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Leoniums
Samba Member
Joined: July 13, 2016
Posts: 30
Location: Greece
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 Posted: Thu Jun 17, 2021 4:06 am Post subject: 1961 -1962- 1963 differences |
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Hello everyone
does anyone can tell me if there are any differences between a 1961 a 1962 and a 1963 beetle and if so what are those?
Thank you in advance
Regards
_________________
~Nikos
Last edited by Leoniums on Thu Jun 17, 2021 8:00 am; edited 1 time in total |
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sgmalt46
Samba Member
Joined: April 20, 2005
Posts: 1296
Location: south san francisco
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| Posted: Thu Jun 17, 2021 7:01 am Post subject: Re: 1961 - 1963 differences |
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well the only things I can think of is the tail lights. 61 still has the smaller oval shaped one's used from mid 55. 62-67 are bigger . separate turn signal bulb. and in 63 the 40hp got fresh air improvement over the stale air heater.
and 61's didn't have a fuel gauge . maybe some late 61's? a friend of mine had a 61 with a gas gauge years ago not sure if it was added.? his car had a gauge and a reserve tap. in 62 gas gauge became standard.
Steve
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55 deluxe 23 window bus
64 crew cab
55 rag top beetle
66 beetle
71 square back (sold) ! good luck with it Henry!
46 beetle 552nd royal army service corps CCG |
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KTPhil 
Samba Member
Joined: April 06, 2006
Posts: 34021
Location: Conejo Valley, CA
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| Posted: Thu Jun 17, 2021 8:42 am Post subject: Re: 1961 -1962- 1963 differences |
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From several sites:
| Quote: |
1962 (1 Aug 61 to 31 July 62)
Chassis 4,010,995 - 4,846,835
Engine 3,924,023 - 3,924,914
Engine 5,958,948 - 6,935,203
Fuel gauge replaces reserve tap.
Tail light ‘glass' now plastic.
Spring balance to front hood.
Sliding covers on heater outlets.
Progressive valve springs.
Anchor points for seat belts.
Stronger clutch springs.
Windshield washer uses spare tire for air pressure.
Last year of semaphores on domestic models.
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1963 (1 Aug 62 to 31 July 63)
Chassis 4,846,836 - 5,677,118
Engine 3,942,915 - 3,959,303
Engine 6,935,204 - 7,893,118
Fresh air heating replaces stale air heating.
Engine gets redesigned fan housing, muffler and heat exchangers.
Leatherette head lining.
Folding handle for sunroof.
Nylon window guides.
Foam sandwich floor mats.
Wolfsburg crest discontinued.
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Was it in '63, VW bought the Life magazine center spread, the most expensive print advertising of the day, with a black page and the caption "we have nothing new to show you" or words to that effect. Executives were reportedly furious with DDB (the agency) for spending this money with nothing showing, yet that ad reportedly brought in more showroom traffic than any other. |
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A-Step-Towards
Samba Member
Joined: October 03, 2010
Posts: 145
Location: Albany,Oregon
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| Posted: Thu Jun 17, 2021 10:47 am Post subject: Re: 1961 - 1963 differences |
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| sgmalt46 wrote: |
well the only things I can think of is the tail lights. 61 still has the smaller oval shaped one's used from mid 55. 62-67 are bigger . separate turn signal bulb. and in 63 the 40hp got fresh air improvement over the stale air heater.
and 61's didn't have a fuel gauge . maybe some late 61's? a friend of mine had a 61 with a gas gauge years ago not sure if it was added.? his car had a gauge and a reserve tap. in 62 gas gauge became standard.
Steve |
I have a late ‘61 made in June 1961, it had a gas gauge stock
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1961 Vw Bug @61beetle IG |
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Helfen
Samba Member
Joined: January 19, 2009
Posts: 3450
Location: Vulcania
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| Posted: Thu Jun 17, 2021 11:07 am Post subject: Re: 1961 -1962- 1963 differences |
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| Leoniums wrote: |
Hello everyone
does anyone can tell me if there are any differences between a 1961 a 1962 and a 1963 beetle and if so what are those?
Thank you in advance
Regards |
Since you are from Greece it would be important to know which model of Beetle. In those years there are three different sedan models and two different sunroof models and two different engines that power them. Also, There might be different subsets of these models in your region as well. |
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bigdog1962
Samba Member
Joined: August 11, 2010
Posts: 1586
Location: Augusta, Georgia
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| Posted: Thu Jun 17, 2021 11:23 am Post subject: Re: 1961 -1962- 1963 differences |
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Not that I would know but those that would would probably want a little more detail - as in are you trying to find if a specific part is interchangeable? Why are you asking?
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Oprn wrote: I'm getting to the age that any self propelled woman (no wheel chair or walker) looks HOT!! Oooo! look at that Babe! She made it from the dining room all the way to the TV room without help!! Hubba, hubba!! |
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mukluk
Samba Member
Joined: October 18, 2012
Posts: 7028
Location: Clyde, TX
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| Posted: Thu Jun 17, 2021 12:26 pm Post subject: Re: 1961 -1962- 1963 differences |
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| KTPhil wrote: |
From several sites:
| Quote: |
1962 (1 Aug 61 to 31 July 62)
Chassis 4,010,995 - 4,846,835
Engine 3,924,023 - 3,924,914
Engine 5,958,948 - 6,935,203
Fuel gauge replaces reserve tap.
Tail light ‘glass' now plastic.
Spring balance to front hood.
Sliding covers on heater outlets.
Progressive valve springs.
Anchor points for seat belts.
Stronger clutch springs.
Windshield washer uses spare tire for air pressure.
Last year of semaphores on domestic models.
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Not sure what several sites are referenced, but the semaphore information is incorrect. The last year for semaphores was 1960, with all models changing over to fender-mounted flashing indicators starting 1 August that year.
_________________
1960 Ragtop w/Semaphores "Inga" |
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KTPhil
Samba Member
Joined: April 06, 2006
Posts: 34021
Location: Conejo Valley, CA
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| Posted: Thu Jun 17, 2021 12:31 pm Post subject: Re: 1961 -1962- 1963 differences |
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| mukluk wrote: |
| KTPhil wrote: |
From several sites:
| Quote: |
1962 (1 Aug 61 to 31 July 62)
Chassis 4,010,995 - 4,846,835
Engine 3,924,023 - 3,924,914
Engine 5,958,948 - 6,935,203
Fuel gauge replaces reserve tap.
Tail light ‘glass' now plastic.
Spring balance to front hood.
Sliding covers on heater outlets.
Progressive valve springs.
Anchor points for seat belts.
Stronger clutch springs.
Windshield washer uses spare tire for air pressure.
Last year of semaphores on domestic models.
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Not sure what several sites are referenced, but the semaphore information is incorrect. The last year for semaphores was 1960, with all models changing over to fender-mounted flashing indicators starting 1 August that year. |
Maybe different for USA Models? This list might be for the German market. |
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mukluk
Samba Member
Joined: October 18, 2012
Posts: 7028
Location: Clyde, TX
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| Posted: Thu Jun 17, 2021 1:56 pm Post subject: Re: 1961 -1962- 1963 differences |
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| KTPhil wrote: |
| Maybe different for USA Models? This list might be for the German market. |
The US market lost semaphores in April 1955.
_________________
1960 Ragtop w/Semaphores "Inga" |
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pastellgreen
Samba Member
Joined: January 06, 2012
Posts: 1049
Location: Germany
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| Posted: Fri Jun 18, 2021 12:19 pm Post subject: Re: 1961 -1962- 1963 differences |
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Germany semaphores ended in July 1960. No 40hp model with semaphores.
There are many changes for these three model years, but I'm too tired to list them here. Might it be useful for the OP to have a look into "Progressive Refinements"? |
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VOLKSWAGNUT
Fastest VW Belt Changer
Joined: October 14, 2007
Posts: 11056
Location: Flippin' a Belt........ .... Off-n-On ... NC USA
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| Posted: Fri Jun 18, 2021 5:36 pm Post subject: Re: 1961 -1962- 1963 differences |
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For main stream USA Deluxe.
61 no fuel gauge has a fuel reserve tap, snowflake single bulb tail lamps, pump style windshield washer
62 fuel gauge, larger dual bulb lights, Wolfsburg hood crest last FULL year, stale air heat and small oval rear heat outlets.
63 no hood crest , raised emblem hood, fresh air heat round rear outlets, 3 bolt door hinges.
Here are a few more highlights.
| VOLKSWAGNUT wrote: |
The highlights of main differences 1961-1967 for front clipping for USA bound Deluxe Sedans sheet metal only....
1961 Was/is first year of the new design for the flat fuel tank. The area behind the spare tire changed appearence significantly (from the 1958-1960). The upper front axle beam bolts are no longer visible, and a rounded recessed area is created for the windshield washer reservoir and brake fluid reservoir. Inspection plates changed from round to "D" shaped.
Early 61's use a 3 finger front apron.
Mid 61-67 = same front apron (very minor changes)
61- Feb 1964 = Left inspection plate orientation horizontal.
(Mid) Feb 1964 - 67 Left inspection plate orientation vertical.
61-66 = same brake fluid reservoir mount and reservoir pipe opening,
61-67 = same windshield washer reservoir rounded recess.
67 = enlarged hole for brake fluid reservoir, larger brake fluid reservoir and strap.
61-67 = same clip fitment and overall appearance.
Depending on the "clip point"
For 1965 the windshield was enlarged and curved, A pillars (at the windshield) are different sizes than 58-64 and the cowl area changed from flat to trayed.
There are a few differences in wiring pass through locations as lamps changed positions, plus other minor metal pressing changes, that frankly are not important, or could be easily remedied.
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| VOLKSWAGNUT wrote: |
| VOLKSWAGNUT wrote: |
The 62-64 (Sedan) ID highlight reel.. 
| VOLKSWAGNUT wrote: |
3 bolts per hinge started during the 1962 model year.
| glutamodo wrote: |
Here' a few detail photos for 62-64 era ID:
Right side heater duct under back seat:
Hinge bolts:
Steering Box adjustment access plate:
| glutamodo wrote: |
The last hood that had the Wolfsburg Crest was at VIN / Chassis Number 5010447
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| glutamodo wrote: |
The "62 hood" hood was actually used for around 21 months total - the last 7 months of 1961 production, all of 1962 and the first two months of 1963 production:
| glutamodo wrote: |
Yes the mounting location DID change when they went to the larger turn signals in 1964. I did this little comparison shot right off the covers of the owner's manuals recently when we were talking about the size of the lights.
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Whew..!!! |
_________________
aka Ken {o\!/o}
Its your vehicle- stop askin' for approval-do what YOU like for cryin' out loud
Better to roll em' how you want and wear em' out-than lettin' em' rot out
Its about the going not the showing
Rebuilt to drive not decorate
WANTED: Local Eatin' Joints, Triple D for TheSamba contributions here http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=570510
Search "VOLKSWAGNUT" on YouTube since you cant watch a "certain" BELT change video round here
Usually and often edited |
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far rider
Samba Member
Joined: August 30, 2005
Posts: 773
Location: Rutland, VT
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| Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2022 8:27 am Post subject: Re: 1961 -1962- 1963 differences |
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Starting the rebuilding process on my 61 ragtop. Should the short tierod have this bend in it? Thanks
_________________
67 zenith blue sunroof
Contentment; when what you have is what you want. |
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EVfun
Samba Member
Joined: April 01, 2012
Posts: 5481
Location: Seattle
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| Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2022 8:55 pm Post subject: Re: 1961 -1962- 1963 differences |
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| far rider wrote: |
Starting the rebuilding process on my 61 ragtop. Should the short tierod have this bend in it? Thanks
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Yes, looks like an early original short tie rod.
_________________
| Wildthings wrote: |
| As a general rule, cheap parts are the most expensive parts you can buy. |
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pastellgreen
Samba Member
Joined: January 06, 2012
Posts: 1049
Location: Germany
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| Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2022 6:26 am Post subject: Re: 1961 -1962- 1963 differences |
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| keep it well, grease it regularly and you will be happy of owning original rods. They are nowhere to find and last longer than new parts. |
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far rider
Samba Member
Joined: August 30, 2005
Posts: 773
Location: Rutland, VT
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| Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2022 9:59 am Post subject: Re: 1961 -1962- 1963 differences |
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Thanks for the replies!
Another question- did 61s have a steering damper? My beam has the bracket attachment but there is no where for the other end of the damper to attach.
_________________
67 zenith blue sunroof
Contentment; when what you have is what you want. |
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Jeremby
Samba Member
Joined: May 02, 2022
Posts: 14
Location: Porter Co. IN. | Northwest IN.
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| Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2022 9:08 pm Post subject: Re: 1961 -1962- 1963 differences |
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| KTPhil wrote: |
From several sites:
| Quote: |
1962 (1 Aug 61 to 31 July 62)
Chassis 4,010,995 - 4,846,835
Engine 3,924,023 - 3,924,914
Engine 5,958,948 - 6,935,203
Fuel gauge replaces reserve tap.
Tail light ‘glass' now plastic.
Spring balance to front hood.
Sliding covers on heater outlets.
Progressive valve springs.
Anchor points for seat belts.
Stronger clutch springs.
Windshield washer uses spare tire for air pressure.
Last year of semaphores on domestic models.
========================
1963 (1 Aug 62 to 31 July 63)
Chassis 4,846,836 - 5,677,118
Engine 3,942,915 - 3,959,303
Engine 6,935,204 - 7,893,118
Fresh air heating replaces stale air heating.
Engine gets redesigned fan housing, muffler and heat exchangers.
Leatherette head lining.
Folding handle for sunroof.
Nylon window guides.
Foam sandwich floor mats.
Wolfsburg crest discontinued.
|
Was it in '63, VW bought the Life magazine center spread, the most expensive print advertising of the day, with a black page and the caption "we have nothing new to show you" or words to that effect. Executives were reportedly furious with DDB (the agency) for spending this money with nothing showing, yet that ad reportedly brought in more showroom traffic than any other. |
Now you got me searching for that ad
_________________
1964 DeLuxe Beetle | (o\ ! /o) |
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House
Minutia Militia
Joined: June 13, 2001
Posts: 1770
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| Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2022 9:19 pm Post subject: Re: 1961 -1962- 1963 differences |
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This one?
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wayne1230cars
Samba Member
Joined: April 05, 2010
Posts: 2685
Location: Canada
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| Posted: Sun Nov 06, 2022 8:29 am Post subject: Re: 1961 -1962- 1963 differences |
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| far rider wrote: |
Thanks for the replies!
Another question- did 61s have a steering damper? My beam has the bracket attachment but there is no where for the other end of the damper to attach. |
Should have one. Steering dampers showed up on March 2, 1960 from VIN # 2 921 552 on.
The right tie rod should have an eyelet where the steering damper attaches. Perhaps that tie rod was changed at some point for the earlier style.
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1960 beetle
1970 beetle convertible |
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