TheSamba.com :: View topic - 1958 Swedish Beetle

Thu May 15, 2025 3:10 pm

I have been on an adventure to try and get semaphores back on the beetle. so far I am 50% of the way there.
I have issues with one as it is missing a few parts and was super bent. I spent the last 5hrs trying to rebuild and find a way to make it work.

Would any one know where I can get a cone spring that fits on shaft to hold the lens over so it doesn't move.
This is the spring I am after.

I swapped over the lens.

Trying to straighten out the mount and also it didn't catch with some sandpaper. The bore was extremely far out.

Mon May 19, 2025 12:00 pm

For a lot of early Swedish beetle's it was mandatory to have 2 reflectors on the back of the car. It is something my beetle has been missing. I was lucky enough to source some from the Netherlands recently.

I was basing the mount off a few pictures I have seen online and phots i have taken of other Swedish import cars.

I managed to knock up a few brackets this evening. I am yet to drill as I am waiting on the reflectors to gauge the height. The gauge is a bit thinner but seems to be quiet stiff.

If any one has some more information on them that would be greatly appreciated.

Tue May 20, 2025 3:02 am

Jeez, 65 Euros is a bit steep for what it is! They don't seem to be that scarce if I look at Beetles here in South Africa.

Wed May 21, 2025 12:52 am

scarabee wrote: Jeez, 65 Euros is a bit steep for what it is! They don't seem to be that scarce if I look at Beetles here in South Africa.

Did South Africa have the same rules as Sweden in the 50s for the twin reflectors? It would be great to see some photos. `

I had been searching for the Swedish (mid-late50s) specific reflectors for the last 8 months and had not found any that were the same in UK & EU. Id id see some in the US but they were priced much higher.

Some of the early split beetles had them mounted on the rear fenders near the tail lights.

Wed May 21, 2025 7:25 am

Those look really similar to bicycle reflectors from the 60s or 70s, I'm guessing you can find something close enough for far less than 65 Euros. An NOS reflector for my 72 Schwinn Breeze was like ten bucks shipped on eBay and there were several to choose from.

Tue May 27, 2025 2:15 pm

vwuberalles wrote: Those look really similar to bicycle reflectors from the 60s or 70s, I'm guessing you can find something close enough for far less than 65 Euros. An NOS reflector for my 72 Schwinn Breeze was like ten bucks shipped on eBay and there were several to choose from.

I did have a look for some alternatives whilst I sourced the originals but nothing was exactly what I wanted. I was just lucky enough to be speaking with someone at the right time to get them. In terms of 65 EUR for the right part that is correct for my car I am happy with that.

I polished the fronts, rust converted and painted the backs so it doesn't deteriorate any further.

I will need to get some thicker gauge medal for the mounts but that will be a future project. At least i have some now I can use a s a template.

Sun Jun 01, 2025 12:56 am

I’ve just caught up with this project having been absent for a little while. I’m really impressed with what you’ve done since I last viewed the thread. It is so good to see that in the world where we live now where a three year old cars are getting scrapped because of their unreliability, a 67 year old car not only looks good but is able to traverse to Europe without any problems.

It might be black, but in many ways it’s a green machine :D

Thu Jun 05, 2025 2:23 pm

Redfox86 wrote: I’ve just caught up with this project having been absent for a little while. I’m really impressed with what you’ve done since I last viewed the thread. It is so good to see that in the world where we live now where a three year old cars are getting scrapped because of their unreliability, a 67 year old car not only looks good but is able to traverse to Europe without any problems.

It might be black, but in many ways it’s a green machine :D

Thanks, I was super surprised when we made it to Belgium and back with little to no problems. Especially after it sat for so long not being used. Cant wait to get back over there for a few more shows and holidays.

Thu Jun 05, 2025 2:32 pm

Managed to get some 6v Flashing LED bulbs for the semaphores. Spent the evening fitting them. You need to remove the semaphore to place the bulb in as it wont fit through the original slot.

I am having trouble with one not working too well. I think it is not receiving the full 6v or the bulb needs to be put in a certain way. It was working fine with the normal globe. Is this a common issue when installing the LED bulbs?

I have a 80s Hella bulb holder that I keep all my spares in. This sits in the glovebox for emergencies.

Finished up the evening tightening the fan belt and doing some tidying up.