Need help deciphering numbers for a '66 'vert...

[Busstom]

I need help determining if a buddy's '66 convertible has the original engine. I'm confused by the tables of available info in the technical section, so we're hoping some experts can shed light.

The VIN plate number is 156350138, and the engine number is 0173846. If it's not the original case, it certainly appears to have all the original components bolted to it. But the VINs and engine numbers in the technical archives don't even seem close.

Or is it that we need to be referencing the "chassis" number off the pan to correlate with the engine numbers from the table??
Thanks for any assistance!

Edit: from type2.com, perhaps a '64 Bus 1500 with no cam bearings?

[Cusser]

A 1966 engine would originally have been a 1300cc engine with a number starting with "F". Sounds like a 1200cc engine is in there.
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[Sharp64]

Pan and body numbers “should” match. The engine does appear to have started life as a 1500 based on the number. Good chance it’s a 1600 since from my understanding 1500 pistons have been NLA for awhile.
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[glutamodo]

No, that's an early 1500 block it sounds like. Assuming the engine number is under the generator stand, it would have come out of a type 2. Not really common to see those blocks re-used that much, they usually got pretty hammered by normal usage in Tranporters.
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[EverettB]

[Busstom]

Thanks everybody. If this engine is good (and it's believed to be), it might even be of some added value to someone restoring a '63 Bus...but that will be for the next owner to assess.

This car has been mothballed for a coupe decades, and since the owner also has a '78 'vert and my old '68 'vert, he's going to part ways.

We have no reason to believe that the pan and body don't match, but what still confuses me is that the table here (link below), under Beetle / VIN Chassis Numbers for 1966, doesn't list any chassis numbers starting with 15_, only 116 and 117, so it got me pondering whether convertible chassis numbers still carried the sedan format. Probably user error somewhere https://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/info/bugchassisdating.php

The car is a couple hours away from me, and about 45 minutes away from the current owner, so the VIN matching is delayed...but once it's road-worthy, it's going on sale.

[67ctbug]

Yes they use the same format.
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[Busstom]

Okay, thanks. I probably should've said "sequence."

So simply substitute the second '1' with a '5' (for convertible), and the remaining chassis numbers fall in line with the running sequence for ALL sedans of the given year...right? Okay

[67ctbug]

That's correct.
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'67 Beetle L41
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'73 914
'72 Dodge Wrecker
Go Cubs!
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[EverettB]

Yes, and it sort of says that at the top of the VIN page where it says they are prefixed by the model # from 1965-onward but maybe it's not as clear as it could be...

I'm totally open to new text if what is there is confusing.
If you have some input, PM me so I don't miss anything posted here in a thread
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[Busstom]

I appreciate your willingness to amend the preface info. After re-reading it and understanding it now, I do have an idea that may clarify the statement. I'll send you a PM.