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h~moto
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Joined: November 19, 2008
Posts: 331
Location: Northern Virginia
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 Posted: Thu Jan 23, 2025 6:08 pm Post subject: Flashing Turn Signals for US Market |
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When did Beetles for the US market get flashing turn signals? According to progressive refinements, flashing turn signals was an option in the US starting April 1, 1955. What is going on with May 3, 1955? What is "with bulbs" and "without bulbs"? I also assume that there is a typo - one of the "Now:" should be a "Former".
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splitjunkie
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Joined: April 04, 2006
Posts: 4202
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| Posted: Thu Jan 23, 2025 9:06 pm Post subject: Re: Flashing Turn Signals for US Market |
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I think it means that VWs were shipped to the US without turn signal bulbs for a period of time. I have seen several period pictures of brand new '55 Beetles with the sealed beam housings, but with no sealed beam bulbs installed. Probably due to lack of availability of the bulbs in Germany. The bulbs would be installed at the dealers in the US.
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Chris
You know, a lot of these scratches will buff right out... Jerry Seinfeld |
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h~moto
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Joined: November 19, 2008
Posts: 331
Location: Northern Virginia
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| Posted: Mon Jan 27, 2025 6:18 am Post subject: Re: Flashing Turn Signals for US Market |
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| So when did all Beetles for the US market come with flashing turn signals? |
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finster
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Joined: May 26, 2012
Posts: 10076
Location: not far from the madding crowd
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| Posted: Mon Jan 27, 2025 6:41 am Post subject: Re: Flashing Turn Signals for US Market |
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may 55 frame number 1-0871207 all USA and canadian beetles fitted with flashing 'bullet' style indicators
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"we're here on Earth to fart around" kurt vonnegut
nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect... |
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David
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Joined: June 29, 2004
Posts: 2050
Location: Raleigh, NC
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| Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2025 10:42 am Post subject: Re: Flashing Turn Signals for US Market |
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This is a great source for the changeover:
https://www.wolfsburgwest.com/wired/wired_08_01/wired_08_01.htm
| Wolfsburg West wrote: |
Oct'54 (chassis # 1-0722916) - May 2, 1955 (chassis 1-0871207) U.S., Guam, and Canadian models.
This is probably the most misunderstood taillight assembly of them all! Most people refer to these as "1955 only" taillights. We will set the record straight on these, so forget everything you heard, or thought you knew!
Dimensionally speaking, this taillight is the same size as the Oct'52-July'54 assemblies. The upper brake light lens is deleted, and the lower lens is constructed of dark red, convex shaped dark red plastic and is surrounded with a chrome bezel. The brake and running lights were illuminated through this lens.
Here is yet another twist for this particular taillight assembly. From April 1, 1955 through May 2, 1955, VW offered as a factory accessory a flashing indicator package for Beetles bound for the U.S., Guam, and Canadian markets. Beetles equipped with this option were outfitted with "bullet" style front flashing directional indicators (in place of semaphores), and a larger style rear taillights that controlled the brake, running and directional lights. We receive many questions from people restoring 1954-1955 Beetles with regards to what taillight is correct.
Here is a condensed breakdown of how to determine which taillight is correct for your car:
**All 1954-1955 European Beetles were outfited with "heart" taillights.
**All Oct'54 (chassis # 1-0722915) - Mar'55 U.S., Guam, and Canadian market cars used the red convex plastic lens taillights. All of these cars had semaphore directional indicators.
**April'55 - May 2, 1955 (chassis # 1-0871206) U.S., Guam, and Canadian market cars, there are two possibilities. Your car could have the red convex plastic lens taillights and semaphores, or it could have the optional flashing turn signal package with the larger glass taillights and "bullet" style front flashing directional indicators.
**May 3, 1955 (chassis # 1-0871207) - July'55 (chassis # 1-0929746) U.S., Guam, and Canadian market cars were equipped with the flashing indicator package as standard equipment. So, this car would have the larger glass taillights and "bullet" style front directional indicators. |
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Cheers,
Dave
*October '54 Ragtop
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h~moto
Samba Member
Joined: November 19, 2008
Posts: 331
Location: Northern Virginia
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| Posted: Sun Feb 02, 2025 5:04 pm Post subject: Re: Flashing Turn Signals for US Market |
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| This is a great source for the changeover |
Excellent information. I wonder what percentage of Beetles had the flashers when it was just an option. I assume that the “larger style rear taillights” are the same as the late 50’s snowflake lights. |
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BulliBill
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Joined: July 09, 2004
Posts: 4776
Location: St Charles, MO
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| Posted: Thu Feb 06, 2025 1:11 pm Post subject: Re: Flashing Turn Signals for US Market |
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As a turn-signal data point, my June 22nd, 1955 produced Deluxe Sunroof Beetle is still unrestored and in it's original condition including paint, headliner, carpeting floor mats, seat upholstery, door cards, etc. It came to Stockton, CA as a USA spec vehicle and has the front fender "bullet" turn signal indicators and rear fender mounted glass "snowflake" lens style housings for turn signals, running lights and brake lights. Still has it's radio and speaker "block-off" plates, original engine, transaxle and front end and bumpers too! I got lucky when I discovered and scored it back in 1993 at the VW Classic event in SoCal!
Bill
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I'm looking for these license plate frames for my fleet:
Coeur D'Alene - Lake Shore Volkswagen
Mission VW - San Fernando
Thornton VW - Stockton
Thanks for any help! |
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55rover
Samba Member
Joined: December 25, 2015
Posts: 108
Location: Oklahoma
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| Posted: Thu May 01, 2025 10:22 am Post subject: Re: Flashing Turn Signals for US Market |
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| BulliBill wrote: |
As a turn-signal data point, my June 22nd, 1955 produced Deluxe Sunroof Beetle is still unrestored and in it's original condition including paint, headliner, carpeting floor mats, seat upholstery, door cards, etc. It came to Stockton, CA as a USA spec vehicle and has the front fender "bullet" turn signal indicators and rear fender mounted glass "snowflake" lens style housings for turn signals, running lights and brake lights. Still has it's radio and speaker "block-off" plates, original engine, transaxle and front end and bumpers too! I got lucky when I discovered and scored it back in 1993 at the VW Classic event in SoCal!
Bill |
Good to see you posting. Looking for confirmation on my Jun 55 USA spec sunroof beetle's turn signal after a challenge of it originality. Used the pictures I took of your a few years back.
Best
CG |
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