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Tue Mar 04, 2003 5:06 pm

I just purchased my first VW. It's a 1968 Bug Convertible. Where do I locate the VIN and chassis numbers? any other numbers I should be looking for?? Sorry for the dumb question, but I'm new at this. Thanks!

Tue Mar 04, 2003 5:40 pm

on the tunnel below the back seat

Tue Mar 04, 2003 5:42 pm

The VIN is located on the chassis under the back seat right in the centre...it's stamped into the top of the tunnel. It may also be on the dash at the left side right next to the windshield on a little black plate, although I've forgotten what years have that VIN plate.

Sometimes it can also be on an ID plate under or beside the spare tire. Your number should be 118xxxxxx, ie. 9 digits with the third indicating a '68 model. The VIN and chassis number are the same, although the engine has it's own number located on the generator pedestal.

Tue Mar 04, 2003 11:30 pm

I thought so, but now I am thoroughly confused! The number on the top of the tunnel reads "158933992". My pink slip from DMV says it's a '68. What am I missing here?

Wed Mar 05, 2003 7:55 pm

Sorry Mike, I forgot that your's is a convertible. The 118xxxxxx is for (the 1960's decade) standard beetle with 138xxxxxx being a Super Beetle and 158xxxxxx being a convertible. Neil.

Wed Mar 05, 2003 10:19 pm

Whew thanks! So my VIN number is correct. What a relief. I thought a had a chop job on my hands. Thanks again!

Thu Mar 06, 2003 7:36 pm

You're welcome! I also should have mentioned that Super Beetles were only made for '71-'79, for those wondering about those VIN#, the Super Beetle would have 138 followed by seven additional numbers.

Thu Mar 06, 2003 10:40 pm

Errr - sorry speirsn, but those numbers don't work.

There were no supers in 1968, so the number 138,xxx,xxx is not possible.

The supers were made from 71 to 75 inclusive (dropped in 76) - not 79 as you thought.

The 71 and 72 superbugs have flat windscreens and the same chassis numbers as the standard bugs - 111,2xxx,xxx and 112,2xxx,xxx

The 4th digit "2" means "2nd decade of this numbering system", and it turns to the 3 at the 1 million mark.

The 73-75 curved screen superbugs have there own number series 133,2xxx,xxx 134,2xxx,xxx and 135,2xxx,xxx

From 1980 the numbering system changed to include a third digit "letter" for the year.

11A,xxx,xxx for 1980
11B,xxx,xxx for 1981 and so on.

Rob
Rob and Dave's aircooled VW pages
Repairs and maintenance for the home mechanic
http://www.geocities.com/aussiebug1970/