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Crank handle starting question
desh - January 13th, 2009 at 05:03 PM

Hi

I watched this today

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=ipHfIpo8YOU 


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

thanks

Phil74Camper - January 13th, 2009 at 05:15 PM

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.

desh - January 13th, 2009 at 05:17 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Phil74Camper
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

vw54 - January 13th, 2009 at 05:35 PM

That would have to be in Germany

68AutoBug - January 13th, 2009 at 05:43 PM

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

Phil74Camper - January 13th, 2009 at 05:44 PM

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!

vw54 - January 13th, 2009 at 05:44 PM

yes and yes but also on Kombis

desh - January 13th, 2009 at 05:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Phil74Camper
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.

CB CRAIG - January 13th, 2009 at 07:06 PM

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