Well G'day Veedubbers!

We (Jason(me)&Alicia) are new to the forum.
Alicia once owned a 70's Beetle... that was abducted by aliens or something, and I have always loved and wanted one.

We have just taken purchase of a Beetle... received as a 1964, however upon investigation I believe we have a 1965 (VIN#), but have the older d'horn steering wheel! And interior!

VIN# 195026696
ENG# H 1096534

Two questions... I understand the 1 in the VIN indicates it is a type 1, the 5 gives me the year... however I can not make heads or tails of the 9... any ideas?
Also, the H in the ENG# is for a 1500... were they produced with a 1500?

Our initial intention was to restore to original specifications, but with the incorrect motor... its only going to be a half job, so brainstorming still! So no 100% decision made yet!

Have included some pics of the day we picked her up, and the subsequent cleaning that followed.


Enjoy...(Turns out the Pictures might be too big! Will correct FAO)
Jason & Alicia

This link might help with the VIN:
http://www.mickmotors.com.au/vwchassisnumber.htm 

From that it looks like a late '65. 1500 was not introduced until 1967, but that's OK; you can get on with the resto. and swap in a "correct" number motor when you find one; they're quite plentiful.

hth

Welcome! I wouldn't be too worried about having every detail period-correct, just as long as you enjoy the car that's all that matters. Most of the bugs remainaing on the roads are bitsa cars now anwyay. A '64 or '65 beetle definitely wouldn't have originally had a 1500, I believe it would have been a 1200cc engine, possibly 40hp although I'm no expert on the early cars. If I was you I would keep the 1500 or upgrade to a 1600cc twin-port, you need the extra cc and only purists would tell you to downgrade to the more expensive, slower 1200. My car has a floorpan from one car, body from another, brakes and other parts from a fourth car, non-VW seats and a 1600cc engine from yet another bug. I enjoy it just as much as I would a matching-numbers car, and apart from the seats it would be difficult for anyone to tell the difference.

Thanks for the link Modulus, there was obviously a different numbering scheme to the Australian Beetles.

Turns out then, it is a 1964... just with a 1500... unless I am wrong about that one too!

-Jason

Hi again all... apologies for the delay in posting pics... have been busy... in fact need to put some new pics up soon!

Since her arrival, we have sourced a replacement back end (rear skirt & engine bay), new exhaust(+Tips), new running boards, Valve Covers, Battery and wipers!

The next step, is to remove the engine, cut off the damaged section, replace, clean up engine... porting may be in order, new heating shrouds etc... then the bogging and sanding commences, continues... continues some more... and eventually a straight car will appear, then be resprayed, engine and firewall installed... interior cleaned up (new roof lining and seat covers) and before you know it... she will be back on the road!

Enjoy the old pics... will update as we go along, or start a new thread elsewhere...

Am chasing an electronic copy of the workshop manual, and don't really want to pay for it... have a feeling I will be spending enough as it is!
Just got replacement bumpers and hubcaps....

Cheers

G'day guys and welcome aboard. Jason, looks like you might be fighting 2 woman to get behind the wheel yourself. Cant help with the electronic workshop manual, but if you put down your location I'm sure this helpful bunch of VW owners are only to willing to help.

Kev.

looks like you are off to a good start I'd also get rid of the aerial and replace with a standard one.

What state are you in then we might be able to recommend some decent suppliers etc

Hi all,

Apologies for the slackness of my replies etc have been quite busy over the last few months!

We are in South Coogee, NSW...

Have just replaced the rear end, as it was smashed in by a previous owner, so a cut and weld job it was, came out quite nicely too I might add!
We have been sourcing parts from Dr. Moshe in Riverwood, he has proven to be a world of knowledge and an endless supply of second hand odds and ends!

The next step is to start grinding, glassing, sanding, bogging, sanding, bogging and repeat!

Am trying to source some relatively good rear fenders to replace the cancer ridden ones we have... so if anyone knows of anyone closer to our way, that would be excellent!

Have also started to strip down the engine a little bit... wow, what a mess! pieces of crap everywhere!

will attempt to keep you all posted as we continue this slow moving journey!

welcome aboard the luv bus