1955, END OF
"BARNDOOR" ERA...
All changes below, starting End of March
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*click pics for larger image*
Changed
taillights (end of
march). 2 different sets of taillights were used:
American models-'Pebbles' removed from inside
lense, lense shape also changed slightly- more shouldered, Dual fillament bulb, Dual
chrome ring, non reflective lense. Served as driving lights and turn signals only.
(brakelight is on decklid)
European models-Flat lense, Single fillament
bulb, reflective. Served as driving lights ONLY. (brakelight on decklid, turn
signal light was still semaphores)
(See taillight info for even more specifics)
(changes again in 62)
Addendum to above:
There are also 2 styles of American 55-57 lights floating around.
Style#1-the most common- Lenses
say SBL17 and HELLA on them. Chrome ring has no markings on it.
Some people believe Style#1 was an original replacement assembly.
Style#2 - Lenses just say HELLA.
Chrome Ring has HELLA and VW symbols punched on them.
USA
-Changed reflectors to a smaller diamond style.
European models no longer had
reflectors (New taillight was reflective)
USA -Reflectors moved upwards to
just below taillights.
2 3/8" from bottom of taillight hole to center of square reflector hole. Hole was
stamped square originally.
(Changes again in mid 57)
| WAS |
IS |
 |
 |
Full width
dashboard added as standard equipment (was previously an option).
| WAS |
IS |
|
 |
Steering wheel
changed
| WAS |
IS |
 |
 |
USA changed turn signals to the
bullet style. Euro remained the same
(changes again in late 61)
| WAS |
IS |
 |
 |
Both american
and european had the turn signal switch moved to the steering column this year (even
though Euro continued to use semaphores), but they each used different turn signal
switches. Knob remains black on both but is changed to a different shape and thread size
for both styles.
Euro: used a 3 wire switch
American: had 4 wires in the switch
(Changes again in mid57)
| <=IS=> |
| European |
American |
 |
 |
| WAS |
 |
Fiberboard headliner added.
| WAS |
IS |
|
 |
Added steering dampner
(previously an option)
Rear
apron now same as other models
Added overhang above window to
allow for fresh air ducting into the cabin
| WAS |
IS |
 |
 |
Moved side mirrors to door hinge
| WAS |
IS |
|
|
Emblem now has 4 pins on the
back of it used for attaching.
| WAS |
IS |
 |
need pic |
Decklid stayed the same, but the
prop rod and the removable 3rd brakelight assembly changed.
Bumper
changed slightly - threaded inserts for license plate were discontinued. Rib
length changed. See detailed changes
Tire
and rim size changed. Tire size: Was 5.50x16 /// IS 6.40x15
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