53 Zwitter Questions.

[cmdog73]

Been looking for a 53 Zwitter an was wanting to get more info on them. There are quite a few questions I need to get answered, like correct engine size, was it a 25 or 36 horse? 3 or 4 tab hood? 15 or 16 inch wheels?Regular blade bumpers or stamped rib bumpers?Snowflakes or heart taillights?Any info you can give me on finding a correct 53 Zwitter will help me a ton.Never owned a VW this old so I never really needed to do the research.Thanks for your time guys.

[Wap]

Hi!
I am the proud owner of a 53 zwitter in Sweden (not for sale...) and my opinion about some of your questions is this:
Engine size should be 25 hp.
15 inch wheels.
Regular blade bumpers (oval style).
Heart taillights.

/Patrik

[icekoffee]

Look at you. After something early now
_________________
1953 Zwitter
1956 Dove Blue Kombi
1956 Oval Rag
1958 Patina Beetle EJ25
1959 23 Window
1961 Rag Beetle
1961 Kombi
1963 Doubleturd
1964 Lifted Mouse Grey Standard
1965 Standard Walkthru
1967 21 Window
1968 Double Bubble
1970 Beetle
1973 Beetle
1983 GTI

[bwaz]

look at the topic below...

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=448774

there's a fair bit of discussion about what's right and wrong with one for sale

or these
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=240961
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=45555
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=391519

[cmdog73]

So what about the tranny, would that be a crashbox or a splitcase?Steering wheel would have been a batwing right?How do determine the year of the fenders?Still need the question answered on the hood also, should it be a 3 or 4 tab hood?

[D. Haviland]

split case non syncro 1st. My oct 52 has a three tab hood with solid VW emblem. I've heard some 53s had the 4 tab type.

[bwaz]

x2 (me too)

[aa390392]

Mine had mohair upolstery.
_________________
.
getting grumpy & less tolerant!


55 ragtop
56 delux sedan
56 Kabriolet

[volksfahrer]

[bwaz]

i think it's more "ovals came with late split dashes!"

[InDaWeeds]

Could an early zwitter, sept 52 have come with 16" wheels from the factory?
_________________
Why pamper life's complexities
When the leather runs smooth
On the passenger seat ?

Rollerz Convention!

[Zwitter]

Unless you have one SUPER rare car, there were no Sept Zwitters.
I am unaware of any Zwitter ever having 16 inch wheels.
My car-1-397529 was built about the second day of production and has the original riveted 15 inch wheels.

[InDaWeeds]

I know of a car 1-0399019 that I thought was Sept 52?
It has 16" rims that i was told have been with the car since new?
Whatcha think? ......added at a later date?
_________________
Why pamper life's complexities
When the leather runs smooth
On the passenger seat ?

Rollerz Convention!

[InDaWeeds]

Body number stamped below VIN plate reads 339 181
Am I reading the VIN wrong? ....what month, year is this car?
_________________
Why pamper life's complexities
When the leather runs smooth
On the passenger seat ?

Rollerz Convention!

[kdf38]

Both numbers are October 1952.

Most of the time the numbers are the last unit built for the month.

I'd like to know exactly what day it was built.

Mike

[templeofspeed]

I restored a standard Zwitter 3994XX (Oct 7) body number 338864 and it was a 15" car. All rims were dated 6/52.

[InDaWeeds]

Thanks for the info. So the car must be a mid to late Oct 52.
The engine number is 1-0656357. Is this a 53 motor. I'm thinking its not numbers matching.
_________________
Why pamper life's complexities
When the leather runs smooth
On the passenger seat ?

Rollerz Convention!

[bugman56]

my 52 also came with 15's
_________________
1956 semaphored ragtop deluxe

[vw356]

I can't read my chassis number very well, but it looks like 387190 and my body number is 337517 for sure and both are showing to be september '52..When did zwitters start exactly? I can't say what rims are correct, but I can say that it has the earlier split hood,oval fenders,heart tail lights and pretty much looks like my '54 except for the start button and rear window.My car is original except for the running gear and some guys cut the rear parcel area out and put a '54 one in.Since my car is so early, is it supposed to have an access plate over the tranny?
Thank You.

[bwaz]