VW Badge location & body numbers, Challenge to determine beginning & end Options

[woobn8r]

Sean, send me the photos, and I'll post them.

VIN 4742916556 1429551 04/74 last known before use so far
VIN 4742917230 1659541 04/74 first known use so far

So we still have a two week / 700 car span to tie down.

What's your e-mail...
S.

[shelby/914]

Here's the data on my '74

[shelby/914]

one more, and no #s in the rear trunk

[jonferns]

S/N: 4742915316 BUILD DATE: 3/74 BODY #: 1039507

[davep]

Please be very specific in your replies. Check both front and rear trunks for the number. It should be in one of the two places. Please state which place you find it.

It seems to me that woobn8r may have some panels replaced since there is no evidence of the VW AG Made in Germany tag anywhere including rivet holes for it.

My VIN 4742915759 body # 1149545 so we have proof here that the tags started after week 11. Sorry Jon, better look for trunk floor replacement?

Here is my body number stamping, note that it is in front of the right taillight (and the bolt for the rear bumper) and next to the rear sway-bar reinforcement:

[jonferns]

alright dave...took a better look, and found it...it is very hard to see because the metal back there in that section is a bit deformed....you can read XX39507 ... the first two numbers are right on the worst part of the metal, but the numbers match...Im gonna see if I can clean the area up a bit...will take pics -JON

[ClayPerrine]

Dave,
I got your note. Betty's vin is 4742917597. The build date on her car is 4/74. We don't have the door jamb sticker, we lost it in the fire. And I can't check the rear trunk, the panel was replaced when the body work was done.


Here is the tag in the front trunk (sorry for the Andy style picts).





And here is the body tag.




Hope that helps narrow down your search.

[davep]

Thanks Clay, that does indeed prove the use of the tag early in week 18.

Jon, yes the digits can be very hard to see. They were not done with any great precision, and are never as clear as the VIN in the front fender. Almost any accident in that corner will wrinkle the metal, then a bit of bondo and it is well hidden. Thankfully yours still exists.

I just need Dan to confirm, one way or the other, the presence of the tag in his front trunk. We may also need to find a few cars in week 15 and 17.

Lets not forget, we still have to start to nail down the change from base 9500 to base 9000 in the period of week 36 and week 37. These are the closest I have:
4752903042 3559575
4752901848 3749146

[woobn8r]

It seems to me that woobn8r may have some panels replaced since there is no evidence of the VW AG Made in Germany tag anywhere including rivet holes for it.

Dave I sent you another pic as requested....
I am confused....I had a friend (Porsche bodyman of 20+ years) look at the panels and here's the consensus....

there is no evidence of panel replacement...we looked for at scenarios from a headlight bucket to an entire front clip. The paint is consistant. The seams are consistant...nothing looks out of place save, the missing rivet holes...

IF there has been any panel replacement...

a ) it is a "TOP Quality" job...possibly done at the factory (possibly if the chassis was damaged prior to paint and assembly ).
b ) If done after production, it must have been shortly after... as the patina and condition are homogenious...it is unlikely panels have been replaced as the quality, care and attention to detail would have taken so much time in this generally "unseen area" for this type of repair, it would cost an inordinate amount of time and money. An industry acceptable repair (even for a PORSCHE) would be detectable.

However unlikely it seems that panels might have been replaced....it IS possible.

Sean

[davep]

Sean has provided the following photos. I have no idea why there is no rivet holes for the VW badge on the headlight bucket unless it was replaced by a 1975 bucket.

[davep]

closeup shows no holes in bucket, but holes for the body tag.

[davep]

other info

[jaminM3]

Here is a car that was on Ebay( I have been keeping track)

4752902336 3929161 L64K, don't have the date..

[davep]

Well, Dan (shelby/914) confirms he has the number stamped in the rear trunk. Also, Sean (woobn8r) is pretty confident his should have the tag in the front. So it seems we have it nailed down to midweek 16. So we need to concentrate on that week for the first part of the challenge.

VIN 4742916989 1629515 04/74 last known before use so far
VIN 4742917230 1659541 04/74 first known use so far

[jonferns]

took some pics (finally) of the tags in different locations. '74

(IMG:http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q44/sendjonathanmail/IMG_1308.jpg)

(IMG:http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q44/sendjonathanmail/IMG_1345.jpg)

(IMG:http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q44/sendjonathanmail/IMG_1312.jpg)

(IMG:http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q44/sendjonathanmail/IMG_1342.jpg)

-JON

[davep]

It has been only 13 years, but it is time to resurrect this thread so that new people can add new information. Two things that we are looking for: 1) VIN & Karmann # on the tag in the front trunk when it first appeared, or the last use of the rear trunk stamping. The Karmann # is also on the paint tag. 2) VIN & Karmann # on the tag in the front trunk when it changed from the base 9500 to base 9000. Paint tag and compliance decal photos also very useful. Do you have a CoA or window sticker? I need them also.

[davep]

So, no response in the last year, but I am forever hopeful. Do not forget that this is important documentation for your car. I would really like to get more data points to narrow the gaps down.
Dave

[sixnotfour]

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[wonkipop]

So, no response in the last year, but I am forever hopeful. Do not forget that this is important documentation for your car. I would really like to get more data points to narrow the gaps down.
Dave

@davep

don't know if this assists with your research.
had this on file from 1.8 research/survey we did late last year.

vin 4742916808
k# 1529514
k# is stamped in rear trunk.
no k# plate in front trunk.

it is a white 74 1.8. i picked up details from a bat advertisement.









member @L-JET914 has chassis # 16877 built the day after.
if you pm L jet he might be able to give you info on his.
L jet turned out to be more than a bit of a sleuth with some amazing stuff from CARB archives.

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[wonkipop]

@davep

have you tried to pm member oakpark. has 16905.
oakpark is still alive and around i believe, he contacted both StarBear and i over tune up stickers not that long ago.

front yard mechanic has 17131 according to vin register. he is active on the site and can be pm'd.