1959 or 1960 bug.

[Kilcollins]

I have bug registered as a 1960. The vin starts with 277 which says it was made in nov 59. The front fender wells are more rounded where as another 60 bug made late 1960 are more square. It has a hump style gas tank with no gas gauge. The transmission mount was the one year only 1960 ( hard to find one). I am looking for front clip and not sure if my car is a 59 or 60.

Any help to figure this out would be appreciated.

[Aynthm]

1959 (1 Jan 59 to 31 Dec 59)
Chassis 2,226,207 - 2,801,613
Engine 2,721,314 - 3,424,453

Outer front suspension control arm bushings become needle rollers.
Frame reinforced for more strength.
Anti sway bar added.
Improved fan belt.
Stronger clutch springs.


1960 (1 Jan 60 to 31 Dec 60)
Chassis 2,801,614 - 3,192,506
Engine 3,424,454 - 3,912,903

Recessed steering wheel for safety.
Steering damper.
Steering box is worm-and-peg instead of worm and roller.
Generator increased from 160 to 180 watts (26.5 to 30 amps).
Outside door handles now push button (was pull type).
Padded sun visor.
Seat back re-contoured.
Wolfsburg crest on front hood has less colour.
Last year for semaphores in Europe, Canada, Australia.

[VOLKSWAGNUT]

^ Thats not quite accurate... up there..

Beginning in August, 1955, the VW model years began in August of the previous year.
Example: Aug., 1955=1956 model.

So... for example
a 1959 model year.. you actually consider August 1 1958 through July 31 1959.

Same month range for a 1960

1959 = 2020303 - 2528282
1960 = 2528283 - 3204566

So a Vin which starts with 277**** is a 1960.
Built December 1959

^ Numbers in the chart are the LAST unit produced in a given month..

Front clips 1958 (and a little earlier) - to the end of 1960 production will match what you have.

.

.
_________________
aka Ken {o\!/o}
Its your vehicle- stop askin' for approval-do what YOU like for cryin' out loud
Better to roll em' how you want and wear em' out-than lettin' em' rot out
Its about the going not the showing
Rebuilt to drive not decorate
WANTED: Local Eatin' Joints, Triple D for TheSamba contributions here http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=570510
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Usually and often edited

[panicman]

Almost! One minor but significant difference...

The shape is the same; same gas tank, same brake fluid res, same VIN area. BUT- headlight wiring changed. So, you could use late 57-60 and it would fit perfectly, but:

57, 58, 59- headlight wiring harness travels down through the spare tire area, visible in the spare well, held down by metal tabs. (I believe there are holes in the pressings of the front clip down near the bottom of the well)

60- headlight wiring enters a hole at the front driver side corner of the gas tank, travels behind the spare tire well, and emerges on the other side. (No holes in the pressings, but the pressings are still present)

This finite detail may not matter, but is worth considering if you are being choosier about year-correctness.

1959, tabs for wire harness present:

Here you can see the wires:

_________________
Plate of shrimp

[Aynthm]

http://www.vw-resource.com/years.html

Origin of my last post.

[VOLKSWAGNUT]

[57BLITZ]

[RareAir]

Starting in Aug 1955, US market implemented the "model year" which is still in use today. Basically runs from Aug-July

European Countries still use the traditional "calendar year" method which typically runs January - Dec
_________________
1947 Typ 11a
1954 Typ 117
1956 Typ 151
1959 Typ 117
1959 Typ 265
1961 356B
1966 Typ 151
1966 Typ 241

[VOLKSWAGNUT]