I live in Japan and just bought a Right-Hand Drive (RHD) 1975 Std Beetle w/ torsion bar front suspension (non-SB). The model is a 1200LS w/ 1600cc engine (AS case). Now, I've been reading up on the VW Type1 Beetle for some years now. Mostly in US Magazines and books. Well, now that I own my first non-US Beetle, some of what I have read I need to throw out the window.
My T-1 Beetle has all of the following that are NOT typical of a (US model) 1975 Std Beetle:
- Swing Axel rear suspension (anyone know an easy way to determine if it is long or short axel?)
- 1600cc DP engine w/ carb (34PICT -3) - pretty sure this is stock
- Padded dash w/ 1971 type layout (two speed wiper knob on dash)
- ~1967 style hood w/o fresh air vent
- Front bumper (Mexican VW style) w/ turn signals in the blade
- Front fenders w/o signal holes at the top
- Solid mount bumpers w/o crash/shock absorbers
- Mexican styled "bubble" rear apron
That's just what I've found so far. The pan and body VIN numbers match and look unmolested. I'm sure some of what I am used to are US DOT mandated standards that the rest of the World didn't have to put up with. Of course, some things will be different just because of the RHD model:
- The steering wheel is a LHD model but mounted on the right side of the car. Turn signal on left; ignition key on right.
- The pedal cluster is reversed w/ hooks coming out the left side.
- Brake master cylinder is different (tubes and switches are on the right)
- The front torsion bar axel has the steering box and steering dampener reversed since the wheel is now on the right.
- The wiring harness may be different since the gauges are on the right side of the dash.
Admitedly, one of the previous owners could have swapped out all of this stuff out, but from what little I can tell by browsing thru Japanese VW websites, this is normal for this year. Especially for the tranny. The Std Beetle here in Japan never got the IRS tranny (similar to the Aussey Beetle). Also, up until 1975 the 1200cc engine was still available!! FI wasn't introduced in the Beetle until Jan 1976. Here's a good reference for most model years in Japan:
So, where can I find info on my Beetle? Everything I find seems to be for US Beetles. I know that the largest (only?) importer of aircooled VWs into Japan was a company named Yanase. I'm thinking that the RHD models sold here were the same as other RHD countries... UK, AUS? I've read that AUS was building their own VWs that were a little different than the rest of the World, but the UK was probably getting their straight from Germany.
Any suggestions?
AshMan