Deformation panel. The sticky out bump at the bottom of the front panel that the bumper sits on. At the side where it fitted to the step on a 73, the join was a fold that was left sticking out. Changed to a flat join on a 74.
This is an early late (Built Dec '72, for '73 model year): These steering wheels have tapered splines (unlike later '74 onwards which have parallel splines), and hence can be very difficult to remove, unless you have a hydraulic puller. If yours is an early like this, I'd try removing it first to see if you can actually get the wheel off. I gave up with this one...
Now I'm confused? According to vwed' stats and my chassis number, I should have the later steering wheel....however, my steering wheel looks a lot like MarcT512's?
From your photo you've clearly got the "paddle" type wiper & indicator switch. These also changed at the same chassis number as the wheel to the later style switches. To repeat, that number is 214 2164 059. In other words the 164,059th Bus off the production line since August 1st 1973. With respect I think you have misread your chassis number.
Yes, but it is the last 6 digits (that matter within the '74 model year) that we are trying to establish and whether they are higher or lower than 164,059.
Mine is a May '73 build. Here it is with the puller and C washer I used to get the old one off , the splines, and the new wheel the new wheel
My Bay is registered in 1980, although it was definitely made in 1979 because that's the year they stopped making 'em! Probably bought by Devon in '79, converted then eventually registered/ sold the following year.
I clearly don't have a 17mm splines, just got my new steering wheel from JK who verified which wheel I need..........wrong one! Sighhhhh now will have to wait for an exchange, on the bright side it means I can get a wooden wheel. Apparently the later bays can't get the wooden wheels from JK.