The Stamped M Code and Factory Paint Mark Topic

[Tram]

In the interest of ever more correct restorations of our Type 3s, the Disciple and I were tearing into a project the other day and got to talking about how nice it would be able to preserve or re- create factory stamped M codes, EA codes, and other codes like I.O. on powdercoated fan housings. We were working on a car with codes M236 and M249. I suddenly remembered that Mrs. Disciple does stencils on vinyl for custom signs, so I asked the Disciple to check with her about producing some M codes.

Well, Mrs. D. must be a knower of things, because she took one look at those M codes and said "Those are rubber stamps, and I can have them made for you!"

The hell of it is, it's just as expensive to make a bunch as it is to make a couple. So, the homework assignment for you warped Type 3 bastids this week is to go out and look at your fan housings, and tell me what's printed on 'em... and what the engine code is that they're on. There are occasionally "EA" codes, too- I have no idea what they mean.

The second part of this subject that we need examples of is factory paint marks. Power wash your front beam and rear sub frame and you'll see 'em- Yellow, red, blue, orange, white- sort of like this:

And this:

Not to mention this:

What would be even better would be to find out what this stuff means.

Let's see some pics, and dimensions of the letters/ paint marks would be great, too. In the Mercedes world, I can look at a coil spring and know by the paint marks what thickness of spring insulators it takes, where the lower spring cup should be adjusted, and whether it's a "heavy duty" spring or not... but on this stuff I really have no idea behind the meaning. I'm sure it's in some DIN code legend someplace in a dusty archive.

Let's see what we can come up with, and if the Disciple and I can get some stamps and color charts going, we can repro this stuff for you for that factory correct next- level detail...



Yeah, this is anal- retentive type shit, but so what? This stuff is the difference between "Nice resto" and "WOW!!!".
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[Slow 1200]

now this is the kind of topic I like

My car is an all original euro-spec 71 automatic fastback (dual carb T engine), the fanhousing has a white M249 marking, and I recently discovered on the right side of the rear subframe a white inscription that read something like A/L/TL, I'll try to take a picture of it later this week

[Slow 1200]

as for the meaning of those, I assume at that time they'd have different subframes so they would be marked according to the car they'd go to (do variants have reinforced subframes?) I do know that M263 would give you an extra-payload swing axle squareback (even after 69) so that would need a different subframe for sure

[vlad01]

I have seen various markings, most looked like indicators to whether a fastener has come or is coming loose. some number here and there.

[vlad01]

[Slow 1200]

nope, it's a swing axle squareback, it was obviously a not very popular option, but parts book and catalogues confirm this

[vlad01]

[Slow 1200]

according to the parts book it's the same frame as all 61-68 variants (with framehorns, no IRS brackets)

[vdubin]

Here is the number i found on my shock tower.
A 69 squareback.

[ataraxia]

Very interesting topic...I'll have to check mine out when I pull it off the pan this weekend. So far, all I've seen is the front beam paint in the middle of the top of the beam. The fan shroud (black one) has been replaced on the original motor, so there's nothing on it.

[rustyfastback]

I have an original engine out of a '63 type 343 ghia with the numbers 341 stamped on the fan housing. Most of the shrouds have an M###. Thought this was kinda odd.

[Ottonotch]

Tram ,Would this be one of the paint markings your talking about? Its under my rear seat bottom. I will be starting my build thread very soon(just need to take a few more pictures),and actually it will be a rejuvination thread because its still all original and never been restored and i will roll with it as is,Just refreshening up all the mechanicals,because it will be driven.

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'63 gulfblue notch
'67 13 window deluxe

[Tram]

[Tram]

[Tram]

[Pelle]

[Tram]

[KTPhil]

Examples form the gallery:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=26908

[KTPhil]

Yellow paint on front axle.

I assumed it meant it was to a certain assembly/inspection state (i.e., lubed, bearings installed, etc.).

Interesting topic, especially for the shroud. I thoughtlessly painted mine a few years ago and would like to restore the markings.

[Slow 1200]