VolksWorld - February 2006 - AutomationJet

Bodywork.
The fi rst change was the introduction of the
new Type 3 Karmann-Ghia sunroof model,
[Type 345]. This model began from 13 July
from chassis 0 050 282.
Now follows the improvements from 30
July for the 1963 year model vehicles.
The rear window of the Karmann Cabriolet
was enlarged by 30%. On the same
day from chassis the sliding roof handle
on Beetle sun-roof models was now fl atter
and came with a hinge, also the door
window guide channel was now made of
plastic replacing the woollen material.
On all Type 1 models new thicker Bitumen
insulation was added to the chassis
fl oors. Models involved are as follows:-
Type 113, 114, 117, 118, 151, and 152.
The Type 2 models had the following
improvements. From chassis 971 550 the
spare wheel recess in the front partition
was now deeper. Also the drivers seat was
now separate replacing the bench seat
setup. Another Type 2 improvement was
made to the wheel arches. Both front and
rear arches were enlarged, also the rear
arches were now provided with a rib for
extra strength. As for the Type 2 model
Pick-ups, the spare wheel now came with a
bracket in a locker under the rear platform.
For the fi rst time a new VW badge was
introduced with the word; Volkswagen.
From 1 August new paintwork colours
were introduced for the Karmann-Ghia
RIGHT This happy couple have just purchased
their brand new 1962 Type 31500cc Notchback
saloon. Note the lady is being given fl owers
54 February 2006 www.volksworld.com
Photos : Coachbuilt VW Club, Phil Weiner, Carlo Bosch, and sources unknown.
On 30 July ‘63 saw the introduction of the 1963 year model VW.
The same day saw the introduction of the new 200mm clutch unit.
VolksWorld’s Bob Shaill looks at changes in 1963
models. Four new colours were on offer;
Polar blue, Terra brown, Manila yellow, and
Emerald green. The colours still available
where; Black, Pearl white, Ruby red,
Anthracite grey, Sea blue, and Pacifi c blue.
Paprika red, Lavender, Pampas green, and
Sierra beige were discontinued.
On 7 August from Type 3 chassis 0 070
533 the left and right water drainers pipes
for the steel sliding roof were shortened.
Later on the 13 August Birch green was
introduced for the Type 3 models.
From 24 August further Type 3 improvements
were made. Records show from
chassis 0 064 317 the dash ventilation
mounting point for the fresh air box was repositioned,
also a two piece fresh air fl aps
were included. On 24 August from chassis
0 066 012 the Type 3 body to chassis fi xing
bolts on the rear cross member were now
screwed in from outside the vehicle.
On 20 September from chassis 0 087
LEFT The reg number of this Beetle will appeal to
any enthusiast. Sadly, the whereabouts of it are
unknown. Rust looks as though it has taken hold
of the Pearl white paintwork.
078 the door vent window frame and wind
up window was repositioned by 2mm
towards the rear, also the window glass
was now 2mm shorter.
Engine.
The following engine improvements
involved all ‘63 model VWs produced from
30 July. Records show the fi rst engine
involved for the Type 1 and Type 2 1192cc
34bhp engine from number 6 916 251.
From chassis 4 846 836 [Type 1] and
from chassis 970 990 [ Type 2 ], the oil
cooler now had a metal perforated plate
welded to the fan side of the cooler. Also
the intake manifold was improved with
a larger pre-heating pipe. The diameter
on the connecting fl ange at the cylinder
head was now 27mm. Formerly 25mm
diameter. The cylinder head intake port
was also enlarged to suit with the same
diameter of 27mm. The engine fanhousing
was improved with a modifi ed shape that
increased the cooling air throughput. The
outside diameter of the sealing area was
increased from 32mm to 34mm.
The clutch plate on the Type 2 and 3
models was also improved. A new 200mm
heat resistant pressure springs clutch was
fi tted from chassis 971 532, with engine 6
908 640 [Type 2], also from chassis 0 064
916, with engine 0 066 740 [Type 3].
Improvements continued for Type 3 from
chassis 0 066 740, with engine 0 065 746
the exhaust valves head was increased
from 31mm to 32mm. Also a new valve for
the regulation of the fl ow of the pre-heated
air was introduced. The compression ratio
was increased from 7,2 to 7,8.
There were many fuel system improvements
for the Type 3. The fi rst was a
sensitive accelerator that was made