I am new to VW beetles and am currently in the process of purchasing my 1st superbug.

I have been trying to do my research to learn what I can about these awesome little cars and came across a great website that helped me understand VIN and Engine no.s by year and a good description of each model. Thought I would share it with you guys!

Someone might find it helpful and interesting like i did! 1940 - 1985 scroll through the pages!

http://www.vw-resource.com/years.html#1971-1980 

Australian built models are different.

Ok, it was correct for my engine no. in the year model of my superbug and the VIN no. was also correct!

A aussie guy did it I thought!

Hi Lee

I actually just bought a beetle 74 model sight unseen and it is currently being shipped to me. I went on 'New Members Forum' to introduce myself and put a picture of the bug I was buying and thats where I was told that I had bought a Superbug, I didnt realise, at least I know for sure now!

Hi

Welcome along cemspec, there are a few Luddites on here

Some of the facts in that VW resource website are wrong for Australian bugs.

Like "Wheels change from 5.6x15 to 6.0x15 in late 72.", I think he means tyres changed

"New double vacuum distributor with vacuum retard (5 degrees ATDC) at idle.
EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) added. New muffler. " & "Activated charcoal filter to catch fuel fumes." all these were US market things

As far as VW was concerned, there were 1200 & 1300 Beetles, these could have anything from a 1200 - 1600 motor and 1302 & 1303 Beetles, 1302 is a flat screen Volkswagen S in Australia and 1303 is a curved screen Volkswagen L in Australia.

So Lee you have a 1300 Beetle, the model before the 1302

Forum member Joel did a great write up various models but I cant find his post at the moment

Steve

Thanks Steve for the info i have actually read Joels write up it was very good!

Everyone is very passionate about their cars and that they have the best model around! Each to their own, if we didnt have different tastes we would all have the same car!

My main reason for wanting a 73 or later model was I have kids and felt uncomfortable sitting that close to the flat windscreen and wanted abit of a gap not because its better! That is it! not for a superbug etc that seems to be a bonus now with more modcons but for mothers logic thinking, very different to most of the boys out there!!

THey had DVDA dizzys for all of 5 mins in 71 till VW recalled them and fitted single vacuum.

You will find charcoal canisters but only on the last 75 and 76 Beetles

Yes Joel a girl has to put the shopping somewhere!!

Cant wait to see my orange bug now learnt so much more about it thanks guys!

I would love to put a sunroof and carrera whale tail on it (if I could find one) but I am sure that is a whole new topic the pros and cons of them!!

After owning a 1970 1300 standard and now a 1971 1302 S, I must say that the drivetrain is great as a daily driver in the 1302 S.

The 1300 Standard was much more work to maintain and more work to drive in stop start traffic, having only drum brakes and a 1300 engine.

The 1302 S with the changes in suspension, the disc brakes and the 1600 engine was so different, and yes the shopping did now fit in the luggage compartment.

Personally I like the 1302 S, as I still am able to feel the steel dash/ flat screen love of an older design inspired body, but have a more modern drivetrain (for a Beetle in the early 70's)

If you want a fairly comprehensive article on the annual changes to Australian Beetles, and what Euro changes were NOT included, we have documented them here:

http://www.clubvw.org.au/austvw001 

Quote:

Originally posted by Joel Quote: Originally posted by barls Quote: Originally posted by 68AutoBug Why especially do you want a Superbug? Lee why wouldnt you? modern suspension and other features. im sorry but beams belong on tractors and early vw, that the reason just about every modern car has strut suspension. each to their own, i say but never belittle someone elses choice because it doesnt follow your opinion Bugger the better suspension, brakes, aeroynamics and bigger engine, I'm just happy to have a boot space that is big enough it can hold more than just an empty chip packet