how do i tell if the beetle i am lookin at is a 68? the plate is missing but i figure its gotta be close to a 68 cos' the headlights are the later ones and the dash is later, but the gearbox is a swingaxle one. the tail lights are the ones before the big round ones and it has a twin port ab motor in it! it is not a super or an l bug, so what distinguishing feature should i look for?
cheers josh

if it's manual it will be ball joint and swingaxle. 4 stud with discs on the front (unless it is a german import 1300 like mine).

It will have a petrol flap. The fuel gauge will be in the speedo.

The easiest way will be to find the chassis number...

Hi

Sounds like a 73 to me. Just check the 3rd diget on the chassis number.

1968 = **8 *** ***

1973 = **3 **** ***

1302Steve

Does it have the crescent shaped flow thru ventilation exit behind the rear side window? and a computer diagnosis plug in the engine compartment on the LHS?
Front Drum Brakes??
Could be a 1972 standard beetle...
None of the above plus Front Disc Brakes.. its probably a 1968 model...
without looking at the chassis number...
Engines do get changed a lot...
In all the above... the fuel gauge is in the speedo... :thumb:bounce:bounce:bounce

Hi Lee

He said it had an AB engine number, they were used until 73 and he also said it had round tailights, also used in 73.

1302Steve

Sorry I must get more sleep zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Thats better

Quick 12 volt Beetle spotters guide

68 - 70 Tombstone tailights, swing axles, 4 stud wheels, drums all round on 1300s, discs on 1500, 70 models had the twin vents in the lid
71 could be a super in 71, but they had 4 joint rear end. still have low back seats but have the little vents at the rear of the rear side windows. Twin port 1300 or 1600.
72 Tombstone tailights with reverse lights, high back seats, wipers on steering column, slightly larger back window (hard to spot) 4 vent engine lid.
73 & 74 Elephants foot tailights, 1600 L had a curved windscreen, 1300s had a flat dash with a padded cover.
75 I think the 1300s were dropped, the 1600 L had the front blinkers moved into the front bumper, the steering was rack & pinion
76 Flat front screen with beam front end and 4 joint rear end.

1302Steve

thanks guys, by the sounds of things, its a 72. tombstone taillights and high back seats with the padded dash and reverse lights[i think]
does anyone know whether this models gearbox is anything like that of a 68?[as i want to use it for a reduction hub replacement for my split?]
cheers guys
josh