TheSamba.com :: View topic

Sun Jan 25, 2009 2:53 pm

When did the beetles go to 12volts??

Sun Jan 25, 2009 3:00 pm

Stock USA models were 12V starting in the '67 model year (Aug '66 production). It was an option in some markets before that. Euro bugs carried the 6V system through at least '67.

Sun Jan 25, 2009 4:28 pm

Hi,

VW produced the Standard model for years in Europe as a 6 volt unit after they ended the 6 volt run here in the USA and with Deluxe models worldwide.

These were known as the standard / base model and continued to be produced in 6 volt version until the end of the 1975 model year when they went to 12volts.

Dave

Sun Jan 25, 2009 10:35 pm

That's interesting, was looking at a 1971 RHD beetle here a few weeks ago and it was 6 volt,

seems we were a bit behind the times.

Mon Jan 26, 2009 1:38 am

djkeev wrote:
These were known as the standard / base model LHD and continued to be produced in 6 volt version until the end of the 1975 model year when they went to 12volts.

The last 6V Beetle was in 72.

Mon Jan 26, 2009 5:27 am

Bruce wrote: djkeev wrote:
These were known as the standard / base model LHD and continued to be produced in 6 volt version until the end of the 1975 model year when they went to 12volts.

The last 6V Beetle was in 72.

Hey Bruce,
I respectfully submit this information....

"8/1/75 Chassis Number 1162000001 VW 1200 electrics: now 12 volt. Formally 6 volt"
(not a direct quote, I rearranged the date order for us Americans who may otherwise think it was changed on January 8, 1975)

Actually the first 1200 of 1976 was 12 volt. As you know the 1200 replaced the "standard" designation.

The LHD designation shouldn't be in my post for I don't know if that statement is 100% true, the Australian post above makes me think that it isn't! I tried to locate my source for that bit of info but it eludes me! I edited my original post so as not to confuse, not having documentation for that LHD comment! :oops:

Dave

Mon Jan 26, 2009 9:45 am

12 volt was available as an opion as early as 64

Mon Jan 26, 2009 9:48 am

Anyone know why VW continued with 6 volt in some markets? As concerned as VW was about cost, why have two different systems?

Mon Jan 26, 2009 10:17 am

Teeroy wrote: Anyone know why VW continued with 6 volt in some markets? As concerned as VW was about cost, why have two different systems?

Hi,
I'll honestly say I don't know but have some theories. Maybe others really know the answer?

My guess would be that if it ain't broke don't go fixing it? Is it cheaper to retool to produce a new product or keep the old proven technology?

That being said, when does it become more expensive to stock two types of electrical components and coordinate it's installation rather than just one standardized unit?

The 6 volt manufacturing process was probably paid for a decade or two ago so producing a 6 volt unit may have actually been cheaper than the "new" 12 volt assembly process with new financed equipment that had to be paid for?

Tradition? There was a day when virtually every car had just a 6 volt system in it and that new fangled 12 volt system just screwed everything up!

Why did British Leyland (BMC, whoever they ended up being in the end) hang onto Positive ground for all those years after it was obvious the rest of the world had gone to Negative ground?
Some things we'll probably never know.

Dave

Mon Jan 26, 2009 1:57 pm

All else equal, the 6V products will be cheaper (simpler battery with fewer cells, fewer windings in the starter and generator, etc). Also, dealers stocked the 6V stuff; it cost more to have twice the inventory when they switched over, so they delayed as along as the market tolerated it. Eventually the prevalence of 12V systems and the higher manufacturing quantities that overcame the former cost advantage of the 6V system meant it was cheaper to change.