VIN Plate for true identification of bus type?

[InDaWeeds]

Can you determine the true identity of a bus purely from the VIN plate?

I have seen a bus for sale (Photos only) that looks to be a true 21 window bus.

However the M-code plate is missing. And no birth certificate. It has its VIN Plate type 24 with number etc. (Can I tell anything from this alone?)

It has all the key 21 metal, belly pans etc. and the roof looks like it has been on the bus since the factory looking at the overall paint fade/wear outside and in.

Any other key areas to look at to tell if it is real or clone? (I cannot get to see it in person)

Thanks
Mike.
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[srfndoc]

VIN plates can be swapped. The only for sure place is the stamped in VIN number (Chassis number). Although you could also weld in a new section here, that would be less likely to happen and more noticeable.

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[Erik G]

24 means it was a deluxe, 13 or 21 for that year. Doesn't specify
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[busdaddy]

All that stuff is easy to swap for someone with enough skills to weld in windows, etc.., I'd want to spend an hour in person with the bus on a hoist before buying anything like a deluxe, pics alone just won't do.
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[InDaWeeds]

Thanks!

The VIN number on the plate and the number stamped in the engine bay area match.
However like mentioned they could have been swapped, inserted, welded etc.

I knew the type 24 means deluxe, but again 13 or 21.

Anyone know of an area inside or outside the bus that would be only true for 21's and less likely to be modified by someone trying to create a clone?
_________________
Why pamper life's complexities
When the leather runs smooth
On the passenger seat ?

Rollerz Convention!

[slow36hp]

wiring tube on the frame
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1958 custom camper
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=483656
1957 oval
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1957 dd kombi
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[InDaWeeds]

Is that not covered by the belly pans?
_________________
Why pamper life's complexities
When the leather runs smooth
On the passenger seat ?

Rollerz Convention!

[slow36hp]

[InDaWeeds]

Thanks.
Anyone have good photos of this wire tube to look for?
_________________
Why pamper life's complexities
When the leather runs smooth
On the passenger seat ?

Rollerz Convention!

[olliehank47]

[InDaWeeds]

Does anyone see anything here that says this is a true 21 window bus?

_________________
Why pamper life's complexities
When the leather runs smooth
On the passenger seat ?

Rollerz Convention!

[InDaWeeds]

This is the VIN Plate from the 21 Window Bus. Looks like its missing some stamped numbers? ... Is this typical?

_________________
Why pamper life's complexities
When the leather runs smooth
On the passenger seat ?

Rollerz Convention!

[hazetguy]

looks like an id tag for a late '64 deluxe. type 24, vin number is the long number to the right.
i don't think any numbers are "missing". i think that's how they were stamped at that time.
i had an early '64 deluxe, almost exactly 100000 before that one.
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[busdaddy]

[InDaWeeds]

I hear what you are saying. Looks to be some poor patches here and there. However If the rest of the frame was in poor shape, wouldn't the belly pans be heavily corroded before the frame would suffer?
The rest of the bus per the current owner and supplied photos looks fairly solid.
Thoughts?
_________________
Why pamper life's complexities
When the leather runs smooth
On the passenger seat ?

Rollerz Convention!

[easy e]

I think deluxes had rear speaker mounts...
Reference thread

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Spreadsheet for Bus RPM, based on gearing & tire size (Excel format)
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[earlywesty]

[EverettB]

[InDaWeeds]

The pic posted with speaker holes looks like a 23 window bus. This 21 window has an extra roof brace/support circled in red. I have seen this on most 21 window buses.

I have no doubt this bus is a true 21 window after requesting extra photos of detailed areas. I will just have to order the Birth Certificate to prove for sure.

Anyone know of a way to expedite VW Birth Certificates? ... Anyone recently received one sooner than 6 months?

_________________
Why pamper life's complexities
When the leather runs smooth
On the passenger seat ?

Rollerz Convention!

[BarryL]