Vw Beetle: Pre 1967 front wings on a 1970 old shape beetle - is it possible?

Question

I am looking at buying a beetle from a friend that is a 1973 model I think. The only problem is a really dislike the more upright lights that these beetles have and much prefer the 1950's and 60's models that had the slanted front lights. Is it possible to put some old wings on this beetle to make my dream car or are their fitting/size difference that will hamper me?

Any help is appreciated, just so you can see what I mean, the beetle I am buying looks like this at the front:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Cars/Volkswagen/photos/a-166521227/p-70952753.htm

and this is a older beetle with the wings/lights I want: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Cars/Volkswagen/photos/a-164912908/p-71423185.htm

Many thanks!

Answer 1

ti should be there was not much difference between the tow years

Answer 2

you can do anything you want.  Just want to remind you that if you want to have a really classy restored car, it won't be all stock.  Its ok to put a different front end and motor in some of these old cars, because no one sees them, but to take a body part and change that, well I don't know.

Answer 3

Maybe. But first, make sure your Volkswagen to look good with the modification. It may even look better in its original shape. Changing it, will probably make the car look too odd.

Answer 4

The best thing to do is to phone a VW wrecker/specialist, and ask them if the guards off a early Beetle will fit onto the one you plan to buy.

I would be doing a lot more things to a car before worrying about doing this though. Honestly, no one will notice besides you and die hard VW fans. Its a small change that wont do anything performance or reliability wise.

The expense you will go to, for repainting and fitting will hardly be worth the visual gain.

Its a older car and you would be far better off spending the money on a engine freshen up, or a new paintjob for the whole car, or recovering the interior or a stereo.

Anyway, its your decision, but I imagine the only thing stopping you doing it will be your budget.

Answer 5

I do not think the old fenders will interchange with the 73. I have a 73 and I too like the old style headlights. To put the old style on the newer style you have to do some body molding, (i.e bondo, fiberglass etc) to mold them in. It is possible but a lot of work and very hard to get exactly right. Go to TheSamba.com and find some links to other Vintage VW sites and you can get all the info you want and/or need

Good luck and enjoy your new JOY

T

Answer 6

yes the early wings will bolt right on, no modifacations needed.