Author Topic: 1200 in my '68 Canadian Standard  (Read 2714 times)

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Offline paolo

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1200 in my '68 Canadian Standard
« on: September 08, 2015, 09:44:31 AM »
Hello all, couldn't see this one discussed, so forgive me if it has come up before. I've got the orig 1200 in my Type 1. It's got the DO225579 prefix on it. Just wondering the following:

1) Is it a fairly common 1200?

2) Are parts available to rebuild it?

3) Would this kit fit:?
EMPI A&A VW Air Cooled Cast Piston & Cylinder Set, 77mm x 64mm 40HP 1200cc

I know it'd probably cost more to rebuild this than a 1600 but I'm starting to think I'd like to keep this one together, especially if the piston kit works....

Many thanks.

Offline neil68

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Re: 1200 in my '68 Canadian Standard
« Reply #1 on: September 08, 2015, 07:10:29 PM »
'68 Beetles were available with either a 1200 or 1500 cc, the latter being more common.

DO 225579 engine code is listed as a June 1967, which would mean a late '67 model year.  What is your Beetle VIN?
Neil
Der Kleiner Rennwagens
'68 Beetle 2332 cc
12.6 sec at 109 mph
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FF2gCti3dro

Offline paolo

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Re: 1200 in my '68 Canadian Standard
« Reply #2 on: September 08, 2015, 08:36:16 PM »
Hi thanks for the response. It's a very early '68; VIN 118127*73 - it's still Zenith Blue not Diamond Blue...

Offline neil68

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Re: 1200 in my '68 Canadian Standard
« Reply #3 on: September 10, 2015, 10:20:53 PM »
That VIN is listed on thesamba as being an August 1967 date of manufacture, which was the first month of the 1968 model year.

The engine codes for the first 1200 cc '68 Beetles are listed starting with DO 234015, but it's possible that the listing is incorrect and your engine with code DO 225579 might be the original.  There are stories of engines being swapped at the factory, or a failure on the initial test...with the engine being pulled for a repair and refit a month or two later on the assembly line.

Any chance you have, or can get, the original owner's manual?
Neil
Der Kleiner Rennwagens
'68 Beetle 2332 cc
12.6 sec at 109 mph
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FF2gCti3dro

Offline paolo

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Re: 1200 in my '68 Canadian Standard
« Reply #4 on: September 11, 2015, 09:20:23 AM »
Thanks for the reply...

It says DO226679 on the first page of the Owner's Manual. Bertha said she walked to Clarkdale on Nov. 7, 1967 and asked to buy their "cheapest" Beetle. She'd gone in wanting a '67, but was told they only had early '68's at this time....

I talk to her all the time - she's my neighbour, now 87 years old, and I rescued the car from going to the "scrapper"...

Luckily she saved everything - Dealer Plate Frame, Vinyl booklet, and receipts (a lot of dodgy work had been done!)....

I've since replaced the nose as it was crushed and poorly repaired. Went through the doors and removed a lot of rust on the edges, one quarter panel had a hole from rust under the soundproofing tar matt, a few rusty seam issues, front beam was toast, rust in the rear quarters, front drivers heater channel among other things...

Oh, I didn't mention, it has / had a rubber simulated carpet.

Cheers.

Offline neil68

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Re: 1200 in my '68 Canadian Standard
« Reply #5 on: September 13, 2015, 11:40:07 AM »
Cool story!

Mine is similar...I bought my '68 Beetle from an 83-year-old lady and it only had 27,000 miles on it.

Sounds like you found a good one!
Neil
Der Kleiner Rennwagens
'68 Beetle 2332 cc
12.6 sec at 109 mph
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FF2gCti3dro

Offline paolo

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Re: 1200 in my '68 Canadian Standard
« Reply #6 on: September 13, 2015, 01:01:37 PM »
Thanks Neil. After 3 years of extensive rust repairs, I wonder...