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Critter1 Samba Member

Joined: August 04, 2004 Posts: 1579 Location: Sacramento
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Posted: Thu Sep 23, 2004 2:09 pm Post subject: Learn something new every day.... |
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This may be common knowledge, but I thought it was interesting. I was watching a documentary on VW's history. They were talking about the 1953 split window and how it had the oval window style dash. It was refered to as a "Zwiter". The word "zwiter" means hermaphradite in german. Now I know you sick minded individuals out there might say that sound nasty, but it makes sense, huh... There was like 57k of these models made. Well needless to say I have a new favorite in the beetle world. How many of those cars do you think are just sitting in a barn somewhere waiting to be stumbled upon???? _________________ Justin |
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radrob Samba Member

Joined: May 26, 2004 Posts: 519 Location: Washington
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Posted: Thu Sep 23, 2004 10:48 pm Post subject: |
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hopefuly enough for me to stumble across one!!!!!!!!!!
or two |
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Mark Evans Samba Member
Joined: April 21, 2004 Posts: 1930 Location: Alsea,Oregon
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Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2004 5:29 am Post subject: |
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Where's the dictionary?? |
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Long-roofs Samba Member

Joined: March 20, 2002 Posts: 2370 Location: Millwood, Wa
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Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2004 8:41 am Post subject: |
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I know there's one in Swansboro, North Carolina in a barn/garage. Back in '91 the guy wanted $5000 for it. Someone in the forums just looked at it this year and it's still there. I'm sure the price is higher now. I remember it being a big project......
Don't worry about asking questions, just don't do it in the Rants. Those ass-holes in there will eat you up..... _________________ ---
Trying to keep poor cool
People are talking, the greatness is coming, going to be greater than great, so great, greater than anything ever.
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vwkurt Samba Member

Joined: March 24, 2004 Posts: 192 Location: Stuart, Florida
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Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:57 am Post subject: |
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I also think Zwitters are pretty neat and it sort of pisses me off when people refer to them as not being 'real splits'. I think they fall into the same type of category as the 67's do for the later bugs as being special since they were the changeover with one year only parts.
Kurt |
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Major Woody Samba Enigma

Joined: December 04, 2002 Posts: 9016 Location: Portland, OR
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Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2004 11:29 am Post subject: |
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Calm down people.
What I was trying to say in my deleted post (sorry if the humor was lost on some) is that if you are wondering whether something is already known to all, perhaps a forum search would be in order. In this instance, had you searched for "hermaphrodite", you would have found four existing threads where this exact topic was discussed already.
A search helps a new user learn whether a topic is already played out. Basic forum etiquette. I apologize if I offended anyone; my intent is to do all my offending in the Rants. Have a pleasant weekend. |
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55reasons Samba Swamp Cooler

Joined: December 31, 2003 Posts: 942
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Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2004 11:42 am Post subject: |
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I think Zwitters are cool too.
I'll probably buy one.
I just wont tell anyone.
It would be my own little gender-bending secret.
Order of importance:
1) Split
2) Oval
3) Zwitter
4) RHD Crewcab
5) 67 Vert
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55reasons Samba Swamp Cooler

Joined: December 31, 2003 Posts: 942
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Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2004 11:45 am Post subject: |
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vwkurt wrote: |
I also think Zwitters are pretty neat and it sort of pisses me off when people refer to them as not being 'real splits'. I think they fall into the same type of category as the 67's do for the later bugs as being special since they were the changeover with one year only parts.
Kurt |
Remember though that unlike the 67 which has 67 ONLY parts, I believe that the Zwitters were just confused about what they wanted to be. Yes it gives them some personality, but it doesn't really put them in a class with certain models and years that are VERY specific about what parts go on it. |
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vwkurt Samba Member

Joined: March 24, 2004 Posts: 192 Location: Stuart, Florida
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Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2004 11:57 am Post subject: |
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Chad, I am certainly no expert by any means, but I do think Zwitters have 'zwitter only' parts. The dome light is one, they have chrome molding for the rear split windows and I think there may be one or two other things but I am not sure.
Kurt |
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55reasons Samba Swamp Cooler

Joined: December 31, 2003 Posts: 942
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Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2004 12:03 pm Post subject: |
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Hence the name of the thread.
I am by no means familiar with Zwitters to the part-by-part extent.
I was however, under the impression that all of the parts on a Zwitter can be found on either a Split or an Oval.
If I'm wrong so be it. That was my impression and I would like to hear some more facts on this topic.  |
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EverettB  Administrator

Joined: April 11, 2000 Posts: 71582 Location: Phoenix 602
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Bruce Samba Member
Joined: May 16, 2003 Posts: 17601 Location: Left coast, Canada
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Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2004 1:40 pm Post subject: |
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I was told "zwitter" in German meant neither male nor female. A friend of mine from Germany told me they used that word when refering to someone who's gay.
I remember a couple of years ago when a new user registered on another forum under the name "zwitterboy". Once I told him the German meaning of the word, he quickly changed it. |
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Skim Rants Master

Joined: April 15, 2001 Posts: 17095 Location: GFK 31 Year Vet
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Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2004 2:06 pm Post subject: |
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vwkurt wrote: |
I also think Zwitters are pretty neat and it sort of pisses me off when people refer to them as not being 'real splits'. I think they fall into the same type of category as the 67's do for the later bugs as being special since they were the changeover with one year only parts.
Kurt |
Thats because only the rear window was left over. Everything else went oval era except for what was zwitter only. _________________ GFK
Samba since before the towers collapsed. Still here.
1953 Kabriolet
1954 Sunroof
1959 Lowlight Ghia vert
1960 Lt Grey Double Cab SMZ LEGIT
1963 Deluxe Turkis Walk Thru 15 Window OG Paint |
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55reasons Samba Swamp Cooler

Joined: December 31, 2003 Posts: 942
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Posted: Fri Sep 24, 2004 2:27 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks for the input EB and Skim.
So I've asked this question in other threads with no answer:
Would that mean that the Zwitter-only parts are in a sense fewer than say Split parts?
What do the production numbers say? |
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