hi guys, going to look at a 1959 bug on the weekend. how do i know for sure the year of manufacture? where are the relevent plates etc? Anything
special to check apart from RUST?
Thanks guys, hopefully she will be a nice one..
P.S. are these a 1200, 1300, 1500?
Hi There,
Look if she is a pre59 there would be a few key pointers.
Firstly the pre 59s would have a semaphore post between the drivers door and the back window. Where the pop out indicators go. hey would have a flat
steering wheel, (Batwing shape) and small overrider bumpers.
Now for a list of chassis numbers, head here: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/info/chassisdating.php best place to figure out what car it is.
The ID Plate is located behind the spare tire, in most cases the plate would be missing so pull the back seat up and look at the centre tunnel near
the cover plate inspection hole is for the gear box shaft adjuster.
Rust issues on early beetles, mainly the door pillars, LHS & RHS inside and out. And lift the doors up and down to see if there is much movement.
(If there is, usually the pillar has broken away)
Check the battery tray and floorpan too, early beetles tend to get a little in the chassis and the spare wheel well. They sometimes go there.
The 59 would be a glorious 1200cc if its the original engine, once again check out the link to find out if its a correct engine for the year.
Hope this helps 
Cheers Bill
Ps. We love pictures 
Sorry this link should work: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/info/bugchassisdating.php
as bill said semaphores is the best give away
lotta bugs though had these bogged over when people used to "modernise" them to look newer
few other things 59 was the last year there was no panic passenger handle on the dash above the glovebox, the speedo only went to 80mph and had a
clear plastic needle
they had a really clunky style indicator switch too that was mounted seperate to the wheel
after 59 it was moulded to look like it was part of the wheel
thanks for the info guys, unfortunately it sold before I got to it. DOH. Must have been a good one!!!!!
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