Rear Volkswagen deck lid script

[johnboy715]

Restoring my ‘69 Bug convertible and need to replace the rear deck lid “Volkswagen” chrome script. The one I had on there was smooth chrome, but gouged up. All the replacement scripts have a brushed finish with lines not smooth chrome.
Which is correct for a 1969 convertible? Where can I get a good quality one?

[jinx758]

I'm unsure of the correct one but try a Want-Tlo-Buy as in the Samba Classified.
Avery's Air-cooled should have it also.

Good luck ... stay safe

jinx
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" It's not valuable unless you learn something from an experience. " Henry Ford

It's not unlike the same difference ...

My Craigslist rescued 100 footer :
1971 Standard Bug
1776cc dual port
034 distributor
38mm EGAS Carburetor

[KTPhil]

I'm not sure they ever used chrome-plated steel. I think it was anodized aluminum, which can tarnish with exposure after 50 years. Metal polish can bring back some luster. #0000 steel wool can help harder cases.
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Current Fleet:
- '71 Fastback
- '69 Westfalia
Retired:
- '67 Beetle
- '65 Beetle (x2)
- '65 Bus
- '71 Squareback

[67conv]

The originals were indeed a smooth "chrome", however they were not "chrome". They were anodized aluminum, polished up to a degree, then 'bright anodized'. Over time, the anodizing breaks down, and begins to look chalky and dull.

You are correct in thinking that the past few decade's worth of aftermarket / re-pop emblems are no longer smooth in finish, like the originals from late 60s / early 70s were, and they all have those brushed lines instead. You can still find fairly decent used oem scripts in the classifieds, but rarely any in NOS condition. (An original emblem will have the VW part num. on the underside, as well as different sections of the script will be hollow.) As far as bringing back the higher degree of shine on an old original emblem, the old dead anodizing must be removed first - otherwise you'll just be spinning your wheels and wont get any luster. That assumes the piece isn't terribly scratched or pitted first.

Strip off the old, dead anodizing by spraying the emblem with original Easy Off oven cleaner. Wear gloves, and don't breathe that stuff! Water rinse after letting sit for around 15 minutes. Then use 0000 steel wool to burnish it, followed by Mother's metal polish or Blue Magic and buff it out to a high gleam. It will come out nice and "chrome-like", but you won't have any protection that the anodizing once provided for the polished aluminum. You will need to re-polish it every now and then, depending on the exposure your vert gets to the outside elements.
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1967 VW Convertible, owned 36 years.
1957 DKW 3=6, owned 22 years.

PREVIOUS: 1972 "Baja Champion SE" Spec. Edition Beetle bought NEW @ Pierce VW in Denver; 1979 Super Beetle Convertible bought NEW @ Downtown LA VW; 1967 type 1 savanna beige; 1967 Porsche 2.0 911S; 1973 Porsche 2.4 911T; 1963 356 T6 B Cabriolet; 1964 356 SC sunroof coupe; 1972 Type-3 Squareback; 1968 + 1969 Type-3 Fastbacks; 1987 Vanagon GL Weekender

[rodknu]

My daughter taught me that if you take regular household aluminum foil and scrub the emblem it will bring back the shine. Worked on mine....

[scarabee]

Yes, aluminium foil and water is good for bumpers, door handles, etc. as well.

[diamondblue1969]

The aftermarket has shiny ones, not sure about quality though

https://store.concept1.ca/Volkswagen-Script-T1-67-74-113853687B-64275/

[johnboy715]

Thanks for all the info. I bought one fro CIP 1. Supposed to be German quality from C&C UK. Didn’t get it yet

[Cusser]

The lid script on my 1971 Convertible is original, but a little mangled. And I have a 1970 sedan engine lid on it as well. And 1970 rear reflectors.

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1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297