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So after a long time of raising kids and keeping the wife happy , its my turn for some fun. Found this old girl who needs much tlc. If anyone can direct me to what model she is , by the looks of the engine its a 1600 twinport . I want to restore her to her former glory with a bit of oomph in the engine bay.I noticed that the front window is curved , not like my old beetle that had a flat windscreen. Watch this space.
Nice project.
I suspect you are not going to get much help here on the model 
Most of us are used to North America models. Not one like that. It is a super beetle body but on a standard chassis but wait 5 lug wheels also I have heard of these. South Africa only?
Nice project.
I suspect you are not going to get much help here on the model
I with you burrhead. 
With the curved windshield I would have guessed a Super Beetle...but the front end in the 2nd photo looks very "stubby/short/blunt-nosed" (or maybe it's just the angle of the photo).
It does have the "elephant foot" taillight lenses (1973 & later)...and does not have the non-energy absorbing front & rear bumpers (pre-1974). But like you said...since this vehicle is from South Africa...it could be a model we're not familiar with here in North America.
@jonnomans: What else do you know about this vehicle? What year is it?...have you done an internet search using the VIN (vehicle id number) to help identify it?
- Nick
Looks like a mid to late 70s 1600S made in South Africa for the SA market. A lot of unique features on the car.
Notice the mounts for the taillights, different from US models, and the front end metalwork - a US Super Beetle hood won't fit on that. Also the front bumper brackets look like a style used elsewhere, but never in the US market.
http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/volksw … /comments/
...and...
* Please note that the "1600S Beetle" that was produced in South Africa from 1975 to 1978 uses a curved windshield, full size dashboard but uses the traditional torsion bar suspension with the spare tire in the upright position. This car uses elements from both the Standard 1200 model and 1303 Super Beetle in its construction and is NOT a Super Beetle. (http://www.superbeetles.com/faq.htm)
The rims are called "Rostyle", made for the South African market. Would love to get my hands on a set of those!
Looks like you've got an ambitious project there, looking forward to seeing pics and details of your progress.
Just when you think you've seen everything... Thanks for sharing the info Der Bugmeister, and I look forward to your restoration updates jonnomans!
Thanx for all the comments guys. When I found the bug she was standing on one spot for 3 years , I sprayed some lubrication oil in the plugholes and gave it a jumpstart and started the car 15 minutes later! I then drove it 350 kilometers to my home !, I will check the VIN as soon as Im back in South Africa, currently stationed inIndia for a job for the next 2 months and then she will be my first order of business.
I got some info from the previous owner. She told me the engine was a reconditioned one so it is not originally from the beetle.
Maybe I dont where to find some info on the VIN , could someone point me in the right direction ?
VIN 1162067224
Maybe I dont where to find some info on the VIN , could someone point me in the right direction ?
VIN 1162067224
I'm not sure how things work in South Africa...but the paperwork you got when you purchased the car should have the VIN number on it. Otherwise (if VIN locations for cars in South Africa are the same as they are in North America) there are three places to check:
- the sticker in the drivers side door jam (left side in the U.S.)
- the dashboard area on the drivers side (left side in the U.S.)
- remove the rear seat. The VIN should be stamped in the center where the "tunnel" widens.
By the way...if you're in India for the next 2 months...how are you going to look for the VIN?
HTH,
- Nick
I have received the VIN 1162067224 from the previous owner of the car via facebook. According to theSamba.com this model was late 1975 , I have asked the previous owner about the year model , but still waiting for an answer.
So with a bit of checking around I found that first registration was in 1976.
It's probably a '76 made after August 1st '75. August 1st was the changeover date for model years. The manufacture date should be in the door jam.
The engine number on the alternator stand should tell you the engine year.
jim
So the Indians gave me a 2week holiday , so I came home thinking that i could at least start with my project. But the wife decided that I needed to spend some quality time with the fam and so the old girl will just have to wait a little bit longer. I at least took some pics and got a car cover so long. I took out the back seats mainly because the Idiot that last installed it didnt even use the right bolts , the 2 that were in there just slided right through. I dont know hey , this car needs a lot of work. I think I maybe slightly in over my head.
Take a look.
Where the battery should be , it was moved to the other side.
The drivers seat was kept in place with rope and planks and stuff , my mom was scared she would fall thru the floor while driving!
some more random headaches , I mean pics lol
That will require a body off full restoration. You had better be a good welder. In North America that car would not be worth restoring. A pre-1968 in that shape maybe worth it if you have money. Could you maybe find another one, similar year with much less rust and put them together?
jim
I'm with jim. This car is going to require a lot of $ and time to get it to it's former glory. Can be done tho with dedication and a thick wallet
I'm thinking this vehicle might be a good candidate for a "Dune Buggy" or "Street Rail" project!
- Nick
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