65-67 bug front seat side panels

[Ghettoman]

Does anyone know the difference in size for the 65, 66 or 67 side panels for the front seat.
The 67 ones are about 18.5 inches long (curved measurement) but other ones are around 17. What year are these for?

[VOLKSWAGNUT]

65's didnt have them

66 for sure.. they were put into production with the the locking seat back.

Were the 67's you have from a mid to late 67?

Mid to late 67 seat lock latch system changed from lower handle to upper seat back handle.

Also later years high backs at some point between 68-71 the pivot hinge point of the seat back changed position.

Compare them matching the hinge cut out.

I have known 66's in stock.. Ill compare measurements as well.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=651343
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[viiking]

Looking up these part numbers might help:

Cover Plate - 116000001 to 1181016100 (that is all '66,67'68 )

LHS 113881315
RHS 113881316

From 119000001 on

LHS 113881315C
RHS 113881316C

Source: OACDP
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1968 1500 RHD Lotus White Beetle since birth. In the hospital for major surgery
1966 Lancia Flavia Pininfarina Coupe - in the waiting room
Discharged: 1983 Vanagon, 1974 1800 Microbus,1968 Low Light,1968 Type 3

[Ghettoman]

The seats are early 67 type and have the double spin clip on the inside to retain them on the seat frame. I wonder if the 17 inch long ones (shorter ones) are for the later model 67 seats with the side mechanism on the seat back. . Somebody spot welded mine in place and I had to practically destroy them to get to the area to weld the cracked seat back where it broke. I know these side plates were on the bugs from 66 on they just look different from 68 forward.
This photo is not mine it is from another person who I gratefully thank for letting me use it. My plate is the same as the one on the left at 18.5 inches long.

Also where does one look up a vw part number?

[REDKAFER]

I've got a pair I dont use. 66 vintage, red. Pay shipping and theyre yours. Ill get a photo up in a few minutes.

[REDKAFER]

To add confusion, I know for a fact these came off a '66 yet these are the approx. 17" variety you spoke of which based on your research doesnt compute... The bend at the front is rather malleable - any chance the "longer" variety just got a bit tweaked? No irreversible damage to the part - just some surface rust and dirt and scratched paint.

[Ghettoman]

The 18.5 inches is when you use a tape measure and include the bend. It is around 17 when using a straight edge. Thanks, I found a pair already but I appreciate the feedback. I think my original measurements were from a distorted photo from another member as it was taken from a angle and not straight on. (see original photo) thanks.

[viiking]

I measured my one as shown in the top photo of REDKAEFER's post. It is 18.5 inches following the contours.

My car is an early '68 (Euro with low back seats and seat release up on the backrest) and according to my earlier post, is the same one for 66,67 and 68 models.
_________________
1968 1500 RHD Lotus White Beetle since birth. In the hospital for major surgery
1966 Lancia Flavia Pininfarina Coupe - in the waiting room
Discharged: 1983 Vanagon, 1974 1800 Microbus,1968 Low Light,1968 Type 3