600cc engine in strut cars. 'L Bug' is just a colloqual shortcut for 'Superbug L'. No one seems to say 'S-Bug' but it's just as valid by that logic. Yes in the USA they were both just called the 'Super Beetle.'
VW Germany originally wanted to call the Superbug the '1301' but Peugeot had trademarked model numbers ending in '01'. So VW just used the next number - 1302. Sensibly, VW Australia used the 'Superbug' name instead - it's far more logical.
BTW the Aussie '67 was not a 'changeover' model - you're thinking of the Euro/US '67. Aussie ones were the same as '62-'66 except for detail changes.
Joel ·
Interestingly you could get a 1303/Lbug in europe with a 1200 40hp engine, known as a 1303A, what a slug
Ive seen one on thesamba from Italy, has no window trim, no vent decklid, elephants feet with no reverse lights and low back seats
Ive seen one on thesamba from Italy, has no window trim, no vent decklid, elephants feet with no reverse lights and low back seats
waveman1500 ·
Sorry Phil, all I meant was that 1967 is the last of the early cars, with 6 volt electrics and so forth, hence the last of the 'classic'-type Beetles. I suppose I should have said 1968, being that '68 was the model year for new stuff, but I was thinking in terms of counting backwards from the 'modern' beetles back to the more collectable ones. Yes, my mind works in strange ways! :PPhil74Camper wrote:BTW the Aussie '67 was not a 'changeover' model - you're thinking of the Euro/US '67. Aussie ones were the same as '62-'66 except for detail changes.
68AutoBug ·
1303Steve wrote:Hi
A few errors here. The 71 super bug had the smaller rear window like 1500 bugs and they didn't have reverse lights, they started in 1972.
Only the 74 & 75 models had the triangle front bumper holes. The 74 had blinkers on the top of the mudguard, the 75 had them in the bumper like 76 bugs, the 75 used the 2 bolt bumper brackets like the 76 model.
The front suspension also varied, the 71-73 bugs had 3 bolt front struts, the 74 & 75 bugs had 2 bolt front struts, there is some crossover models that had bits from earlier or later cars. later 74 & 75 bugs had the 3 point front seats.
Once I didn't like the elephants feet tail lights, they grew on me, they were also a safety feature.
The 1302 & 1303 model designation was used by VW, parts interpretors used a microfiche with the model designation 1302 & 1303, all other Beetles used the model designation 1200 & 1300, so Lee you have 1300 Beetle (with M options) as far as parts go.
Steve
68AutoBug ·
I also believe the GT Beetle in the UK could have a 1300 or 1600 engine...
LEE
LEE
Joel ·
1600 only, wouldnt be a GT if it didnnt have the quickest engine availble
Phil74Camper ·
And before anyone gets excited, by 'GT' it meant different trim and some flashy accessories, not any extra performance. It was mechanically the same as a normal 1600 Beetle. Similar to the 'Formula Vee' Beetle you used to be able to buy here. Just a tarted up normal Beetle. Volkswagen never made any 'performance' Beetles - although I have heard of special Brazilian and South African models?
Even the German 'Black and Yellow Racer' from 1973 was mechanically stock. It only had fancy paint, 5.5J 15 steel wheels with 175 tyres, and sports seats and steering wheel.
Even the German 'Black and Yellow Racer' from 1973 was mechanically stock. It only had fancy paint, 5.5J 15 steel wheels with 175 tyres, and sports seats and steering wheel.
Joel ·
Depends which GT your talking about Phil, but the UK edition GT beetle had gearing changes to make it abit quicker than stock beetles
From memory it was a lighter swingaxle bug with a 1300 box but the diff from an Lbug so it had higher top speed
But I remember reading once about a GT Super that had reworked heads and twin carbs
From memory it was a lighter swingaxle bug with a 1300 box but the diff from an Lbug so it had higher top speed
But I remember reading once about a GT Super that had reworked heads and twin carbs
1303Steve ·
Hi
A bit of info on the GT Beetle here http://www.gtbeetle.co.uk/id6.html
I know that VW didn't call them 1302 or 1303 in this market, but I still have the owners manual from my old 1302 and another 1303 I sold, both Australian delivered cars with these in the glove box. Why didn't they call them S or L in that VW publication?
Steve
A bit of info on the GT Beetle here http://www.gtbeetle.co.uk/id6.html
I know that VW didn't call them 1302 or 1303 in this market, but I still have the owners manual from my old 1302 and another 1303 I sold, both Australian delivered cars with these in the glove box. Why didn't they call them S or L in that VW publication?
Steve
Joel ·
I'd say Australia wouldn't have been a big enough market on it's own to reprint new manuals for so they just gave us the European manual which even has everything as being LHD in it 🙄
helbus ·
Our 1971 Volkswagen S has the original manual with original Australian dealer stamp inside, and it is the 1302 manual pictured above. It is all LHD pictures inside.
Our original '1971 Volkswagen S' or '1302' or '1971 Super Beetle' or 'Flat screen strut Bug' has original 1600TP engine, flat screen, flat dash, lowback seats, reverse lights, Two sets of horizontal vents in engine lid.
It also has the crazy style unavailable one piece flow thru vents inside back window. I managed to get a replacement pair made from fibreglass from a dude in Canada.
Our original '1971 Volkswagen S' or '1302' or '1971 Super Beetle' or 'Flat screen strut Bug' has original 1600TP engine, flat screen, flat dash, lowback seats, reverse lights, Two sets of horizontal vents in engine lid.
It also has the crazy style unavailable one piece flow thru vents inside back window. I managed to get a replacement pair made from fibreglass from a dude in Canada.
Joel ·
Your reverse lights arent original, they didnt start till the 72 model run, same time the big back window and 4 vent lid did.
THe non reverse light ones arent reproduced so everyone with a 68-71 bug has to settle for the reverse light style
95% of them havent even got globes inside
THe non reverse light ones arent reproduced so everyone with a 68-71 bug has to settle for the reverse light style
95% of them havent even got globes inside
helbus ·
Bingo. I went out and took off one of the lenses to look, and as you say, the base has no wire or globe holder in the bottom reverse section. OK so no reverse lights on our Super, just replacement lenses with reverse section.Joel wrote:Your reverse lights arent original, they didnt start till the 72 model run, same time the big back window and 4 vent lid did.
THe non reverse light ones arent reproduced so everyone with a 68-71 bug has to settle for the reverse light style
95% of them havent even got globes inside
Phil74Camper ·
Thanks Steve and Joel, it looks like the specs of the UK 'GT' Beetle are very similar to our '76 model.
Supplying Australian-sold VWs with German LHD manuals is nothing new. As Joel said, our market is so tiny that LNC Industries (VW Australia) would not have been bothered to specially produce and print an Australian version for less than 10,000 annual sales.
Australian VWs were supplied with German owners manuals at least until 1965 - my '64 came with a German LHD one. I believe the Aussie '66-'67 1300s had RHD Australian-produced ones - I have a couple of them. Likewise, Australian-specific VW brochures didn't begin until the early 1960s. Then after '68 it was back to using German manuals for the CKD cars. My '95 Mk3 Golf has a German manual, although it is an 'English' edition with RHD pictures. If you went to Barloworld this afternoon and looked in the glovebox of a brand-new Golf, do you think it would have an Australian-produced owners' manual? Nope.
Does anyone have any information on whether the South African or Brazilian factories produced a 'high-spec' sports version of the Beetle for their own markets? I don't have my reference books with me here.
Supplying Australian-sold VWs with German LHD manuals is nothing new. As Joel said, our market is so tiny that LNC Industries (VW Australia) would not have been bothered to specially produce and print an Australian version for less than 10,000 annual sales.
Australian VWs were supplied with German owners manuals at least until 1965 - my '64 came with a German LHD one. I believe the Aussie '66-'67 1300s had RHD Australian-produced ones - I have a couple of them. Likewise, Australian-specific VW brochures didn't begin until the early 1960s. Then after '68 it was back to using German manuals for the CKD cars. My '95 Mk3 Golf has a German manual, although it is an 'English' edition with RHD pictures. If you went to Barloworld this afternoon and looked in the glovebox of a brand-new Golf, do you think it would have an Australian-produced owners' manual? Nope.
Does anyone have any information on whether the South African or Brazilian factories produced a 'high-spec' sports version of the Beetle for their own markets? I don't have my reference books with me here.
1303Steve ·
Except for the swing axlesPhil74Camper wrote:Thanks Steve and Joel, it looks like the specs of the UK 'GT' Beetle are very similar to our '76 model..
Phil74Camper ·
So our '76 model was even MORE a 'GT' than the UK model so-named!
No wonder many people think they are the 'best' original Beetle (if you don't like struts that is). Pity they weren't more appreciated at the time - I can still remember a row of unsold new Beetles on the forecourt at Cloughs on Canterbury Rd in '76. But then in 1976 they were regarded as ancient and outdated - the Golf debuted in Australia that year.
No wonder many people think they are the 'best' original Beetle (if you don't like struts that is). Pity they weren't more appreciated at the time - I can still remember a row of unsold new Beetles on the forecourt at Cloughs on Canterbury Rd in '76. But then in 1976 they were regarded as ancient and outdated - the Golf debuted in Australia that year.
ian.mezz ·
they are the cheap unwanted models, that most people cut up and stick Subaru motors in em 😂🤪😂
Joel ·
Quite possibly they did, Ive seen those mid 70s mutant ones which were standards but had the Lbug dash and windscreen were pretty loaded with factory sprintstar type wheels, cloth interior, pop out windws, woodgrain dash inserts, maybe heater rear window etcPhil74Camper wrote:Does anyone have any information on whether the South African or Brazilian factories produced a 'high-spec' sports version of the Beetle for their own markets? I don't have my reference books with me here.
yet they only had link pin front and swing axle rear with 4 wheel drums 🤪
1303Steve ·
They are the only model that can handle all that powerian.mezz wrote:they are the cheap unwanted models, that most people cut up and stick Subaru motors in em 😂🤪😂
bevelhead ·
Perhaps someone can tell me what the hell i looked at years ago, it was swing axle with a single cv joint on gearbox side?
68AutoBug ·
Phil74Camper wrote:So our '76 model was even MORE a 'GT' than the UK model so-named!
No wonder many people think they are the 'best' original Beetle (if you don't like struts that is). Pity they weren't more appreciated at the time - I can still remember a row of unsold new Beetles on the forecourt at Cloughs on Canterbury Rd in '76. But then in 1976 they were regarded as ancient and outdated - the Golf debuted in Australia that year.
I'm glad I didn't see those Phil....😢😢😢
I have seen pics of Beetles and Golfs on the Aust production line..
along with Datsun P510 1600 and Volvos... type 3s..
and all the same colors lol...
I didn't know VW had such a big problem selling beetles back then... [they were still selling OK in 2003 in Mexico.. lol]
Phil,
Do You know why the 1303s were stopped in 1975???
although I always thought they kept the best until last..
LEE
I'm not sure that all GT Beetles had the 1600 engine??
the 1300 was the preferred engine in the uK...
because of petrol costs and maybe MOT Tax costs?? Lee
68AutoBug ·
Paulc1964au wrote:ok so what is mine i always get confused or is mine just a 69 1500 now fitted with a 1600 twin port
what do You mean just a 69 1500 beetle???? Paul
the 1500 beetles were NON Supers thats all....
some people think a super beetle is like a Porsche.. lol
but only 1500 1303 L beetles were ever sold in the UK....
they are rare as over there....
and hundreds of thousands in North America... lol
the 1302S Super was called a SUPERBUG offially in Australia...
Lee
Joel ·
That doesn't make a whole lot of sense?bevelhead wrote:Perhaps someone can tell me what the hell i looked at years ago, it was swing axle with a single cv joint on gearbox side?
You mean there was a CV joint at the gearbox end but the axle was fixed to the drum like a swingaxle?
nothing from the factory came like that, might have been someones Frankenstein creation.
Theres some good info about them here:68AutoBug wrote:I'm not sure that all GT Beetles had the 1600 engine??
the 1300 was the preferred engine in the uK...
because of petrol costs and maybe MOT Tax costs?? Lee
http://www.sebeetles.com/gt.htm
But according to the VW add they were only availble with a 1600 twin port engine.
They were a 1300 model bug like we got here but were fitted with discs and a 1600 engine though which is probably where the confusion comes from.
bevelhead ·
I know it doesnt make a whole lot of sense, im kicking myself for not taking a pic. I remember looking under it several times and thinking what the ?, it was in Mackay at local v dub yard and i specifically asked what the hell it was, i got a "well its not really a cv joint but blah blah" and assumed that was how that model all were...i didnt pay that much attention because it was in the early 90s, and i was young and clueless and it had strut front end and i didnt have a clue about none beam stuff.....i have been meaning to ask this again for years...i know it had one joint though but i cant remember how it was set up...ie axle tube..it sounds stupid to myself now but that is why i asked, it wasnt home made either.
byronmcmanus59 ·
I dunno what the difference is all i know is they're ugly.
bevelhead ·
Got that right, theres one growing in the back yard....i dont know what to do with it
Joel ·
If it was a Superbug with struts I assure you what you saw wasnt stock.
Every superbug made here rolled out the doors with the garden variety IRS whether it was manual or semi auto.
The only variance was some of the early Sbugs were fitted with those stupid type3 double spring plates.
People have done all sorts of crazy shit to these cars over the last 30+ years.
Someone in the US recently found a superbug in a junkyard still with the strut front end still but modified to take a standard beetle tank and an upright spare tyre 🤪
Every superbug made here rolled out the doors with the garden variety IRS whether it was manual or semi auto.
The only variance was some of the early Sbugs were fitted with those stupid type3 double spring plates.
People have done all sorts of crazy shit to these cars over the last 30+ years.
Someone in the US recently found a superbug in a junkyard still with the strut front end still but modified to take a standard beetle tank and an upright spare tyre 🤪
mactaylor ·
ohhh yeah!!ian.mezz wrote:they are the cheap unwanted models, that most people cut up and stick Subaru motors in em 😂🤪😂
Super1302 ·
my understanding that being badged volkswagen "S" on the decklid is how the Super came about and the L on the decklid is just an L wrongly named by some as a super.
super came with an "S", plain and simple as that isn't it.
super came with an "S", plain and simple as that isn't it.
Super1302 ·
Joel ·
Not exactlySuper1302 wrote:my understanding that being badged volkswagen "S" on the decklid is how the Super came about and the L on the decklid is just an L wrongly named by some as a super.
super came with an "S", plain and simple as that isn't it.
If it's got struts it's a superbug, don't worry what the badge on the decklid says, most of them are swapped and wrong these days anyway.
A 73-75 "Lbug" is technically called a 1600 Superbug L in Australia.
Just people have been calling them Lbugs for years and it's stuck.
Just like people think "superbug" only means 71-72 flat screen Sbugs.
Lucky Phil ·
I bought my Lbug a few years ago for a song. Didn't like it much but it grew on me. Nobody else showed much interest in it either.
How things have changed. There is lots of interest in it now and ironically, it is one of the rarer vehicles in the club.
How things have changed. There is lots of interest in it now and ironically, it is one of the rarer vehicles in the club.
oldtub356 ·
Windscreens gents? What years/models?
Flat:
Flatish:
Rounded:
My '76 has a "Flatish" - the O'Briens Windscreen guy needed to make x2 trips - brought a Flat one first up. The "Flatish" has about an inch of curve in it.
Lance.
Flat:
Flatish:
Rounded:
My '76 has a "Flatish" - the O'Briens Windscreen guy needed to make x2 trips - brought a Flat one first up. The "Flatish" has about an inch of curve in it.
Lance.
Joel ·
Dead flat glass is early model - Pre 67
All bugs after 68 used the same windscreen which has that very slight curve in it, the only exception was Lbugs obviously.
All bugs after 68 used the same windscreen which has that very slight curve in it, the only exception was Lbugs obviously.
Super1302 ·
okay, where is it actually written,
sounds like a given,
all heresay, someone put the proof up.
and what does S mean and what does L mean.
if it is written that struts is a super, then by whom.
straight and simple😁
sounds like a given,
all heresay, someone put the proof up.
and what does S mean and what does L mean.
if it is written that struts is a super, then by whom.
straight and simple😁
Bizarre ·
Joel ·
They don't mean anything it's just a letter to help differentiate the 2 different model superbugs.Super1302 wrote:okay, where is it actually written,
sounds like a given,
all heresay, someone put the proof up.
and what does S mean and what does L mean.
if it is written that struts is a super, then by whom.
straight and simple😁
S and L just sound alot better than Superbug E or Volkswagen K
The problem is Superbug S and L was only used in Aus and there hasn't been much literature written on VW beetles in aus, In Europe they were known as 1302 and 1303 and North America they were just superbeetles.
But it is actually written in manuals like the Gregorys manuals were written for Aus specs:
and also official Aussie car model listings
The reason S is listed as 73 and 74 as well is they were still being sold till stocks run out which means they have be listed officially.
and 3sp was semi automatics
Super1302 ·
well there we go.Joel wrote:They don't mean anything it's just a letter to help differentiate the 2 different model superbugs.Super1302 wrote:okay, where is it actually written,
sounds like a given,
all heresay, someone put the proof up.
and what does S mean and what does L mean.
if it is written that struts is a super, then by whom.
straight and simple😁
S and L just sound alot better than Superbug E or Volkswagen K
The problem is Superbug S and L was only used in Aus and there hasn't been much literature written on VW beetles in aus, In Europe they were known as 1302 and 1303 and North America they were just superbeetles.
But it is actually written in manuals like the Gregorys manuals were written for Aus specs:
and also official Aussie car model listings
The reason S is listed as 73 and 74 as well is they were still being sold till stocks run out which means they have be listed officially.
and 3sp was semi automatics
cheers
lou0060 ·
nice going guys.
I think VUU73L has gone and cut his wrists as he hasn't been back on the thread since November.....
oh well at least we all learnt something new, I think.....
by the way where can I get a set of those tail lights on the red beetle on page 1?????
I think VUU73L has gone and cut his wrists as he hasn't been back on the thread since November.....
oh well at least we all learnt something new, I think.....
by the way where can I get a set of those tail lights on the red beetle on page 1?????
Bizarre ·
Most shops sell them
I have them on mine
You certainly can get them from ACnet
I have them on mine
You certainly can get them from ACnet