Hello! Log in or Register   |  Help  |  Donate  |  Buy Shirts See all banner ads | Advertise on TheSamba.com  
TheSamba.com
 
Differences between 1955 & 1956 Oval Bug
Page: Previous  1, 2, 3, 4, 5  Next
Forum Index -> Beetle - Oval-Window - 1953-57 Share: Facebook Twitter
Reply to topic
Print View
Quick sort: Show newest posts on top | Show oldest posts on top View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
*Darren
Samba Member


Joined: July 29, 2013
Posts: 917
Location: MD
*Darren is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Jun 28, 2018 8:29 am    Post subject: Re: Differences between 1955 & 1956 Oval Bug Reply with quote

You might also search this engine finder thread and post there as well.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=597414&highlight=engine+finder

JMO,but to make things easier just look for a 1- case. I mean if you find a month correct great, but at first glance you say it's a 55 and all I know is the case should start 1- its not like I have the months series memorized.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
ZENVWDRIVER
Samba Member


Joined: November 07, 2008
Posts: 3340
Location: N.E. Oklahoma
ZENVWDRIVER is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Jun 28, 2018 2:09 pm    Post subject: Re: Differences between 1955 & 1956 Oval Bug Reply with quote

up to 3/55, even USA versions are my favorites as they have semaphores. After that with only Euro models having semaphores - April 55's begin the 1956 look... slowly, but surely.
Happy to say, my 3 ovals are what I call, the early ovals, with last-of-the-split features -
here's my 2 '55s

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

_________________
5/50, pastel green 11G - SOLD
8/50, gray 11A Beetle
6/52, pastel green 11C - SOLD
11/4/52, black Zwitter - SOLD to my little bro.
1954 Porsche, pre A, with VW 36 horse- SOLD
1/54, black 11C Beetle - TRADED
2/55 Iceland green Beetle, on a 1965 pan
3/55 113 Beetle, stratos silver
1955 Messerschmitt KR175 - SOLD, sadly
1960 single cab
1962 SO33, with SO 42 interior
9/63 Pacific blue, Ghia
'87 Toyota MR2
'02 WestFORDia E-150, GAVE TO OUR SON

All super-heroes, wear a MASK
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Larmo63
Samba Member


Joined: May 26, 2015
Posts: 338
Location: SoCal
Larmo63 is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Jun 28, 2018 8:58 pm    Post subject: Re: Differences between 1955 & 1956 Oval Bug Reply with quote

I'm going to piece and collect parts so that I can build a reasonably passable '55 engine for my car.

I'm on the hunt for 5L parts as we speak. (May '55)

Any help on what a good solid German roof rack is worth? It has the stamp, all there, original clamps, wing nuts, decal still hanging in there.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Keith
Samba Member


Joined: August 15, 2005
Posts: 3635
Location: Brodheadsville, PA
Keith is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Jul 02, 2018 9:36 pm    Post subject: Re: Differences between 1955 & 1956 Oval Bug Reply with quote

...
_________________
Formerly known in the forums as "OVALTEEN"

"I firmly believe that some villagers from Botswana could probably build a better road than PennDot."- Splitty

"If you do anything to your car someone will hate on you for it. People absolutely love to complain and find fault with others. Don't let it bother you. Just live and have fun."- Lind


Last edited by Keith on Tue Jul 03, 2018 6:27 am; edited 1 time in total
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
*Darren
Samba Member


Joined: July 29, 2013
Posts: 917
Location: MD
*Darren is offline 

PostPosted: Tue Jul 03, 2018 5:18 am    Post subject: Re: Differences between 1955 & 1956 Oval Bug Reply with quote

Keith wrote:
ZENVWDRIVER wrote:
.....April 55's begin the 1956 look...


You know already I’m sure, but April ‘55 did just begin the ‘56 look, it began the ‘56 model year.

I have an American spec bullet ‘55.


No it didn't. The 1956 model year began August 4, 1956. The April-July period while North American bugs got bullet fenders they still had batwings, straight shifters and ribbed doors earlier seats and H pattern upholstery, no cutout and single tip exhaust. 8-4, all that changed including the sunroof.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
motofly196
Samba Member


Joined: June 01, 2008
Posts: 1467
Location: Eastern WA
motofly196 is offline 

PostPosted: Tue Jul 03, 2018 6:05 am    Post subject: Re: Differences between 1955 & 1956 Oval Bug Reply with quote

That is true that early 55's share some of the same characteristics with a 56'. But I think every 55' owner agrees, that a TRUE 55' body style ended when the tail lights/ fenders/ semaphores ended. I have both an early 55' and a late 55. They are totally different cars.
Sitting side by side, it's really cool to see all the differences.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Keith
Samba Member


Joined: August 15, 2005
Posts: 3635
Location: Brodheadsville, PA
Keith is offline 

PostPosted: Tue Jul 03, 2018 6:25 am    Post subject: Re: Differences between 1955 & 1956 Oval Bug Reply with quote

*Darren wrote:
Keith wrote:
ZENVWDRIVER wrote:
.....April 55's begin the 1956 look...


You know already I’m sure, but April ‘55 did just begin the ‘56 look, it began the ‘56 model year.

I have an American spec bullet ‘55.


No it didn't. The 1956 model year began August 4, 1956. The April-July period while North American bugs got bullet fenders they still had batwings, straight shifters and ribbed doors earlier seats and H pattern upholstery, no cutout and single tip exhaust. 8-4, all that changed including the sunroof.


Yeah, I read that quick last night and thought is said Aug, LOL! I know all that, that’s why I also commented about having an American spec bullet ‘55.

Now I see what his comment was actually about.
_________________
Formerly known in the forums as "OVALTEEN"

"I firmly believe that some villagers from Botswana could probably build a better road than PennDot."- Splitty

"If you do anything to your car someone will hate on you for it. People absolutely love to complain and find fault with others. Don't let it bother you. Just live and have fun."- Lind
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
ZENVWDRIVER
Samba Member


Joined: November 07, 2008
Posts: 3340
Location: N.E. Oklahoma
ZENVWDRIVER is offline 

PostPosted: Tue Jul 03, 2018 11:44 am    Post subject: Re: Differences between 1955 & 1956 Oval Bug Reply with quote

*Darren wrote:
Keith wrote:
ZENVWDRIVER wrote:
.....April 55's begin the 1956 look...


You know already I’m sure, but April ‘55 did just begin the ‘56 look, it began the ‘56 model year.

I have an American spec bullet ‘55.


No it didn't. The 1956 model year began August 4, 1956. The April-July period while North American bugs got bullet fenders they still had batwings, straight shifters and ribbed doors earlier seats and H pattern upholstery, no cutout and single tip exhaust. 8-4, all that changed including the sunroof.


Darren, guess it all depends on what "begins the 1956 look" means to you... the date, you gave of August 4th for the 1956 model is 100% correct, right on.
To me, beginning in April 1955 VW slowly
Quote:
began
making the switch-over to fifty six features with the demise of semaphores and the intro of bullets... by and by other '56 features appeared on later, after April '55s... this is how Mr Zen organizes 1955s and is not necessarily the general view.
In my narrow view, post semaphore '55's are a hodge-podge of 55 and 56 parts and then, as you stated, true '56s began in August...
Again, in my narrow view, I have little interest in 4/55 to 57 Ovals, because
of the lack of semaphores and the intro of bullets... just me. I can't stand bullet fenders... of coarse, most view bullets as a later '55 part, whereas I view them as 1956 parts - i'm not telling anyone how to think, just how I do...
_________________
5/50, pastel green 11G - SOLD
8/50, gray 11A Beetle
6/52, pastel green 11C - SOLD
11/4/52, black Zwitter - SOLD to my little bro.
1954 Porsche, pre A, with VW 36 horse- SOLD
1/54, black 11C Beetle - TRADED
2/55 Iceland green Beetle, on a 1965 pan
3/55 113 Beetle, stratos silver
1955 Messerschmitt KR175 - SOLD, sadly
1960 single cab
1962 SO33, with SO 42 interior
9/63 Pacific blue, Ghia
'87 Toyota MR2
'02 WestFORDia E-150, GAVE TO OUR SON

All super-heroes, wear a MASK
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
motofly196
Samba Member


Joined: June 01, 2008
Posts: 1467
Location: Eastern WA
motofly196 is offline 

PostPosted: Tue Jul 03, 2018 6:32 pm    Post subject: Re: Differences between 1955 & 1956 Oval Bug Reply with quote

I'm on the same page as ZEN. I'm a firm believer that if it's got snowflake tail lights...it's a 56. Vw no doubt just used up their stock of seats, steering wheels, and other "55" items until Aug 4th. When the ALL new 56 was introduced. I think May 55' cars through Aug 4th are just as cool as early 55's.
Look how many very original late 55s have parts that they shouldn't have, even though Progressive Refinements specifies the date that the part was replaced.


Last edited by motofly196 on Wed Jul 04, 2018 8:52 am; edited 1 time in total
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Larmo63
Samba Member


Joined: May 26, 2015
Posts: 338
Location: SoCal
Larmo63 is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Jul 04, 2018 8:49 am    Post subject: Re: Differences between 1955 & 1956 Oval Bug Reply with quote

So, my late (May '55) sedan is not in fact a '55 car?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Keith
Samba Member


Joined: August 15, 2005
Posts: 3635
Location: Brodheadsville, PA
Keith is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Jul 05, 2018 9:44 am    Post subject: Re: Differences between 1955 & 1956 Oval Bug Reply with quote

Larmo63 wrote:
So, my late (May '55) sedan is not in fact a '55 car?


Jan 1st ‘55 to July 31st ’55 was the ‘55 model year. Aug 1st started the ‘56 model year and was the first year VW started the common Aug previous year to end of July current year for model years so an Aug ‘55 bug is a ‘56.

Your ‘55 should have ribbed doors, no exhaust cutouts on the rear apron, “H” patterned seats, ribbed window winders and interior door handles, straight shifter, heater knob behind the parking brake, “round” heater outlets on the floor, batwing steering wheel, big mouth gas tank, no rear kick panels under the rear seat, floor grommets/buttons for the floor mats, roller pedal, etc.
_________________
Formerly known in the forums as "OVALTEEN"

"I firmly believe that some villagers from Botswana could probably build a better road than PennDot."- Splitty

"If you do anything to your car someone will hate on you for it. People absolutely love to complain and find fault with others. Don't let it bother you. Just live and have fun."- Lind
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Larmo63
Samba Member


Joined: May 26, 2015
Posts: 338
Location: SoCal
Larmo63 is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Jul 05, 2018 8:44 pm    Post subject: Re: Differences between 1955 & 1956 Oval Bug Reply with quote

Keith wrote:
Larmo63 wrote:
So, my late (May '55) sedan is not in fact a '55 car?


Jan 1st ‘55 to July 31st ’55 was the ‘55 model year. Aug 1st started the ‘56 model year and was the first year VW started the common Aug previous year to end of July current year for model years so an Aug ‘55 bug is a ‘56.

Your ‘55 should have ribbed doors, no exhaust cutouts on the rear apron, “H” patterned seats, ribbed window winders and interior door handles, straight shifter, heater knob behind the parking brake, “round” heater outlets on the floor, batwing steering wheel, big mouth gas tank, no rear kick panels under the rear seat, floor grommets/buttons for the floor mats, roller pedal, etc.


My car has ALL of these attributes, but I'm being told it is considered a '56 model.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Keith
Samba Member


Joined: August 15, 2005
Posts: 3635
Location: Brodheadsville, PA
Keith is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Jul 06, 2018 9:11 am    Post subject: Re: Differences between 1955 & 1956 Oval Bug Reply with quote

Larmo63 wrote:
Keith wrote:
Larmo63 wrote:
So, my late (May '55) sedan is not in fact a '55 car?


Jan 1st ‘55 to July 31st ’55 was the ‘55 model year. Aug 1st started the ‘56 model year and was the first year VW started the common Aug previous year to end of July current year for model years so an Aug ‘55 bug is a ‘56.

Your ‘55 should have ribbed doors, no exhaust cutouts on the rear apron, “H” patterned seats, ribbed window winders and interior door handles, straight shifter, heater knob behind the parking brake, “round” heater outlets on the floor, batwing steering wheel, big mouth gas tank, no rear kick panels under the rear seat, floor grommets/buttons for the floor mats, roller pedal, etc.


My car has ALL of these attributes, but I'm being told it is considered a '56 model.


I don’t know by who, they are wrong. It is a ‘55. Last year for all that. ‘56 started the change. ‘55 was a change over year in many ways with the introduction of bullet turn signals and towel rail bumpers as standard, snow flake tail lights (mounted higher up to clear the new bumpers) a few months in for the American spec cars (all were carried over into the ‘56 model year), but it is a ‘55.

Also, because ‘54 and down were Jan to Dec production and ‘56 and up were Aug 1st ‘55 to ‘July 31st ‘56 which we’re full year productions for those models it makes ‘55 a short run being from Jan ‘55 to July 31st ‘55 and within those months there were the early ‘55’s that still had semaphores, heart tail lights or egg tail lights and euro bumpers and then late U.S spec ‘55’s that had the American spec features previously mentioned. ‘55 and down have the square 3 fold ragtop, ‘56 and up have the rounded 2-fold with the exception of early ‘56 that had a square/round 2 fold.
_________________
Formerly known in the forums as "OVALTEEN"

"I firmly believe that some villagers from Botswana could probably build a better road than PennDot."- Splitty

"If you do anything to your car someone will hate on you for it. People absolutely love to complain and find fault with others. Don't let it bother you. Just live and have fun."- Lind
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
ZENVWDRIVER
Samba Member


Joined: November 07, 2008
Posts: 3340
Location: N.E. Oklahoma
ZENVWDRIVER is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Jul 16, 2018 4:34 pm    Post subject: Re: Differences between 1955 & 1956 Oval Bug Reply with quote

Larmo63 wrote:
My car is a late May car (May 26th?) and is #1-0888630-. Body and pan #s match.

Ribbed doors, heater knob between seats, bullets, snowflakes...I'm going to go check my speedometer too, is this stamped or inked?

My question is; what does the number below the ID plates in the front trunk?

It appears #1 - 791958. Does this stamping have any significance?



... that's the body number - what body number do you have?
My Reed green, '55 is 733265 - 2/55
My Strato Silver is 747 714 - 3/55
both have semaphores, eggs, single exhaust, euro bumpers, heater behind the emergency brake, ribbed doors and inside handles - "early" 1955 with no
"later" '55/56 parts.
... has a wiper motor that does not auto-park. Is that normal> My 1950 was the same.
_________________
5/50, pastel green 11G - SOLD
8/50, gray 11A Beetle
6/52, pastel green 11C - SOLD
11/4/52, black Zwitter - SOLD to my little bro.
1954 Porsche, pre A, with VW 36 horse- SOLD
1/54, black 11C Beetle - TRADED
2/55 Iceland green Beetle, on a 1965 pan
3/55 113 Beetle, stratos silver
1955 Messerschmitt KR175 - SOLD, sadly
1960 single cab
1962 SO33, with SO 42 interior
9/63 Pacific blue, Ghia
'87 Toyota MR2
'02 WestFORDia E-150, GAVE TO OUR SON

All super-heroes, wear a MASK
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
BulliBill
Samba Member


Joined: July 09, 2004
Posts: 4554
Location: St Charles, MO
BulliBill is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Jul 19, 2018 9:43 am    Post subject: Re: Differences between 1955 & 1956 Oval Bug Reply with quote

motofly196 wrote:
I'm on the same page as ZEN. I'm a firm believer that if it's got snowflake tail lights...it's a 56. Vw no doubt just used up their stock of seats, steering wheels, and other "55" items until Aug 4th. When the ALL new 56 was introduced. I think May 55' cars through Aug 4th are just as cool as early 55's.
Look how many very original late 55s have parts that they shouldn't have, even though Progressive Refinements specifies the date that the part was replaced.


That's absurd logic! Your personal preferences or beliefs have no authority about what model year a car is. According to Volkswagen, (the ultimate authority here), the 1955 model year ended when the 1956 model year started on Aug 4th, 1955. Quit mis-informing folks with your "opinions". The 1955 model year includes both early and late 1955 cars, not solely your personal favorites. You have a right to your "opinions", but not to try to impose them as the new model year rule.

Bill Bowman
_________________
I'm looking for these license plate frames for my fleet:
Coeur D'Alene - Lake Shore Volkswagen
Mission VW - San Fernando
Thornton VW - Stockton

Thanks for any help!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website Gallery Classifieds Feedback
ZENVWDRIVER
Samba Member


Joined: November 07, 2008
Posts: 3340
Location: N.E. Oklahoma
ZENVWDRIVER is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Jul 20, 2018 11:18 am    Post subject: Re: Differences between 1955 & 1956 Oval Bug Reply with quote

BulliBill wrote:
motofly196 wrote:
I'm on the same page as ZEN. I'm a firm believer that if it's got snowflake tail lights...it's a 56. Vw no doubt just used up their stock of seats, steering wheels, and other "55" items until Aug 4th. When the ALL new 56 was introduced. I think May 55' cars through Aug 4th are just as cool as early 55's.
Look how many very original late 55s have parts that they shouldn't have, even though Progressive Refinements specifies the date that the part was replaced.


That's absurd logic! Your personal preferences or beliefs have no authority about what model year a car is. According to Volkswagen, (the ultimate authority here), the 1955 model year ended when the 1956 model year started on Aug 4th, 1955. Quit mis-informing folks with your "opinions". The 1955 model year includes both early and late 1955 cars, not solely your personal favorites. You have a right to your "opinions", but not to try to impose them as the new model year rule.

Bill Bowman


... gee Bill, usually appreciate your opinions - pretty harsh this time... appreciate Motofly196's opinions also - all opinions welcome, by me.
_________________
5/50, pastel green 11G - SOLD
8/50, gray 11A Beetle
6/52, pastel green 11C - SOLD
11/4/52, black Zwitter - SOLD to my little bro.
1954 Porsche, pre A, with VW 36 horse- SOLD
1/54, black 11C Beetle - TRADED
2/55 Iceland green Beetle, on a 1965 pan
3/55 113 Beetle, stratos silver
1955 Messerschmitt KR175 - SOLD, sadly
1960 single cab
1962 SO33, with SO 42 interior
9/63 Pacific blue, Ghia
'87 Toyota MR2
'02 WestFORDia E-150, GAVE TO OUR SON

All super-heroes, wear a MASK
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
ZENVWDRIVER
Samba Member


Joined: November 07, 2008
Posts: 3340
Location: N.E. Oklahoma
ZENVWDRIVER is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Jul 20, 2018 1:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Vw1200DeLuxe wrote:
vwclap wrote:
bdub475 wrote:
Depends on what month in 55 it was made. A late 55 shares all the same parts as a 56.

Late 55 from August are 56 model... Smile


ohh...my car was made in july of 1955...i think i have to buy "some" new parts because my all parts good for the later oval bug Crying or Very sad


7/55 - to be fair, while this is STILL A GENUINE '55, it really has a mixture of 1955 and 1956 type parts... we all should go over them and you'll see an interesting mix, this late in the 1955-game.
i can look in my copy of Car of the Century for more exactness - i saw a copy of volume one in the classifieds. for a C-note... is worth close in my opinion.
_________________
5/50, pastel green 11G - SOLD
8/50, gray 11A Beetle
6/52, pastel green 11C - SOLD
11/4/52, black Zwitter - SOLD to my little bro.
1954 Porsche, pre A, with VW 36 horse- SOLD
1/54, black 11C Beetle - TRADED
2/55 Iceland green Beetle, on a 1965 pan
3/55 113 Beetle, stratos silver
1955 Messerschmitt KR175 - SOLD, sadly
1960 single cab
1962 SO33, with SO 42 interior
9/63 Pacific blue, Ghia
'87 Toyota MR2
'02 WestFORDia E-150, GAVE TO OUR SON

All super-heroes, wear a MASK
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Dan22
Samba Member


Joined: August 30, 2019
Posts: 450
Location: Battle Ground, WA
Dan22 is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Jan 06, 2023 5:23 pm    Post subject: Re: Differences between 1955 & 1956 Oval Bug Reply with quote

Here is what I know about the difference between a late 1955 and a fresh 1956. Cool In re-reading the original thread, I have just not seen a complete list of the differences. Well here it is!

1. Heater channels/heater vent location and type (louvered)
2. Dome light switches and mounting hole in A-pillar
3. Doors and handles and panels, regulator, wing window and latches
4. Door check rods
5. B-pillar shape (no wedges) and door latch.
6. Inner metal panels at rear seat left and right, and interior trim panel, seat support.
7. Lower part of luggage bay at rear seat (sloped).
8. Shifter
9. Heater control
10. E-brake handle and cables, cover plate @ front.
11. Floor pans and seat rails
12. Hood
13. Deck lid inside stamp shape/wire route
14. Wiring harness
15. Fuse box location
16. Hood release tube route
17. All Seats
18. Steering wheel
19. Spare tire well/wiring tabs
20. Fuel tank and tap
21. Rear apron
22. Jack retaining clip added
23. Sunroof design
24. Trunk wiring cover tabs/wing nuts
25. Engine differences (oil fill, muffler, air filter, fuel pump, generator pulley & nut, etc)
26. Rear wheel well pressings at the seat.

Note US bullet version, June 1955: Tail light position is the same as 1956.

I am sure I am missing some items but this is a big list and in my opinion clearly and significantly highlights model year revisions. I am 99.9% certain of these items as I have a late 1955.

If I discover other differences, I can include them here! The Progressive Refinements does not even have this much detail.


_________________
1-0900722 die langsame grόne Schildkrφte
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=765074


Last edited by Dan22 on Sat Jan 07, 2023 1:50 pm; edited 2 times in total
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
AlteWagen
Troll


Joined: February 23, 2007
Posts: 8497
Location: PNW
AlteWagen is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Jan 06, 2023 10:05 pm    Post subject: Re: Differences between 1955 & 1956 Oval Bug Reply with quote

I think the hood prop is the same through 57
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

_________________
Grapes of Wrath $200 Engine Rebuild
Official Dual Carb Thread
Cylinder Head Quick Reference Sheet
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Facebook Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Kjell Roar
Samba Member


Joined: December 08, 2008
Posts: 1325
Location: Norway
Kjell Roar is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Jan 07, 2023 4:29 am    Post subject: Re: Differences between 1955 & 1956 Oval Bug Reply with quote

Dan22 wrote:
Here is what I know about the difference between a late 1955 and a fresh 1956. Cool In re-reading the original thread, I have just not seen a complete list of the differences. Well here it is!

1. Heater channels/heater vent location and type (louvered)
2. Dome light switches and mounting hole in A-pillar
3. Doors and handles and panels, regulator, wing window and latches
4. Door check rods
5. B-pillar shape (no wedges) and door latch.
6. Inner metal panels at rear seat left and right, and interior trim panel, seat support.
7. Lower part of luggage bay at rear seat (sloped).
8. Shifter
9. Heater control
10. E-brake handle and cables, cover plate @ front.
11. Floor pans and seat rails
12. Hood
13. Deck lid inside stamp shape/wire route
14. Wiring harness
15. Fuse box location
16. Hood release tube route
17. All Seats
18. Steering wheel
19. Spare tire well/wiring tabs
20. Fuel tank and tap
21. Rear apron
22. Jack retaining clip added
23. Sunroof design
24. Trunk wiring cover tabs/wing nuts
25. Engine differences (oil fill, muffler, air filter, fuel pump, generator pulley & nut, etc)

Note US bullet version, June 1955: Tail light position is the same as 1956.

I am sure I am missing some items but this is a big list and in my opinion clearly and significantly highlights model year revisions. I am 99.9% certain of these items as I have a late 1955.

If I discover other differences, I can include them here! The Progressive Refinements does not even have this much detail.



The 56 YM got a "new" body, for faster production & because all the old pressings/dyes where worn out. They reduced the production time from 180 hours to 100 hours /car Smile
_________________
I got a historic car, every scratch got a history...

My car, Aug. 4th, 1955 / an early 56: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=610438
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Display posts from previous:   
Reply to topic    Forum Index -> Beetle - Oval-Window - 1953-57 All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Page: Previous  1, 2, 3, 4, 5  Next
Page 4 of 5

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

About | Help! | Advertise | Donate | Premium Membership | Privacy/Terms of Use | Contact Us | Site Map
Copyright © 1996-2023, Everett Barnes. All Rights Reserved.
Not affiliated with or sponsored by Volkswagen of America | Forum powered by phpBB
Links to eBay or other vendor sites may be affiliate links where the site receives compensation.