Help identifying front clip

[i55]

I have a front clip that I am trying to identify. It doesn't have holes for the overriders so I'm guessing it's a '55 or earlier model. Unfortunately the chassis number plate has been removed leaving only the body number. Is it possible to identify the year the clip was made from the body number?

[Zwitterkafer]

Ah, a trick question? 383147 is Feb '53 or Nov '56 according to Technical section here on the Samba, and the Bob Wilson book. Seems like the body numbers for Beetles reset in July '55. My guess would be Nov '56 because in Feb '53 the brake fluid reservoir was still attached to the master cylinder.
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"Criticism comes easier than Craftsmanship"
- Zeuxius, 400 BC

[i55]

Hmm... The clip was taken from a junkyard in Indiana so I wasn't expecting it to be a Euro model.

May I ask where I can find dates of manufacture for the body number?

[Zwitterkafer]

Top right of page, Technical / VIN / Chassis numbers.

BTW Welcome to The Samba!
_________________
"Criticism comes easier than Craftsmanship"
- Zeuxius, 400 BC

[i55]

I see. I always equated the chassis number to be the VIN number. Thanks for clarifying.

[i55]

I'm such an idiot. When I was looking at the technical page I was looking at Type 2 - which is for the bus and did not list any body numbers. I see under type 1 that it could be either an early '53 or late '56. I also looked at pictures in the owners manual for '53 and see what you mean by the brake reservoir.

Is there any other way to differentiate between '53 & '56? I have other photos.

[i55]

According to this thread the Made In Western Germany tag started mid-55.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=203077&highlight=made+in+western+germany

Since my clip has such a tag I am inclined to believe this clip is from a Euro '56 model.

[Zwitterkafer]

Common goof-up.....I also often forget to toggle between the Type2 and Type1 data listings.

Prior to Dec '53, the tool shelf had two raised ribs running right across it. When the brake fluid reservoir was moved there, the ribs were modified to allow for a flat mounting area for the reservoir. Two mounting studs were first used.

Yours has to be from '56. Also check the backside of where the bumper overrider support holes might have been in the apron, to see if someone welded them shut. It was a popular modification back in the day, to run Euro blades or <gasp> T-bar bumpers.

Another possibility is that someone just welded on a Euro apron. Check all welds for originality. If it is a true Euro, nice find! The bottom corners of the tool shelf look nice, where they usually kink if there was a frontend collision.
_________________
"Criticism comes easier than Craftsmanship"
- Zeuxius, 400 BC

[finster]

is another clue the paint? if that pale blue is the original - horizon blue introduced in 56
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"we're here on Earth to fart around" kurt vonnegut

nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect...

[i55]

Good point about the paint. As you can see the area that was behind the VIN plate is that color and I see no other evidence it was repainted.

Regarding whether the overrider holes were welded up, there is no evidence of such. While I don't see any evidence of a re-paint, I'm not sure the weld on the upper-left corner of the apron looks factory. Other opinions?

I was hoping to use this clip in restoring my March '55 bug. What differences should I expect between this clip and my '55?

[Zwitterkafer]

Progressive Refinements (body section) does not show any differences from '56 to March '55. IMO that clip should work nicely.
_________________
"Criticism comes easier than Craftsmanship"
- Zeuxius, 400 BC