A little clarification needed - VIN/Engine Numbers

[1966veedub]

In researching thesamba.com's Beetle VIN Numbers listing, I'm still a little confused on properly identifying the numbers on my bug.

My chassis number is 116 571 XXX
My engine block number is F 01098XX

Am I right in reading the bug was made in Feb, 1966, and the engine (1300) was made in Feb 1967? If so, this CAN'T be the original motor, right?

Thanks!

[djcorto]

Model year runs from the August of the previous calendar year to the August of the model year. Therefore, a 1966 was made from August 1965 to August 1966

If Samba is right, the pan/body were made in January 1966 (116 543 112 is less than 116 571 XXX, and February starts with 116 622 320)

Your engine must be one of the first F engines, that is the correct engine for 1966 (the first 1300, single port intake), as the first No that Samba quotes is F0 115 030, that by any math comes after F0 109 8XX - unless your engine No is actually F1 098 XXX, that puts it in February 1967.

The only "official" confirmation you can get is to order the "birth certificate" from VW. The link is everywhere on Samba, and they also issue additional letter stating whether the engine gearbox and front beam are original.

I got mine last year, and it looks like my car was rebodied, or that their paint and upholstery data are shaky ... as the certificate did not match what the first owner told me and what was/is (paint/interor) on the car. Otherwise it matches.

[1966veedub]

Thanks for the info. Another thing I was told is that the door handles on a late '66 are similar to the kind that are on the '67 model, so if theSamba's info is right, and mine is an early '66 model, why do I have the late '66, and '67 door handles on my bug?

I think I'll see about getting a birth certificate. Can you tell me where I go to order one?

Thanks again.

P.S. I included a photo of the engine number.

[DPIGGUY]

Instructions can be found in the announcement section preceding this technical forum. Where in Texas are you?

[1966veedub]

A couple of hours West of Dallas.

[djcorto]

Thanks for the info. Another thing I was told is that the door handles on a late '66 are similar to the kind that are on the '67 model, so if theSamba's info is right, and mine is an early '66 model, why do I have the late '66, and '67 door handles on my bug?

The door handles should have square pushbuttons, completing the shape of the handle. 67 has a round pushbutton, on a flat part behind the handle. Mine is from January 66, mid production cycle, and has square pushbuttons.

I think I'll see about getting a birth certificate. Can you tell me where I go to order one?
P.S. I included a photo of the engine number.

You have it on the forum, but it's always easier to ask then search, right? http://automuseum.volkswagen.de/urkunden.html?&L=1

[djcorto]

And apologies ...

I misread the table on Samba. The listed Nos are THE LAST No of the month, not the first, therefore your engine should be August 65, and the body Feb 66

[1966veedub]

My '66 has the push-button type door handles. The prior owner has since passed away so I have no way of finding out what modifications he may have made to this car. I think I'd prefer the square button handles on my bug anyway...just hope they'll fit as well on mine.

[NCdad]

Wish I had your motor!

I have an August '65 bug ... with a Oct '62 1200 motor.

[Sherman]

Wish I had your motor!

I have an August '65 bug ... with a Oct '62 1200 motor.

Hi -

You may have a rare 'standard' bug - definitely worth looking into. I just found out about them and from what I remember reading they were delivered with the 1200 engines.