Frankenstien Bus - ID Vents...

[Cebu]

Every since I got my panel bus I've tried to figure out what year the rear vents are. The rear end parts have been swapped out during its lifetime.

I can't figure out the 10 Outward vents. My 67' MicroBus has 10 Inward vents but I've never seen 10 out. Is this a transplant part(s) from Brazil or other manufacturing location?

I checked David Eccles "Specification Guide" and Laurence Meredith "Original VW Bus". I looked at every split bus at the recent Kelly Park VW event at San Jose, CA. and didn't see any that had the same 10 vent outward configuration.

The bus has bit and pieces of a 67' which it is registered as. The gas door is has a church key, front blinkers have been shaved. This is not an original bus. LOL!

Any insight would be appreciated.

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1967 Microbus, 1967 Panel Bus.
"All I need are big dreams and open highways"

[EeVeeWee]

Maybe this one is just welded inside out?

[Cebu]

YOU'RE RIGHT!!

After reading your response I had to get up from bed and go check. Both vents in place have been welded in. I would have never thought of that!

Based on what you can see of the exterior, what year does my bus closest resemble? The tail lights have the correct hole for the lens. The front blinkers have been shaved, I can see the metal plate that was put in place from the inside.

I was thinking 61'sh. The engine door latch does not match with the receiver. In fact, I bought a tin thinking it was a 67' and it about fell through the open section.

Thank you again for figuring out the vents, I really appreciate it!

[ronjonlasvegas]

It looks like a 1963 to me as it has the narrow rear hatch + thin lipped dog legs + lipped rear wheel wells. We would need to see more photos of the interior showing the dash and the inside showing the back of the headlight buckets and the front seat and mounts. Does it have an M code plate still on the bulkhead?
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September 1964 Standard Sunroof walk through SWR/BG original paint.

[chgrec]

My 63 panel has outward vents and they appear to be original and not welded in...

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Life's to short to drive a boring car!

Follow my latest project: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=668542&highlight=

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[mandraks]

[type2rescuemaine]

[chgrec]

[campingbox]

the vents went from innies to outies partway through the 63 model year, at ~ VIN 1 080 xxx
They went from 9 outies to 10 outies.

[EmpiGT]

[BarryL]

[Clara]

[Cebu]

Sorry for the delay...

I've included a few photos. I have both plates and the M-Code indicates May 30, 1967 as the build date.

The ignition keyhole has been relocated to the left side dash. There is a toggle switch where it normally goes that I've yet had a chance to trace the wiring. The front seats are from a newer year. It looks to be early 70, like a 71'. The rear view mirror is mounted center on the stem, no offset.

Check out the rear hatch and where it meets the receiver is below. They do not match up. My 67' MicroBus has an L-bracket for latching. The is a totally different configuration, earlier year than 1967. The T handle doesn't looks closes to a 61' and below.

The rear tail light holes are round, my 67' MicroBus tail light cut out is more elongated. I checked if the holes were plated over and then cut out for the round tail lights and they are stock.

I included photos of my 67' MicroBus engine bay for reference.

In general, it looks to me closer to a 61'. I'll take more photos of the requested areas when I get an opportunity.

Thanks again for all the help fellas. Much appreciated!

[Clara]

Small hatch - up through 63 through VIN 1 144 xxx
flared wheel arch and thin doglegs... model year 63 and later, from VIN 971 xxx

It's a 63, from that pic ^^^^

But.....the dash looks like a 67 with the bigger radio hole.
The speedo pod is rounded... that is 62 and later
The front doors are the push button handle kind with door props. Square holes at top of doors are mid 66 through 67
i think I can see the heater grills under the dash... 4/64-67

I'd say it was part 67 (up front) with the backside of an earlier bus.
Look for where the welding was done.

Taillight holes can be altered, engine lid and apron bolted on.
What is the VIN to the right of the apron?

[Cebu]

Hi Clara, based on your assessment I officially declare I have 63/67' panel bus!

Thank you for pointing out those details. I've tried reading everything I can find and came up short. I tried reading the VIN before near the battery tray and it's so old, rusty and wrinkled I can't even see any parts of it. I'm good with my Frankenstein bus, I dig it.

If I order a 1963 engine apron do you think my hatch would mate up and latch? I'd be happy with that, I'm not trying to restore to original configuration.

Again, thank you again Clara. I'm learning a lot here.

[Clara]

[Cebu]

Clara, I had to google "FWIW"

It seems all I need to do is weld a new latch piece in and straighten out the bent apron areas. The crank hole threw me off. Until you pointed it out I thought it was part of the mounting mechanism that was not used.

I ordered the missing tin piece then realized I was missing the seal too. That's part is being sent. I'll read the service manual for tin/seal installation.

Thank you again!