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Sat Sep 20, 2008 5:58 pm

well i finally broke down and bought a project car. i was told that this was the place to get some good info to get me started. i recently purchased a 1968 beetle and need some wisdom to help me out. i used to be a watercooled mkII driver so i'm not new to the whole vw addiction.

for starters i need help deciding what model i actually have the previous owner claims it is a 67 but the title says 68. what are the distinguishing features to tell the cars apart?

where should i be looking to find quality replacement body panels? the pans and heater channels need replacing. as well as some other serious areas of rust.

i appreciate any help i can get. hopefully i'll get some pics up soon. i would also like to hear from any other members in the south eastern va area.

Sat Sep 20, 2008 6:08 pm

Look under the rear seat, in the middle. The VIN number is stamped into the frame. The 3rd digit of the VIN tells the years. Yours should start 118 as a 68 or 117 as a 67.
Be sure your title matches that number under the rear seat. That is the legal number on the car. Not the aluminum tag by the spare tire.

Sat Sep 20, 2008 6:14 pm

Thanks for the quick reply the first three are 118 so that settles it. The title is correct. How does a 68 differ from a 67? Is one better or worse? Sorry but I'm just full of questions. I'm not to sure if this has been covered so I suppose I should start with a search.

Sat Sep 20, 2008 7:02 pm

Mechanically, they are pretty much the same.
The fenders and bumpers were different.
The 68 had some emissions equipement that the 67 did not have. Originally, they different distributors and carbs.
67 had 5 bolt wheels, and the 68 started the 4 bolt wheels.
Some people prefer the 67 over the 68, because it was considered a 1 year only car. Early body style with late style head lights and 12V electrical system.
68 was a 1 year only too. Last year for the swing axle transmission. 69 went to IRS rear suspension.

Sat Sep 20, 2008 7:24 pm

one other difference (there are alot) is that the gas tank on the '68 has the fuel inlet going to the body with a gas door. instead of having to open the "trunk" to fill up.
I drive a '68 too
check out this thread
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=313581&highlight=differences

Sat Sep 20, 2008 9:06 pm

any pics?

we got two 68s here at the house. good year if you ask me...

Sat Sep 20, 2008 9:11 pm

Congratulations on finding a '68 Beetle! One of the best years ever, IMO :wink:

I'm partial to original spec '68+ Beetles and would recommend that you stay true to the Wolfsburg factory's design when choosing replacement body panels-ie. stay with the correct fenders, aprons, etc :)

Sun Sep 21, 2008 2:47 pm

i did own a 68 i know own a 69 but my 68 had some cool things for that year does your car have the bumpers on it and if so they should look
big and have two slotts in the fenders if not then the 67 look is there are two holes in the apron of the car for that bumper see there are alot of different things to look for i hope you have good luck finding out what type :lol:

Sun Sep 21, 2008 2:57 pm

made a little progress today. got all the fenders off and assesed the cancer. its a little worse than i was hoping for but i'm not looking for a show winner. it took some work but i got all the bolts for the body broken free. i'll lift the body next weekend and get ready for the pans. i'll probably end up doing heater channels the rear deck and the rear apron aswell. it dosent look like much but its the only project i could afford and i cant wait to get a little deeper into it. here are some pics. let me know what you all think.

pb blaster is my friend!!

i also found out the car was built in january of 68. it still seems to have a good mix of the two years. how can i determine what size the motor is?

Sun Sep 21, 2008 3:08 pm

first nice ride doesnt look that bad those refenders look to be 67or older the engine you need to look for the engine code its under the generator stand it should have a letter first then numbers i have replaced my heater chanels and door posts and pans with the body on its not that bad :D :lol:

Sun Sep 21, 2008 3:11 pm

I like that you have the older tail lights, nice.
As far as the size of the engine you can't really find out without tearing it apart and measuring. You can tell though if it's single port or dual port. single port has a one piece intake manifold and dual port has a 3 piece with rubber boots. Stock for your car is a 1500SP (single port)
Also you can check the case # to see when it wasfirst made.

Sun Sep 21, 2008 3:19 pm

so when i go to buy the replacement body panels i should be looking for 67 pieces? sorry but i just want to make sure i'm ordering the correct parts. i can throw up some larger pics if that would help.

Sun Sep 21, 2008 3:22 pm

nope, you need to get '68 body pieces, you can tell because the slots for the bumper mounts are on the fender and not the body.

Sun Sep 21, 2008 3:58 pm

yes its a 68 and i would buy for 68 it will look good when your done just remember its your car so do as you want to it :lol: 8) :D

Sun Sep 21, 2008 4:07 pm

Thanks for all the speedy replys. I'm glad to be a part of such a friendly community. Ill be sure to keep everyone posted with the progress.

Mon Sep 22, 2008 11:01 am

one more question. my dad is now purchasing a 74 beetle. did they make the regular beetle along with the super in 74? the reason i ask is it dosent have the coil spring front suspension. the spare is vertical in the trunk aswell. the car has the hi back seats, padded dash, auto-stick tranny, and the large shock absorbing bumpers. what does this sound like to you guys? i though all the later models had the coils up front?

Mon Sep 22, 2008 11:26 am

That's a '74 standard, yes they made them both in '74... Glenn has a really nice one, I believe he's had it seince new.