Documentation says in May of 1955 to the US bumpers ones permanently. But we do see many ovals earlier with US bumpers. and I have read several guys say their car in 1954 had Us over ride bumpers or ram protection bumpers on the BC. Some of the early Us bumper cars in late 55 YM according to posts on the samba had low mounted snow flakes.(using holes from Hearts) and bullets and no semaphores. Some guys say they have no semaphores and July built car with a 3 fold. Never cut. All I can say is PROBABLY....I am not going to doubt what they are looking at because of documentation. Documentation could be WRONG.....Just saying
Hi Mike, thank you for this very detailed review. I was born in Germany in the mid 1950 and remember the time with plenty of VW and other types on the roads. Looking back, many owners want to get rid of these because newer models came up and the VW were eaten up by rust. It is a pleasure to see that people like you invest uncounted houres of their time to save this historical heritage. I take your words "get your projects done" as a motivation to restart my Vanagon restauration project. Greetings from the Baltic Sea
@@Mikefngarage Yes, I agree. Striving for perfection is the biggest hurdle. I have watched several vids in UA-cam trying to find a suitable and reasonable way to succeed. Thank you for sharing your methods.
@@freddyflint8309 also Fitzee channel with those old cars butt welding is not too hard. Especailly if you have one of those harbor freight titanium gas welders.
@@Mikefngarage yes, I have watched almost all of Fitzee's Videos. His capabilities are amazing and inspiring as well. I also like Hubertus S channel. Very interesting too. There is one common factor of success across all of them including you. You have to start to reach your destination. Each step counts. I am very curious of your next videos.
Thank you for the great video Mike. I’ve got a March ‘54 car that I’ve had for many years and I’m finally getting around to working on it but I have noticed some oddball stuff with it too. Old paperback book by J.T. Garwood is a great reference for year to year changes.
The over-rider towel bar bumper early was an option and was called Ram-Protection. Once it was US spec it became more known for 55 and newer. My 55' was built first week of Jan 55'. It is factory overider, semiphore, heart taillight car even though I still get folks that say egg taillight. Prior to 55, model year went from January to December. 55 from January to end of July. 7 month run. VW was ramping up production so they decided to start model year production in Aug. For following year which was continued on till production stopped. I had a 3 fold parts car that was May 55' bullet light 3 fold American bumper car. Lots of scenarios with the 55's. You have a late 54' model year car if it was built Nov.54'
Thanks for all the info Mike. It's interesting how many changes they made and that they used leftover parts to complete the vehicle. Hope you can find what you need to restore it !!
Thank You for the tour and video! With your ability, I recommend modifying later seat frames 👍. Some car folks really worry about what is "correct" for a particular car and year. I have another German car that an "expert" told me that my radiator core support was incorrect as only the carburetor cars had this kind, while my injection car should not have it. After media blasting there was no evidence of cutting/welding = the factory used what they had on hand. They weren't worried about experts 50 years later. (2002 tii) 😉
I love cross over years. Even my 68 double cab has some interesting split window parts and one year only bay window parts. Made in august of 67, the double cab shared a lot with the split window pickups.
I think it's good to save older cars, even if it maybe not all original, at some point in the future, could be redone, still better than losing, such cars.
One of my dad's jobs was to switch the first over when they came off the off the boat at the dealership he would put different bumpers windshield put oil in them you did the same thing in the late 70s early 80s for datsun they had to have a different bumper they would send them in and they will put them on at the dealership
Originally, when you activated the turn signal switch, the semaphore lit up and raised. Many people now modify them so they blink. The first one a friend of mine did he accidentally had it going up and down rather than blinking on and off while remaining up. That one broke after a few slap-slap up and downs. But, that was back in the early 80s. lol
This is starting to be as much fun as the bucket truck series. The color combination will be striking. I’m guessing you’re going to do a period correct EMPI engine setup, but we’ll have to wait and see.
possibly Okrasa. But what okrasa stuff is the interesting part....I am not doing vintage speed. Looking at A1 for exhaust. which would bring out more power.
People who own parts of these rare cars should actually donate them to enthusiasts who will do everything they can to still get 1 on the street!!! But yes everything is about money in our current society! You are right when you say they must be complete otherwise it is a bank account in the red.... Too bad!!!😬
August sounds correct. If it's build date was late '54, it is a '55 model. If I remember correctly, VW always shut down for a month or so in late summer to re-tool for the next model year to start in August.
My 1975 Super L was built using leftovers, as Nissan ,the Australian Licensed Manufacturer. Seats are quite obvious as Hi Backs seats were the norm , mine has standard low back. This a little speculation on my part but there are lots of subtle indicators, to suggest my observation, to be correct ...regards Alex
usually but the samba says that they changed the model year to aug 55. before that it was beginning of the year but who knows. check the vin number page it says it at the top. IDK really normal cars were sept. but VW has a different idea.
@@Mikefngarage well regardless of the year you are doing the future V.W. enthusiast a great service this car will get the chance to outlive all of us and everybody we know because of your hard work and dedication. I hope you have a successful restoration and have many enjoyable years being the caretaker for this piece of history.
I know this is a LONG SHOT ... but, I have a 54 that could use that hella head lamp you showed. I'm having trouble locating one (an original). I don't suppose you never used it, and would be willing to sell it to me??????? Or can you give me another suggestion as to where I might find one?? THANK YOU
Mike, your car is a Nov 54? Then you've got a 54, not a 55. Jan 1, 1955 started the 55' production year. Until Aug 1, 1955...that's when the production year for 1956 started.
My opinion is not really worth 2 cents. It's your car, Mike, and cars have a life where things happen and things get changed. You've done a lot of research and whatever you call it is up to you, be it a 54 Euro & 55 U.S. Those of us that enjoy your channel should just appreciate you saving another oldie.
thanks for your input Guys say if it is a 54 its a 54. but I think your right. People say if is a 55 it has the eggs. Just weird to me why in that month? laws usually change at the beginning of the year.
this is a lot simpler than everyone is making it out between 54/55 and 56, Dec 54=54, Jan 55=55, Aug 1 55=56, there are only two obvious differences between 54 and 55, 54 has metal luggage rails behind the back seat along with weld nuts in behind the seat back to hold them down, 55 does not have luggage rails or mounts! also the door hinges on a 54 have round oil holes visable when opened, 55s have door hinge oil slots cut out, thats it! judging by the relocated VIN plate you have two cars! the body number is not going to jive with the chassis number! look it up on Samba, also the front axle and trans numbers are on Samba, I bet the body was swapped so its probably a 54 AND a 55 put together, also thats not an early taillight rear fender, I see the ribs on the lip but heart and US bubble taillights had 4 low holes only, two big holes horizontal where the rubber seals attatch and wires go thru and 2 small bulb holder holes, there never was any extra holes up high on early oval fenders and they always had the two big holes where the seal pops into, I have a 54 and a 55 sunroof, good luck finding those seats!
I'm a 70s Bug man myself... But I know the basics of all of them... Just the basics. If I am right (correct me if I'm wrong) that 55Bug should have King Pin Front Suspension unless it was it changed to a more modern one. Q: How far is that bug from the early split window ones?
Documentation says in May of 1955 to the US bumpers ones permanently. But we do see many ovals earlier with US bumpers. and I have read several guys say their car in 1954 had Us over ride bumpers or ram protection bumpers on the BC. Some of the early Us bumper cars in late 55 YM according to posts on the samba had low mounted snow flakes.(using holes from Hearts) and bullets and no semaphores. Some guys say they have no semaphores and July built car with a 3 fold. Never cut. All I can say is PROBABLY....I am not going to doubt what they are looking at because of documentation. Documentation could be WRONG.....Just saying
Hi Mike, thank you for this very detailed review. I was born in Germany in the mid 1950 and remember the time with plenty of VW and other types on the roads. Looking back, many owners want to get rid of these because newer models came up and the VW were eaten up by rust. It is a pleasure to see that people like you invest uncounted houres of their time to save this historical heritage. I take your words "get your projects done" as a motivation to restart my Vanagon restauration project. Greetings from the Baltic Sea
better to have it finished and not as perfect than never get to drive it.
@@Mikefngarage Yes, I agree. Striving for perfection is the biggest hurdle. I have watched several vids in UA-cam trying to find a suitable and reasonable way to succeed. Thank you for sharing your methods.
@@freddyflint8309 also Fitzee channel with those old cars butt welding is not too hard. Especailly if you have one of those harbor freight titanium gas welders.
@@Mikefngarage yes, I have watched almost all of Fitzee's Videos. His capabilities are amazing and inspiring as well. I also like Hubertus S channel. Very interesting too. There is one common factor of success across all of them including you. You have to start to reach your destination. Each step counts. I am very curious of your next videos.
Love the old school Volkswagen
Hello mike! You make such nice jobs 🤩🤩
All the best to you, will be following
Thank you.
Great assessment of production, manufacturing, design and distribution!!! I know this much, It's a Great Car. U are the guy for the Job!!
Thank you for the great video Mike.
I’ve got a March ‘54 car that I’ve had for many years and I’m finally getting around to working on it but I have noticed some oddball stuff with it too.
Old paperback book by J.T. Garwood is a great reference for year to year changes.
The over-rider towel bar bumper early was an option and was called Ram-Protection. Once it was US spec it became more known for 55 and newer. My 55' was built first week of Jan 55'. It is factory overider, semiphore, heart taillight car even though I still get folks that say egg taillight. Prior to 55, model year went from January to December. 55 from January to end of July. 7 month run. VW was ramping up production so they decided to start model year production in Aug. For following year which was continued on till production stopped. I had a 3 fold parts car that was May 55' bullet light 3 fold American bumper car. Lots of scenarios with the 55's. You have a late 54' model year car if it was built Nov.54'
Thanks for all the info Mike. It's interesting how many changes they made and that they used leftover parts to complete the vehicle. Hope you can find what you need to restore it !!
Mike I have an early 55 semaphore car with egg lites. I’ll check the rear fenders for the style of mounting holes next time I’m at the shop.
Ok that would be cool. Really dont know for sure on that but I am pretty sure that is the deal.
Thank You for the tour and video! With your ability, I recommend modifying later seat frames 👍.
Some car folks really worry about what is "correct" for a particular car and year. I have another German car that an "expert" told me that my radiator core support was incorrect as only the carburetor cars had this kind, while my injection car should not have it. After media blasting there was no evidence of cutting/welding = the factory used what they had on hand. They weren't worried about experts 50 years later. (2002 tii) 😉
I love cross over years. Even my 68 double cab has some interesting split window parts and one year only bay window parts. Made in august of 67, the double cab shared a lot with the split window pickups.
cool never knew that
Chris Vallone classic vw bug works a lot with ovals and splits and I think he has more info about
Subaru's have a very Volkswagen ish sound
Same basic layout. There are videos here of Subaru powered VWs. Definitely different.
Because of the boxer configuration.
yea same but still different. similar
I think it's good to save older cars, even if it maybe not all original, at some point in the future, could be redone, still better than losing, such cars.
One of my dad's jobs was to switch the first over when they came off the off the boat at the dealership he would put different bumpers windshield put oil in them you did the same thing in the late 70s early 80s for datsun they had to have a different bumper they would send them in and they will put them on at the dealership
How do the semiphores work? Wiring/cable?
wired to the turn signal
Originally, when you activated the turn signal switch, the semaphore lit up and raised. Many people now modify them so they blink. The first one a friend of mine did he accidentally had it going up and down rather than blinking on and off while remaining up. That one broke after a few slap-slap up and downs. But, that was back in the early 80s. lol
@@peecee1969 too funny
It is in good shape for that old.
This is starting to be as much fun as the bucket truck series. The color combination will be striking. I’m guessing you’re going to do a period correct EMPI engine setup, but we’ll have to wait and see.
possibly Okrasa. But what okrasa stuff is the interesting part....I am not doing vintage speed. Looking at A1 for exhaust. which would bring out more power.
People who own parts of these rare cars should actually donate them to enthusiasts who will do everything they can to still get 1 on the street!!! But yes everything is about money in our current society! You are right when you say they must be complete otherwise it is a bank account in the red.... Too bad!!!😬
For sale???????
If I remember correctly August is the model year change 🤙 🇺🇸
55 is a half year car first half Euros back second half us spec 🤙🇺🇸
August sounds correct. If it's build date was late '54, it is a '55 model. If I remember correctly, VW always shut down for a month or so in late summer to re-tool for the next model year to start in August.
My 1975 Super L was built using leftovers, as Nissan ,the Australian Licensed Manufacturer. Seats are quite obvious as Hi Backs seats were the norm , mine has standard low back. This a little speculation on my part but there are lots of subtle indicators, to suggest my observation, to be correct ...regards Alex
September is the point where a model changes year. Your car is a 55 if it was built in november
usually but the samba says that they changed the model year to aug 55. before that it was beginning of the year but who knows. check the vin number page it says it at the top. IDK really normal cars were sept. but VW has a different idea.
@@Mikefngarage well regardless of the year you are doing the future V.W. enthusiast a great service this car will get the chance to outlive all of us and everybody we know because of your hard work and dedication. I hope you have a successful restoration and have many enjoyable years being the caretaker for this piece of history.
It was probably because of the war ending materials. They just use what they had.
I know this is a LONG SHOT ... but, I have a 54 that could use that hella head lamp you showed. I'm having trouble locating one (an original). I don't suppose you never used it, and would be willing to sell it to me??????? Or can you give me another suggestion as to where I might find one?? THANK YOU
yea I am looking for another original too.
Mike, your car is a Nov 54? Then you've got a 54, not a 55. Jan 1, 1955 started the 55' production year. Until Aug 1, 1955...that's when the production year for 1956 started.
Ooops....I shoulda' watched more of your vid before posting this. LOL You covered that!
that is what it says on the samba. But I also know guys that say if it had eggs which it did it is a 44 totally interesting.
My opinion is not really worth 2 cents. It's your car, Mike, and cars have a life where things happen and things get changed. You've done a lot of research and whatever you call it is up to you, be it a 54 Euro & 55 U.S. Those of us that enjoy your channel should just appreciate you saving another oldie.
thanks for your input Guys say if it is a 54 its a 54. but I think your right. People say if is a 55 it has the eggs. Just weird to me why in that month? laws usually change at the beginning of the year.
this is a lot simpler than everyone is making it out between 54/55 and 56, Dec 54=54, Jan 55=55, Aug 1 55=56, there are only two obvious differences between 54 and 55, 54 has metal luggage rails behind the back seat along with weld nuts in behind the seat back to hold them down, 55 does not have luggage rails or mounts! also the door hinges on a 54 have round oil holes visable when opened, 55s have door hinge oil slots cut out, thats it! judging by the relocated VIN plate you have two cars! the body number is not going to jive with the chassis number! look it up on Samba, also the front axle and trans numbers are on Samba, I bet the body was swapped so its probably a 54 AND a 55 put together, also thats not an early taillight rear fender, I see the ribs on the lip but heart and US bubble taillights had 4 low holes only, two big holes horizontal where the rubber seals attatch and wires go thru and 2 small bulb holder holes, there never was any extra holes up high on early oval fenders and they always had the two big holes where the seal pops into, I have a 54 and a 55 sunroof, good luck finding those seats!
interesting. I dont see the luggage rails on mine. wonder if they changed that when they did the tail lights. Oct 54?
I'm a 70s Bug man myself... But I know the basics of all of them... Just the basics. If I am right (correct me if I'm wrong) that 55Bug should have King Pin Front Suspension unless it was it changed to a more modern one.
Q: How far is that bug from the early split window ones?
yea for sure on that
Its good to get the birth certificate to tell u everything about ur car
yea before too long need to get it for sure.