Official SO42 Details and Changes

[srfndoc]

[von_hansel]

On the first page I had mentioned that fabrik numbers were sequential starting at "1" in 1965 and going until the end of split bus production in 1967.

However, there is an outlier when it comes to SO42s built for the New Zealand market.

This SO42 was built on 6.1.66 and has fabrik number "01". It is a tourist delivered bus with the home destination of New Zealand.

There is another New Zealand SO42 with fabrik number 3 that was built on 6.3.66

We know this is not specific to RHD kit as the below Australian SO42 has fabrik 4677

srfndoc aka Todd believes this might be due to CKD requirements in NZ.

Anyone else have a RHD SO42 from South Africa, New Zealand, or Australia that they wouldn't mind sharing their fabrik number and build date?
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[velvetgreen]

^^^ Interesting CKD theory on SO42's built in early 66' starting their own Fabrik Number's again at 001.

Another explanation might also be because SO42 kits for LHD and RHD are not swappable perhaps they restarted the numbering system?? Are there any known 65' RHD SO42's for comparison purposes?

[kintail]

Bakelite and Plastic handles. Using the NEATO data collected last century, the estimated date for this changeover was late March 1967.
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Scott

August 1954 Beetle Canadian Deluxe

[kintail]

One more question.

My Werke # 11101 had the poptop, roof rack, and tent. Could see the indents in the roof from the rack, no sign of a u-channel for the tent.

Was an early "bay" tent actually (much like the plastic handles) offered for the late splits? I had one that fit perfectly.
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Scott

August 1954 Beetle Canadian Deluxe

[von_hansel]

[von_hansel]

[kintail]

SO42 Westfalias were a rarity in Canada due to the high demand in the US. Most in Canada were ordered via the tourist delivery program, with more than a few brought back by armed forces personnel serving in West Germany. This was told to me by a long time VW Canada mechanic.

My '67 Westy was originally shipped to the US.
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Scott

August 1954 Beetle Canadian Deluxe

[Okie Adam]

[Clara]

[BarryL]

[velvetgreen]

I wonder what the fabrik number is on this RHD SO42 that is currently listed FS?


https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2610239

[von_hansel]

[AS350driver]

[oakman]

[von_hansel]

Adding this here as someone asked me about this several months back.

The screws that hold in the grey seal that goes around the inside of the pop top opening are 25mm long.
They are slotted with a dome head.
There are a total of 21 screws

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[AS350driver]

Is there any source for the mustard colored vinyl seat covering?

[von_hansel]

[EastWesty]

Hi

Have just purchased a 1965 SO42.I noticed that the Westy plate was on the Wardrobe,just thought it was in the wrong place.Checked and the Fabrik No was quite early.Also on the M Code it is dated in the Top left hand Corner 20th Jan 65.Have a couple of questions.Were all the Seat Materials Mustard,as these are Maroon and look to be original,are these correct?.Also would the interior lights be Clamshell style.Have attached a few pics.Btw why would you cut a hole in a unit to add speakers.(we all love music but why do that?).

Thanks.

[von_hansel]