Hey,

I have just found out that my '60 beetle is actually a '59 or '58 as it doesnt have a dash grab handle - and it doesnt have its original doors.

Anyone know the difference between a '58 and a '59 from the body ( its on a late pan ). The body also is missing its production plate behind the spare wheel.

Also what is involved in converting later doors (60 and later with pushbutton handles) to the early ice pick ones? I think jenz58 might have had this done???


thanks

chassis number under the back seat?

you can punch it into the chassis identifier on http://www.vwfool.tk  src="images/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" alt=":)" title=":)" />

it isnt on the stock pan so thats not possible

does it really matter if its a 58, 59 or 60 since its modified

choose the number you like best

If you want to convert the doors just get the front handle hole welded up... and find some early door handles they fit straight in. Now the door check plate is different in the 58 to the 60 but only i will notice that
and i wont say anything.

is it that easy dave?

i think i'm just being anal

thanks guys, I just want to be able to say what year it is instead of going into a spiel

does it have trafficator holes in the pillars?

mmmm...semaphores

Che

Ive tossed the coin and i say your car is a 59

cause thats 10 off a 69....

and you know what happens if your one over a 69,,,,,,,,

your in the Shit my friend and thats a fact,

yep i picked up some semaphores for it a while ago.

damn it dave! youre a genius mmmm now i gotta start thinking what month it was made...

Well thats Easy June,... cause if its after August ...its got all the 60s stuff fitted... and we do like the number 59

So its a June 59 Model.

June is also the highest production number so its a COMMON June 59 big window semaphore model.

Now what chassis do u have under the car.

some of your items ie the speedo are pale blue rubber-stamped ''the day,month Yr ect they were made and often are only a month pre delivery... comments, dave etc ?

missing the original speedo and pan so I cant really date it on anything else that I can think of.

W H Y ??? its not relative Jon

Have you tried Carbon Dating the steel??? :thumb

Che Bel originally had d ice pick handles....they replaced d doors due to rust...and welded up the holes for d push button handle....but Bel had ice picks...and still has her original rechromed now....SO yes I've had this done....

grab handles were in for a 58......you can buy repro ones...I've thrown one in in case I'm ever the passenger and want something to hold onto....should really have a second steering wheel...:thumb

Not much difference...depends where it was manufactured...indicators etc...Bel had her front guards replaced as well and they welded up d top indicator holes.....cos she has semaphores...

Get 'The Beetle Production history of the people's car'....Etzold...Haynes Publishers

...it has all d production changes...well lot's...I'm sure there is always debate on these things....

It's all very confusing sometimes....my migraine is returning....:jesus