identifying bug found in creek

This gets a bit tricky.

I'm going to hazard a guess of 1955-58.

-1-8967983 does not compute though.

Could you take another close look? Maybe scan the plate and then "enhance" the scan in PhotoShop or the like. Even look at it as a negative image may help.

Some resources:

Try to identify features of the body which may help date it. Dash layout. Window sizes. Trunk layout. Electrical devices (fuse boxes, for example).

Speedy Jim

What condition is the body in? Does it look like something that would have been stolen? Have you checked with the local police department/VW club. you also might want to check the Sambas stolen section for anything that might have been taken in your area.

Mario V> snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com wrote:

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resources:

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Thanks for the tips. The first digit of the Chassis# may be a 0 ("-1-0967983"). I'm hesitant to scrub the rust too hard for fear of obliterating the number. In terms of window, the back window is not split, but it *is* rounded on the sides, which I thought was interesting. I will look on the back tunnel to see if there's a VIN number there. If that location is a dataplate I'm sure that's gone also, but if it's stamped I may be in luck. I took a couple photos that I may post as followup.

-Mike

resources:

puzzling problem perhaps! lol hmmm maybe a rare Water Beetle? ;-)

What years were the Ovals around? late 1953-1957? Does it have semaphores turn signals? Or spots for them? There might be more information here to help identify this bug besides the other good sites.

later, dave (One out of many daves)

Try rubbing a little automatic tranny oil in to the rusty number and then scrub it with a copper pot scrubber. This will take the worst of the rust off without damaging the steel under it. I've done this for old rusty guns with good results. The copper wool pot scrubber isn't abrasive enough to damage steel but it will remove any loose surface deposits.

T> Thanks for the tips. The first digit of the Chassis# may be a 0

resources:

resources:

OK, according to The Samba vehicle 1-0967983 was produced in mid September

Chances are if you got the vin right so far, it's very probably a 1955 or very early 1956 (Model year starts Aug 1 after 1955)

Should have the oval rear window, no turn signals, or little turn signals down below the headlights and to the outside on the fender. Dinky little taillights. If there's a battery, it should be a 6 volt battery under the rear seat. Straight up frames on the vent windows.

Charles of Schaumburg.

I took another look at the car: The taillights are gone, just brackets remain. There is no tunnel where the back seat used to be, just a steel bench with no markings anywhere. No further markings or stamps in the engine compartment. I don't know what semaphore turn signals are, but there are teeny tiny turn signals up front outboard of the headlights. The vent windows have vertical frames.

I think it's safe to say this is an September 1955 (1956 model) bug.

So back to the killer question:

Can the I or the cops or the DMV convert a VW Chassis number to a VIN number?

Thanks, Mike

That number *is* the VIN.

MVB may or may not list it with the "1" prefix.

snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com wrote:

Those turn signals go way back. They are mechanical pointers on both the driver side and the passenger side window frames that flip out to signal which way you intend to turn - almost like the old hand signals. You have heard of hand signals, haven't you? ;>)

Right by the upper portion of the rear 1/4 panel window very close to either door, there should be a cutout that would allow for a tiny little arm to pop out of that panel and blink. That should be a semaphore turn signal (flag-like turn signals). It kinda looks like a school bus stop signal on the left side which comes out from the school bus when activated. The Beetle signals rise out and up while the school bus signal comes out and forward. You couldn't tell in those pictures on that link huh?

I just can't find a good picture of one in operation! :-( Still looking............. AH HA I found some good pictures here:

You gotta take some snapshots and post 'em. I can't picture how/why the rear tunnel would be missing. It's not really rearmost (which I think you have in mind - the shelf), but just under the rear seat.