TheSamba.com :: View topic

Thu Apr 17, 2008 9:46 am

Just a poll to see if my 1958 big window bug is the earliest known(on the Samba atleast)
VIN 1 606 506 which equates to Aug '57 build?
Engine 1 927 844 which equates to july '57 build?

While we are at it, what is the very first VIN for the very first big window bug? Anybody know?
[/img]
One wierd thing is the body number here is 2312? As Agave has pointed out to me it seems to be missing a number. Whats up with that? All the cars numbers match so I don't suspect anything nefarious but just wierd as that body # doesn't fall into the number sequence given here on the Samba.

Thu Apr 17, 2008 9:59 am

Well according to VW progressive improvements..

August 1, 1957 Chassis # 1 600 440

"Rear View Window
Now: enlarged upward and laterallly"

Dave

Thu Apr 17, 2008 10:05 am

so mine is the 6,066th big window? If thats right I wonder how many older are out there?

Thu Apr 17, 2008 10:07 am

'58 bugger wrote: so mine is the 6,066th big window? If thats right I wonder how many older are out there?

One of those little mysteries of life.....you'll NEVER know the answer to that question. They were manufactured in various countries and also shipped around the globe so it will be really hard to find all that still exist.

Dave

Thu Apr 17, 2008 10:11 am

'58 bugger wrote: so mine is the 6,066th big window? If thats right I wonder how many older are out there? Quote:

Well considering the age, and attrition that these VW's have gone thru, 6,000 VW's is not a lot!

Terry

Fahrer Fand
1958 :vw:

Thu Apr 17, 2008 10:21 am

'58 bugger wrote: so mine is the 6,066th big window? If thats right I wonder how many older are out there?

That's pretty effin cool, man.

Thu Apr 17, 2008 2:26 pm

95 views of this thread.....still waiting for an earlier example.
And any ideas on the #'s stamped on the body?

Thu Apr 17, 2008 3:37 pm

Regarding your body number. The listings here on the samba are taken directly from Progressive Refinements, which is as accurate as you are gonna find.

So your body is either missing a "5" as the first digit, or it is a June '57 body...

Neither one makes sense at all.

Unfortunately, when they made the changes at VIN 1 600 440, they didn't record the body number.

Just for kicks...try to read the date codes on your window regs, speedo, and rear seat ashtray...just to confuse your self further. :P

Thu Apr 17, 2008 3:43 pm

Quote: So your body is either missing a "5" as the first digit, or it is a June '57 body...Neither one makes sense at all. Quote:

I wonder if the Body was already made when the 57's were in production? I wonder when they stamped the tool shelfs, before it was assembled as a shell or after :-k

Fahrer Fand
1958 :vw:

Thu Apr 17, 2008 3:51 pm

Yup. The shelf is the same with both years, I wouldn't think they would stamp in the numbers till the body was near completion?

Thu Apr 17, 2008 5:35 pm

KantDrive,
I am confused enough already.
But yeah you gotta wonder about that body stamp.
This bug is on the cusp of the oval/big window a sort of mutant, a foot in both worlds kinda thing.

Thu Apr 17, 2008 5:52 pm

KantDrive
What came first, the chicken or the egg?
I was just looking at VIN section here on the Samba, and as you said it doesn't make sense but I think this bug was made in mid June of '57, or atleast most of it. Two months before big window production officially started.
Only logical thing I can come up with is that the bottom half of the car was produced during that month, but did not recieve its roof section until the change was made over to big window. When it then was completed and received its VIN tag designating it as an early august build.
Both the front beam and engine support that as they were very early also for a big window(july).

Thu Apr 17, 2008 6:07 pm

My 58 is a December of 57 build which I thought was fairly early.

Thu Apr 17, 2008 6:29 pm

I have the original title to my 58 and it was first registered on Nov.25, 1957. It says serial number 1628008 with motor number 1947210. I can't see my ID plate as the car is in the body shop 40 miles away getting new paint job buffed out (Glacier Blue) so don't know chassis #.

Thu Apr 17, 2008 6:35 pm

So yours would be an august '57 engine and august '57 VIN. I would be very intersted to know your body # as that is a very early one as well. The closest so far but still a hair younger than mine. They probably came over on the boat together :-)

Thu Apr 17, 2008 6:54 pm

I own a 1958 beetle built 1-7-1958 not the earliest vin # 175884
I am not sure of the body number.

Thu Apr 17, 2008 7:08 pm

She's a beauty

Thu Apr 17, 2008 7:19 pm

My 58 EURO VIN # 1609931 Aug. 1957. A little youner than yours. With semephores

Thu Apr 17, 2008 7:21 pm

Getting closer, yours is real close.

Thu Apr 17, 2008 7:26 pm

Thanks for the compliment!
Looking for any advise on your car? I also can check the body number tomorrow if your interested?