Late bays through the years

ok this is a good basic basis to start from. do not take it as gospel as i'm sure there is more to add

1972, Crossover
note, square rear vents, early style bumpers and early low front lights


1973
note early style around the sliding door handle with key in handle




and also there is a petrol flap,



introduction of larger bumpers and high front indicators




1974
note the sliding door handle has changed, the key is now in the door




and there is no filler flap



the new brazilian baywindows
note the front radiator on the newer water cooled models, new style bumpers, doors have ribbed areas at bottom and the roof is different. also have a vw polo engine in the rear



the earlier brazillians were still aircooled

 

The quirky little 72 high light .

Ok, so you think you have a text exempt late bay T2b well you have! great, result. only you haven't quite well not quite! confused? read on.

The type 2A prototype bay window camper successful as it was did not meet the sedan safety requirements for US import: so in 1971 vw began the process of upgrading the very successful prototype bay to meet strict us safety regulations .

The crossover we all know came into being. Ok so this vehicle never really cut it with US bureaucracy so it then morphed into the marvelous fantastic late bay - great.

Only it was not a straight change over, the early crossover production was not just stopped at midnight Aug the 1st 1972, No it was a complex issue for the VW works, tooling was like now: a very big consideration both cost wise and installation wise. VW probably waited for the august holidays and then did the tooling upgrade and when the workers came back off their breaks they came back to a new production process.

The early crossover had a new front end fitted, nothing else just a new front, the rest of it remained as was in 1971, when the prototype bay had first been revamped, you know when the rear removable valance was replaced etc.

So if you have a tax exempt or early ( pre feb ) 73 model you most likely have a late crossover model and when ordering bits rear of the front panel it may be advisable to specify it is a crossover .

In or around Aug 73 the full on late bay that we have come to know and love began coming out of production, no rear filler cap , new steering column , steering wheel etc .

That's it - you own a late crossover. A 73 model year bus.

Or is it a early late ?

Your call, just remember to order parts for a crossover but not the front panels !