1961 One-Year-Onlies...

[potentvw]

Mannaxman. I have an all original Feb 61 that has the 2-rib front apron, so a March of 61 would have the same one. I also have 2 early 61's that have the 3-rib apron, they are both Aug 60 production. I am researching when VW changed from the 3-rib to the 2-rib and so far it looks like Sept 60 still had the 3-rib apron. The bug you are looking at may of had a front clip replacement, a used front apron replacement or has an aftermarket apron installed. The aftermarket front aprons are 3-rib but the stamping itself is not as "crisp" as an original, and it will also have a "teardropped" shaped hole for the hood cable guide to pass through, where as an original 3-rib will have an oval shaped slot. Aftermarket aprons also have 3-bolt holes for the latch. Original 3-ribs have 4. Hope this helps.

[MANNAXMAN]

Thanks for the info, potentvw. I don't think I ever would have noticed that hood cable hole difference. So in the pics below, the first 2 aprons are OG 3-rib aprons and the third is an aftermarket replacement, correct? (Yes, I know these are 1960 Bugs, not 1961's)

I don't think the front clip has been replaced, as the body and chassis #'s match, unless a PO took the time to remove the VIN plate and transfer it to the new clip. But I do think it's been hit before, based on what the seller told me. So a replacement apron, whether OG or aftermarket, is very likely.

[potentvw]

Correct. The first 2 aprons are original, late 60 and early 61. The third is aftermarket with that "teardropped" hole. Those two 60's look like good cars.

[MANNAXMAN]

[potentvw]

Mannaxman, I am waiting to hear back from some sources and hope to have some info. in the next few days. I will let you know.

[MANNAXMAN]

potentvw, I PMed Boom about his '61. He said it's a Nov. '60 car with a 2-finger apron. So it looks like, based on what you posted earlier, somewhere between Sept. and Nov. 1960 they switched from the 3-finger apron to the 2-finger apron. I'm still uncertain on how many mounting holes there should be for the hood latch though. I've seen ads in the classifieds for NOS (supposedly) aprons with 3 mounting holes and front clips with aprons that have 6 mounting holes.

EDIT: Boom said his front apron has only 3 mounting holes for the hood latch, similar to this one.

Re: the '61 I'm considering (it's a different '61 than the one I originally posted about, Jan. instead of Mar.), I may take another closer look at it today after work. I know it has had a rear clip replacement, and I suspect the apron has been replaced. But it wouldn't surprise me if the front clip has been replaced.

[potentvw]

Mannaxman, does Boom know for sure if his apron is original to his bug from new. The apron in your picture is a later 2 rib, like a 65 would have. It is the same as a later 61 would have, but slightly different. Look at where the hood cable guide tube passes through. See how the stamping around the large area of the teardropped opening has a small raised area above, and a small recessed area below the opening, compared to the right side hole.
On a later 61 with the 2 rib apron, this area should be flat, exactly like the right side. Everything else looks the same. This should be another way of checking to see if a later 61 has its original front apron.

[MANNAXMAN]

Here is one of the pics Boom sent me.

I did notice that area is not flat on a pic of a 65 front clip I saw in the forums. Can't tell in this pic, but in another pic he provided (wasn't able to post it), Boom's looks like it's flat where the cable comes through.

[potentvw]

Yup, that looks correct. If it is original from new to his car, then it looks like either Nov. 60 for sure, or maybe Oct 60 was the change because we know Sept 60 still had the 3 rib. Pretty cool! Do you know if Booms bug has the original hood? I am very curious if it is a 4-tab or a 3-pin flat emblem hood.

[MANNAXMAN]

[Greatballsoffire57]

Does anybody know when the rubber bungs on the Beetles door hinges went from two bungs to just one? I'm talking about where the screws attach the door to the body of the car on the pillar there are little plastic plugs to plug the holes. Which is correct for a pastel blue 1961 Bug, one bung or two?

[Boom]

I have the original hood and its a four tab.
the two holes ended in 61 I think, my buddies 62 has only one.
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[zozo]

[glutamodo]

That change for the hinge screws happened at chassis number 4671926 - April 28 1962

[zozo]

[glutamodo]

Yeah, yours and mine both! I can't remember now, I know somone here has one very close to my serial number, was it yours?

[zozo]

I don't recall ever posting it. I'll dig it up and do so.

[gitchesum]

[fitz57]

I have a 61 l380 sedan with the colored steering wheel gear shifter and grab handle. Where would i find how many of these were made and wonder how many have servived.

[kitcarson]

I may be getting this 1961, and looking to rescue it. Pretty rough but a cool year to rescue.