Deck lid Script

hercdriver · 09 February 2008, 18:09

What was the history of the deck lid scipt or badge that said "VW Automatic". I saw one for sale on the Samba and would like to get it, but I'd also like to keep my 73 super as close to stock as possible. Did the supers or post 68 models ever wear them?

Dave

Bookwus · 09 February 2008, 19:47

Hiya Dave,

VW Automatic was never officially worn by a Type 1 imported into the USA. I have it on reasonably good authority that it did appear on a few (certainly less than 100) early 1968 Type 1s due to a supply problem at the Emden production line. Emden slapped on the VW Automatic script (which they were able to speedily obtain) and sent those 68 models packing out the door in time to get to the dealer's showrooms for the start of the 68 sales season.

Actually for 1968, the official decklid script was this one...............

This was used only during the 68 production year. Actually, a few do appear on early 69s simply because the factory had some left over and they wanted to use them up. In any event, this script is NOT correct for anything past an early 69. But, a lot of folks today like the look and paste them on their later models.

If you want to be correct with your 73 you need to have the regular Volkswagen decklid script and a dealer applied decal in the rear window. That combination looks like this..........

By the way, the VW Automatic decklid script you wrote about was correct for the Type 3 fully automatic transmission. I have heard that VW Automatic did appear on the decklids of AutoSticks infrequently in markets outside of North America.

Chris the Eagle · 10 February 2008, 01:53

My early 69' has the script. I certainly think it to be a rarity. Or at least hard to find stock.

68autobug · 10 February 2008, 02:21

the stickshift badge is very rare in Australia
I only know of one..
but it cannot be used on later beetles because of the vents in the engine cover...
they were only used on vent less engine covers..

All Australian imported autosticks had the VW automatic badge
as used on type 3s etc....

cheers

Lee

http://community.webshots.com/user/vw68autobug

Beep Beep I'm coming thru.. and I only have two pedals....[/b]

buggerfly · 10 February 2008, 03:42

Was the auto stick decal also on the convertibles? I have a '71 super beetle and would like to keep it as close to the original as possible.

68autobug · 10 February 2008, 04:39

Hi
I love the sticker....
I have seen smaller decals on original beetles so they could also be fitted to cabriolets too...
depends whether Karmann had the decals...

I have seen the "Autostick" badge on Karmann ghias too...

whether they are original I don't know...

Lee

Bookwus · 10 February 2008, 07:57

Hiya Stephanie,

According to my sources VW instructed their dealers to apply the Automatic Stick Shift decal to ALL Type 1 vehicles equipped with AutoSticks. That would include VW convertibles as well as Karman Ghia sedans and convertibles. So, the decal was supposed to be in the rear window of any AutoStick car.

The actual reality of application was another story. Some dealerships simply did not bother with the decal - at all. Others were a bit lackadasical in making sure all AutoSticks passing through their lot were decaled. But most did a very conscientious job with the decals.

Would the decal fit your smaller rear window? I would certainly assume so. After all that was the VW directive. But for safety's sake go out and measure the width of your rear window. The decal was 45 cm wide by 6 cm high. You make the call!

68autobug · 10 February 2008, 11:54

the decals were fairly big Mike..?

I did't think they were that large...

I remember seeing oval window beetles with a Volkswagen decal in the oval window.. I think they were blue...

Lee

Bookwus · 10 February 2008, 18:58

Hiya Lee,

There was only the one Automatic Stick Shift decal used in the USA. This was the only VW sanctioned (mandated actually!) decal that I know of. And, of course, these decals being AutoStick related would never have been in an oval.

I sold one of my repops to Bob (ammo6) and he actually still had the original decal in his Bug. It was (considering that it was close to 40 years old) in pretty amazing shape. A little cracked and yellowed, but still quite readable. Take a look......

buggerfly · 11 February 2008, 05:18

Mike,

I will measure the window when I get the car home and get back to you since I'm not sure of the window size. Thanks for the info.

Stephanie (Buggerfly)

68autobug · 11 February 2008, 23:00

Hi Stephanie,

Your beetle cabriolet was actually made in the Karmann Factory at Osnabruck.. Garmany.

Quote from a Book
"It is not quite accurate to regard the Cabriolet as just a beetle with a soft top.
In fact all the cars were built by Karmann, a small firm of Coachbuilders...."

So, You have something special there Stephanie...

cheers from Australia

Lee

http://community.webshots.com/user/vw68autobug

buggerfly · 12 February 2008, 07:17

Lee,

Where did you find the info on that? I'm not sue of anything on the car yet. I'm actually new to the whole Volkswagen thing, my parents have been into it for a while. Currently they own a '72 Fastback automatic, '85 Cabriolet automatic and the newest one is an '06 Jetta automatic. Of course when I get mine home we will have 4 and only a 2 car garage.

Stephanie

68autobug · 12 February 2008, 08:22

Hi Stephanie
I've been into VWs since My father bought His first in 1962..
and have owned a few over the years...
I also have many books on the VW, history, factory etc....

The Karmann Cabriolet beetle was never sold in Australia
neither was the Karmann Ghia cabriolet..

so, Karmann products are very rare in Australia and the ones imported from the USA {LHD}
and Japan {RHD] are very valuable...
there is a Karmann cabriolet in Australia and its been done up to be a Show car...
and looks like a million doolars...
is now for sale $45,000AUS.... A non restored model still gets $20,000AUS..

so, all VW enthusiasts in Australia know about the Karmann cars....
and how most of Us will never own one....lol...

As Karmann cars were sold by Volkswagen of America
most people in the US say they are Volkswagens....
there should be Karmann badge on the side of your car...

Best wishes with Your rare [in Australia] Karmann cabriolet...

Lee

buggerfly · 12 February 2008, 14:38

Thanks for the info Lee. I don't recall seeing the badge, but I will check on it when I pick it up in a few weeks. Is it possible that there wasn't one or it has been removed? I only remember seeing the Volkswagen script on the deck lid.

hercdriver · 14 February 2008, 00:29

Thanks for all the replies! Sounds like I'll go with the window sticker.

Bookwus, I saw on another thread you made some up. Do you still have any left? If so how much?

Dave