I have a 72 Beetle, haven't had it long, and am told it was one of the 1300 models from that year. I'm not sure how to tell the difference.

I've busted the clutch cable, went to buy a new one today and was told it will be either of 2 cables, labelled:

- all T1 1.61 - / S Bug
- T1 S and L Bug 71-75

I bought both as I don't know which one it will be. They will refund the unused one if I don't get it dirty. I am hoping to put the old cable against the new ones and see if I can pick the length difference but seeing as one end is fairly ruined where it broke I'm not confident that I will be able to work it out from piecing it together.

Any advice as to how I can tell which one it will be? Can anyone tell by chassis numbers?

Thanks.

Chassis number will help

Is it a strut or beam car?

The 1300's were beam
S and L bugs are strut

As far as i know the following applies

Clutch Cable, 2267mm, 1961-63 Type 1,
Clutch Cable, 2262mm, 1963 1/2-72 Type 1
Clutch Cable, 2287mm, 1972-74 Type 1
Clutch Cable, 2282mm, 1975-79 Type 1

If yours is a 1300 beam - you will need the 2262mm

If yours is a 72 S bug its the 2287mm

Thanks Bizarre for the comments. I haven't learnt the difference between a beam and strut front end as I have never had to dabble in them. Rego paperwork says its a 2/72 manufacture, with a chassis number 1122184258.

does the spare wheel stand up (beam) or lay down (strut)

Thanks Bizarre, I have since got under it and confirmed I have a beam....and whilst the spare should stand up, I'd say the nose has been squashed a bit...it doesn't fit.

I've worked out that I think I need the shorter cable, been arguing with it all morning. I have the cable in finally but am stuck trying to get the eyelet over the hook at the front. Will go back out and re-argue after lunch. Then I can twist my arm into 15 joints to do the wingnut up. Thanks again for the help.

I feel that the car is cursed.....

I have the clutch cable on, and it feels OK at the pedal. I went to take it for a test drive - won't start. I have ignition lights but no cranking. I tried to jumpstart it just in case the battery has drained a bit but it made no difference. I have headlights and power to the stereo etc but no cranking.

As far as I know the wiring to the starter is on the other side of the car to where I was with the clutch cable, I had a quick check and found the 2 cables still on the starter. The car was starting fine before I fiddled with the clutch cable. What else could I have disturbed back there?