Questions and Answers

Volkswagen Dune Buggy Q. Hello, have a little bit different question, I am building a dune buggy. I bought an old frame and transmission for an acquaintance. I am trying to find as much information about what years things happened with Volkswagens to pinpoint the year of the transmission I have. I also bought an engine from junk yard.

I know it is a bus engine from the engine that was mounted to it. The transmission I have is a swing axle, it has the smaller bell housing, so I think it is a 6 volt starter, probably around 1963. The engine is a 1600, at least it has 1.6 painted on the fan shroud. Like I said it has the support from a bus. I think it had an alternator, but I am not sure.

I would like top know what years they switched different things, such as voltage, different transmission and what not so I can try to figure out exactly what I have so I can get parts for it. If this is too lengthy of a question to answer, could you point me in the right direction?

Thanks!
Tim

A. I had a co-worker years ago who lived to make dune buggy's out of Volkswagen Beetles. He knew everything thing there was to know about them and could reel of the history of a Volkswagen engine or transmission just by looking at it.

I, however, lack his vast knowledge on the subject. But I do know where you can get the information you need and lots more that will come in handy. It is a book called "How To Keep Your Volkswagen Alive". For what you want to do, you will need this book.