VW Type 3 1500/1600 Model Features and History

beetle — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 01:48:24 +0000

The Type 3 Model had quite a long run – here are the details. The model details have been extracted mainly from UK brochures; other variations were on sale elsewhere in the world.

April 1961
1500 Notchback, ‘Station Car’ and Convertible announced (convertible never entered production). Engine 1493 cc, 7.2:1 CR, 53 bhp at 4,000 rpm with side-draft 32 PHN carb; torque exceeds 80 ft.lbs between 1,500 and 2,800 rpm. 6-volt electrics, side parking lamps, variable speed wipers. Swing-axle half-shafts; twin lower full-width torsion bars on front; two brake cylinders per front wheel; opening rear side windows, central rear armrest on Notchback.

August 1963
Notchback and Variant (Squareback) available with either 1500N (54 bhp at 4,200 rpm, 7.8:1 CR, torque 83.2 ft.lbs. at 2,800 rpm, 33.5 mpg, max. speed 78 mph) or 1500S (twin carbs 32-PDSIT2/3 66 bhp at 4,800 rpm, 8.5:1 CR, torque 83.9 ft.lbs. at 3,000 rpm, 36 mpg, max. speed 84 mph). Brake lining area increased. ‘N’ models have single-speed wipers, no parking lights, small front indicator ‘bullets’, pre-heated intake air, opening quarter lights optional extra.
‘S’ models have extra chrome trim on side front and rear, wheel trims, passenger outside door-lock, larger rear lights and chromed reflector housing, opening rear side windows, clock, door pockets, side arm-rests and two rear ashtrays, push-button control switch panel, headlamp flashers, second sun-visor, rear interior light, passenger door mirror (Variant or Squareback). No intake air pre-heater.

August 1964
Models as in Aug 1963, except torque quoted as “over 72.3 ft.lbs. in range 1500-2800 rpm”.

August 1965
Fastback introduced as 1600TL, and Variant (Squareback) 1600. New 1600 engine (1584 cc, 65 bhp, 7.7:1 CR, 86.8 ft.lbs. at 2,800 rpm, 84 mph max, 34 mpg). Front disc brakes fitted. Weighted flap pre-heater for intake air. Exhaust muffler has detachable upper heat exchangers. Trim as 1500S.

August 1966
All cars gain 12-volt electrics for the 1967 model year.

August 1967
Models now 1600A and 1600L Notchback, 1600TL Fastback, 1600A and 1600L Variant (Squareback). 1600 twin carb engine now quoted as 31.5 mpg. ‘L’ models have Automatic option, which includes double-joint rear axle (max speed 81 mph, 29 mpg). ‘1600A’ models have the 54 bhp 1500 engine (!), and less trim. All models gain dual circuit brake system, 12-volt electrics, safety steering column, two-speed wipers with 15″ blades, flexible plastic knobs on switches and vent-wing catches, front-seat backrest release knobs, trigger door handles, larger outside mirror, external fuel filler flap with finger-hole (non-lockable). As ‘L’ extras:- head restraints, HRW, hazard flashers, reversing lights.

August 1968
Electronic Fuel Injection introduced; double-joint rear axle, internal filler release, hazard flashers. FI Automatic 30 mpg. Radial tyres and petrol heater as extras.

August 1969
Long-fronted models introduced; extra front luggage space, Europa bumpers, larger front flashers and rear light units, inner wings gain external re-inforcement panels, spare wheel held more upright. 1600T, TA and TL Fastback, 1600A and L Variant (Squareback).

August 1970
1600TA and TE Fastback, 1600A and E Variant (Squareback); now with rear ventilation slots. ‘E’ models have FI, HRW, side trim, carpeting, passenger sun-visor, clock. Fresh air box and dashboard modified, bonnet springs replace torsion bar mechanism. Thermostatic intake pre-heater for twin carbs.

August 1971
Increased brake pad area with early 411 calipers, ‘Computer Diagnosis’ socket, larger bore single-piece damper/tailpipe, longer outside door-lock triggers (wiggly) and deeper door recess, black-faced instruments, four-spoke steering wheel, wash-wipe lever on column with single wipe option, anti-burst lock on Variant (Squareback) tailgate, aluminium painted indicators, cut-away corners on front bumpers.

April 1972
Centre rail seats; front footwell heater outlets controlled from tunnel. Black wiper arms and blade holders, late May 1972. Bonnet (hood) and boot-lid (trunk) badge simplified with brushed finish. No further major changes in August 1972 for 1973 models.

General Features

Strengths:-
Spacious body and luggage capacity; good braking; heating air thermostats; engine and gearbox parts common to Beetle; separate body and floorpan.

Weaknesses:-
Cylinder heads crack; overheating; gearbox problems; twin-carb plugs inaccessible; rust traps are front wings, inner wings, rear lower seat-belt mounts, jacking-points, sills, spare wheel housing, later fresh-air boxes, bumper mounts.

Figures:-
Wheelbase 94.5″ Track f/r 51.6″/53.2″ Overall length 170.9″ Height 57.9″ Width 63.2″ (64.6″ with side parking lamps)
Weight Sedan 2227 lbs/1010 kg(unladen) 3109 lbs/1410 kg (laden)
Variant (Squareback) 2281 lbs/1035 kg(unladen) 3274 lbs/1485 kg (laden)
Trailer 1025 lbs (unbraked) 1433 lbs (braked)
Luggage Front compartment 6.5 cu ft (-1969) 7.8 cu ft (1970-)
Rear compartment Notchback 7 cu ft Fastback 12 cu ft
Variant (Squareback) 24.7 cu ft 42.4 cu ft (back seat folded)

Buying a Type 3 & 4 Volkswagen

beetle — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 01:46:06 +0000

The state of any classic vehicle and the amount of wear, tear and rust it has will depend on the vehicle’s storage, usage and maintenance history – it is best to be wary of any recent underseal and of course look for unevenness, bulges, misaligned wings, etc.

That’s some of the obvious stuff out the way, here’s the not so obvious stuff we know, from experience, you should check for rust, wear and tear:Front axle tubes behind rubber mountings, bump-stop arms and shock-absorber supports.

Floor-pan edges, around bolts and their load-spreading plates
Inner sills and floorpan; lift carpets – clean and dry, or damp and rusty?
Body flange where it mounts on floorpan edges
Rear lower seat-belt mounting area
Rear suspension cross-tube, side mounts and particularly upper body mounts
Rear bumper mounts, and wheel arches

Other more visible problems could be the bumper mounts, any where on the front wings including the inner wings, spare wheel and the bottoms of all the removable panels. Never assume you’ve found all the rust, even after a good look. This means that if you can’t weld or money’s tight you might want to walk away.

Surprising, a bad paint job is probably good – it won’t hide faults as well as a pristeen paint job. Look for signs of a recent respray around the bonnet/hood and boot/trunk openings where they meet the outside paint. You might also consider peeling back window rubbes to check for signs of a respray.

Interiors don’t really affect the drive but they are expensive to replace. Cosmetics do matter when you’re buyin a classic car!

The mechanicals are also important – you don’t want a duff engine! Check for blue smoke, crunching gears, steering that pulss to one side and dead or flat brakes. We’d suggest always check when the engine is warm!

If you are paying top dollar for a car, you want to make sure it is a good one. If you’re not a mechanical whizzkid, consider paying a reputable organisation like the RAC in the UK who will give you a professional opinion. You may be £75 pounds out of pocket if the vehicle is a dud, but that’s better than losing thousands on a car that’s only fit for the junk yard!

The Rat Look

beetle — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 16:27:47 +0000

Sorry for posting pics of bugs and campers, etc but they look so nice – no words just pictures!

Post your pics too!

Classic VW Beetles and Campervans » type 3

VW Type 3 1500/1600 Model Features and History

Buying a Type 3 & 4 Volkswagen

The Rat Look