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Early Deck Lid
Ollie - November 16th, 2009 at 01:51 AM

hey guys is it possibly to put an early long deck lid on a later model beetle? I've always loved the look of the 50's deck lids, but never knew if it were possible? I'm assuming of course that you would have to incorporate some modification of the guards, but chassis wise does it work?

Cheers and Big Ears,
Ollie


68AutoBug - November 16th, 2009 at 06:01 AM

Hi
I believe You will have very little trouble fitting an early model engine cover to a later model car...

during the big chnages that took place in Germany in 1964-65-66-and 1967-68...

Some of these late models had sloping headlamps in some countries and vertical headlamps in others.
also, some had the long engine cover and some had the short one with push button lock..

No modification of guards etc...

the lock is the only modification... as far as I can remember

LEE


VDUBXTC - November 16th, 2009 at 08:11 AM

Only thing you would have to change is the rear apron depending on how early you go.

50's 60's deck lid you will need 1 of these types
http://images.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/pix/2856683.jpg

for a W lid you will need

http://images.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/pix/2842395.jpg


Ollie - November 16th, 2009 at 08:25 AM

Ah thats great! Interesting...

Anyone on here done it? OR (as i can imagine) is it seen as a waste of money?


VDUBXTC - November 16th, 2009 at 09:25 AM

Most people have them as a removable apron these days. Just to make it easier to remove the engine if needed.

Pic's from Dasdubbers gallery. http://www.manxgallery.org/gallery/album146 


Joel - November 16th, 2009 at 11:21 AM

the stock late model valance can be left if you just make a catch for the decklid latch

ive seen that done a few times but as people know i speak highly of removable valances now


dekkerboy - December 13th, 2009 at 10:17 AM

I bought my car with i already on but it is anoying the bonnet dosn't pop so i just bought a new body.


djnee - December 17th, 2009 at 09:07 PM

I nearly did what you are about to do....but then changed my mind and traded our later beetle for an earlier one.
Problem solved...and deffo a much better solution!


68AutoBug - December 17th, 2009 at 10:07 PM

If You look at the rear valance for a 67 German beetle sold in the USA You will see there is a hole for the catch to go thru..

it was still in the early stages of changes with the push button catch ... lol



but that early rear engine lid latch was one of the worst things VW ever designed...
along with the early wiper blades... lol

both terrible...

LEE