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Just been bitten by the bug.
tombug - May 7th, 2017 at 08:11 PM

Hi all, had the chance recently to purchase a 1968 beetle in pretty good nick and so the renovations will soon begin. Looking forward to be part of this community as I am sure that I will have lots of questions for you all. I am perplexed by one thing for starters and that is the engine No. which is stamped 9111961. Looking through the VW beetle engine No. timeline this suggests to me that the engine is a 1200cc. The chassis No is 118 *** *** and that puts it in the range of being a 1968 1500cc beetle. What do you think?
Thanks in advance for anyone's help.
Tom.

BlasterTheRedBajaBug - May 7th, 2017 at 10:26 PM

Hi Tom,
Regarding the engine to pan question, I find this helpful when looking at beetles'
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/info/bugchassisdating.php 
Or This helps too,
http://www.type2.com/library/identifi/kuhn8.htm 
Hope this helps and I look forward to seeing progress,
Cheers,
Michael

tombug - May 8th, 2017 at 10:45 AM

Thanks for the reply Michael. I had a look at sites you suggested and they confirmed my suspicion that the engine is indeed a 1200. I also found the attached picture which also proves its got the 1200 engine in it.
I am still shaking my head in bewilderment as to why a previous owner would replace a 1500 with a 1200.
Tom.:?:

BlasterTheRedBajaBug - May 8th, 2017 at 01:29 PM

My Best guess is that the 1500 died so they got the nearest one that ran and put that in, I am guilty of doing that a few times to keep the car going.

adlbeetle66 - May 8th, 2017 at 03:53 PM

Can you post a photo of your engine? If i was to replace an engine i would try to find a bigger one :smirk:

oldskoolguy - May 8th, 2017 at 08:25 PM

Welcome tombug, get some pictures up when you can!
Regarding the engine, a few people I know - including some mechanics - reckon the 1200 is a real little workhorse. Not over-endowed with power at the best of times, but very forgiving when the miles pile on and compression numbers are down and vary from pot to pot.
So if it runs alright enjoy it. Treat it to some fresh oil, plugs etc. and enjoy a slow cruise while you are fixing the other stuff.
All the best with it, Rob.

tombug - May 8th, 2017 at 08:40 PM

Thanks for the reply's all. I will keep the 1200 for the time being and enjoy the ride as suggested but I will also be keen to source a 1500 to keep with the originality. I will try to get some photos up next weekend.
Cheers, Tom.