Aug 72 - Aug 73 late bay discussion. 73 model year.

Discussion in 'Mech Tech' started by Poptop2, Apr 7, 2014.

  1. No deffo panel now it didn't have one when I got it, but, its late underneath it deffo had a deffo panel originally. Column originally had single stalk and early cowling but, I have replaced the whole lot with same from donor vehicle and new cowling etc, it also had large spline steering wheel and still does now. But can post a pic of the petrol flap next time I go!
     
  2. Whole front panel has been replaced again, it had one on when I got it but, it was shocking underneath. Now it's sound.
     
  3. Poptop2

    Poptop2 Administrator

    Bump for my benefit. Ignore me!
     
  4. Glad you bumped as I've not seen the thread before - it started before I got mine - which is a May 73 manufacture ( reg in August) and has all the details mentioned in your OP
     
    paulcalf and Poptop2 like this.
  5. Gingerbus

    Gingerbus Supporter

    Mine's 5th Feb '73 Build VW dated. Flap, lock in handle slider, old column and wheel, 3-screw headlights. As it's a Westy I don't know if that's the date it left VW factory or the Westy workshop since they were the in-house conversion. UK reg date was only a month later so I assume UK spec built to order from the UK dealership.
    I think Heritage and JK have got better in their parts info over the years but it's not cut and dried exact, it always pays to check first. It's been said that they used up various early leftovers which would naturally run out at different times and that makes sense. Externally it's just a Late as far as appearances go except for the flap and lock as far as I know. Oh and the 'sticky-out seams' below the front bumper. I just think of it as an 'early Late'.
    The engine code was a little confusing, as was some of the gear linkage, until I discovered the kick-down thing underneath the throttle pedal, and when I checked the plate codes it came up as auto, confirming suspicions and probably accounting for it being a type 4 1.7 (CJ code from memory). Probably would have been 1.6 otherwise.
    Some time in the late '90's it had a Vege recon which I assume was when the auto box was dumped for a manual but the engine swapped like for like. Thankfully! Can't imagine what it would be like as an auto!
    Fuel gauge has R low mark and writing on the increments. I'd say the background is dark grey. Sender is Late type.
    Hope that's of use!
    Anything else I should check?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
    Last edited: May 8, 2017
    Poptop2 likes this.
  6. Does it have the chrome rings on the guages?
    My 73 has two tone grey guages with early sender but late style tank.

    The date on the M plate will be the date it left the factory production line.
    I think they were then stored at the factory until they had a big enough batch to send to Westfalia as a train load.
     
  7. Mine is a 73 model year. Interesting thread! I have just about all of the features you identify. But my gauges aren't two tone grey. photostudio_1472802734058.jpg
     
    Poptop2 likes this.
  8. Mines an early 73 build, but with a trip meter additionally on the mph speedo - was this optional ?
     
  9. Poptop2

    Poptop2 Administrator

    I don't know. What is the history of the bus has it had modifications?
     
  10. Poptop2

    Poptop2 Administrator

    They look right for the year. I don't think the two tone ones are 73 model year clocks.
     
    The Drama Man likes this.
  11. RubyDash.jpg Forced me to dig out her birth certificate - born 1 Feb 73 - SO72 RHD - I'd bet on the clocks being original - they were there in 1981 and previous owner history /servicing then didnt suggest any replacement.
    But they are two tone with chrome ?
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 28, 2017
  12. From reading the first and the 17th pages ... it sounds like my late 1971 built bus is an early based cross over
     
  13. Poptop2

    Poptop2 Administrator

    It is!

    Aug 71 to Aug 72 first crossover and Aug 72 to Aug 73 later one. Build dates that is!
     
  14. Poptop2

    Poptop2 Administrator

    Interesting.
     
  15. Ratwell suggests that the two tone clocks are up to somewhere during 72/73 - a guess would be that the older two tone dials were phased out into the first part of the 73 year build - so who else has a pre 1 Feb 73 build crossover - and are they two tone ?
     
    Gingerbus likes this.
  16. Poptop2

    Poptop2 Administrator

    Lots of people have Aug 72 -Aug 73 buses. Not many seem to have your type speedo.
     
  17. Mine was built November 72 with the 2 tone grey dials with the chrome rings.
     
  18. Your trip speedo was a deluxe option , quite rare and sort after ...worth a bit as well ..
     
  19. Thanks - that's great to know


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
     
  20. Gingerbus

    Gingerbus Supporter

    Mine has the trip meter too. Not very accurate mind! Think there's some teeth missing off the drive cogs!


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
    Eastcoast cruiser likes this.

Share This Page