Type 1 Modifications

Type 1 Modifications

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Most Important Modifications
1940-1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957

1940-1948

Year Chassis Number Modification
Engine / Clutch / Heating
1943   Engine size increased from 985 cc to 1131 cc.
1946 054 617 Push rod tubes; now corrugated tube ends, previously sprung.
1947 071 616 Cooling air throttle valve; previously slide valve, now choke valve with swing handle.
04 / 1948 076 722 Crankshaft; with 48.5 mm dia for flywheel. Flywheel with 48.5 mm bore.
 Fuel System
1946 057 390 Fuel tank now fitted higher.
Front axle / Steering
1946 057 011 Grease nipples on inner track rod joints; facing towards left rear wheel, no longer at right angles to track rod.
Brakes / Wheels / Tyres
1946 059 107 Brake cable: now with grease nipple, previously without. Tyres: now 500 x 16, previously 4.50 x 16.
Chassis
03.08.1940 000 026 Chassis number: punched by hand on the flat surface at the frame head.
16.05.1945 052 016 Chassis number: punched by hand on the right-hand side of the chassis tunnel, below the rear seat.
13.10.1947 073 348 Chassis number: punched with a stencil on the chassis tunnel, between gear lever and hand brake
1948 073 816 Choke cable: unsprung
Bodywork
1946 057 893 Engine noise suppression: cardboard for noise reduction in the engine compartment.
1947 071 377 Spare wheel fastenings: now with bracket for chain and lock.
Other Information
1942   Schwimmwagen: 511 vehicles produced
1943   Schwimmwagen: 8258 vehicles produced
1944   Schwimmwagen: 458 vehicles produced per month

1949

Date Chassis Number Modification
Engine / Clutch / Heating
05.01.1949 091 914 Heating cable: now double, formerly single.
14.01.1949 092 918 Air filter: pan shaped filter replaced by new mushroom shaped design.
18.01.1949 093 270 Heat exchanger-lower part: modified flap without hinge.
01.02.1949 094 554 Inlet manifold: support introduced.
08.04.1949 100 826 Fuel pump: with blue Solex diaphrams, fitted with 4 gaskets.
28.04.1949 101 902 Exhaust valves: now case hardened stems on all models.
June 1949 1-0 106 637 Breather pipe introduced.
June 1949 1-0 108 091 Filter: in cylinder head ventilation holes.
July 1949 1-0 114 186 Felt cone airfilter for engines in Type 11A.
Sept 1949 1-0 119 588 Piston clearance for No. 3 cylinder 0.005mm greater.
Sept 1949 1-0 120 959 Clutch: radially ribbed disc, initially still double pressure springs.
Sept 1949 1-0 122 902 Cylinders: Higher phosphor content.
Oct 1949 - Starting handle discontinued
Dec 1949 1-0 136 729 Pushrod tubes: corrugations now only at the ends.
Fuel System
18.01.49 092 879 Fuel tap: now with Thiokol seal, formerly with cork seal.
Aug 1949 1-0 116 375 Fuel tank: shape changed, central tap, filter discontinued.
Aug 1949 1-0 116 375 Fuel filler cap: now with VW emblem, locking spring.
Front axle / Steering
15.03.1949 097 580 Torsion bars: lower 5-leaf, upper 4-leaf(1000 experimental front axles) previously lower 4-leaf, upper 5-leaf
14.04.1949 101 322 Torsion bars: lower 5-leaf, upper 4-leaf on all models.
Sept 1949 1-0 123 476 Track rod: right, now with left- and right- hand thread as standard.
Rear axle / gears
March 1949 from 098 396 to 098 400 Gear box: electron on some models, formerly refined magnesium-aluminium alloy.
17.03.1949 098 400 Gearbox: oil capacity now 2.5 litres, formerly 3 litres.
26.04.1949 102 026 Gearbox: electron standard.
Aug 1949 1-0 117 053 Lever type shock absorbers: some models now double acting, formerly single acting.
Oct 1949 1-0 127 560 Clutch lever: reinforced construction.
Bodywork
25.01.1949 093 781 Front seats: back rest now straight, formerly slanted.
09.02.1949 094 470 Luggage space: two metal rails installed as standard.
01.05.1949 1-0 102 948 Dashboard: now has bakelite radio blanking plate. Bonnet lid: with a latch, formerly locking handle. Engine lid: no longer lockable. New rear and front bumpers including new overriders.
06.05.1949 1-0 103 168 Dashboard: changed, 2-spoke steering wheel and clock on export model.
09.05.1949 1-0 103 168 Glove box: fibre material, secured with a strap, formerly sheet metal.
June 1949 - Rear window: glass specification changed.
June 1949 - Rear view mirror: secured to avoid vibration.
02.06.1949 1-0 106 636 Paintwork: now synthetic, formerly cellulose.
July 1949 1-0 111 054 Engine lid: pressing for number plate dropped.
Aug 1949 1-0 117700 Armrest on left hand door, discontinued.
Oct 1949 1-0 124 032 Floor covering: Brown rubber mats introduced, sitting on rubber floor pan covering, rear rubber mats discontinued.
Chassis
05.01.1949 091 914 Heater cable: from single to double cable.
25.01.1949 093 834 Accelerator cable: elbow at the front, formerly an eye.
29.04.1949 102 537 Pedals: additional grease nipple.
06.05.1949 1-0 103 039 Heater cables: now have rubber boots at the ends.
22.06.1949 1-0 107 101 Chassis number: printed with die on smooth surface to the frame tunnel.
Oct 1949 1-0 128 058 Accelerator pedal: larger roller.
Oct 1949 1-0 128 116 Drivers seat: runner raised by 15 mm.
Electrics
06.05.1949 1-0 102 848 Fuse box: moved from under the instrument panel to left front quarter panel.
May 1949 1-0 106 717 Brake light: bulb-6 volts, 15 watt. 
June 1949 1-0 106 717 Rear reflectors with anti-condensation protection.
02.06.1949 1-0 106 636 Export model production begins.
03.06.1949 1-0 099 906 VW cabriolet production begins.
Aug 1949 1-0 116 616 Running in sticker, dropped from windscreen.
Oct 1949 - Tool kit: starting handle discontinued.

1950

Date Chassis Number Modification
Engine/ clutch / heating
Jan 1950 1-0 138765 Crankcase: oil can now be completely drained, oil splash guard dropped, No 4 main bearing now has a groove.
Jan 1950 1-0 142 243 Cylinders: gasket between cylinder and head introduced.
17.01.1950 1-0 141 601 Dip stick: phosphated and blackened.
Feb 1950 - Oil drain plug: now 19mm head on some models.
30.03.1950 1-0 156 129 Tail pipe: diameter increased by 1mm to 32mm.
April 1950 1-0 156 970 Inlet manifold now made of light metal for improved pre-heating of mixture.
April 1950 1-0 161 234 Solex carb fitted with hinged float.
May 1950 1-0 162 580 Engine cooling: now regulated automatically by bellows thermostat.
09.05.1950 1-0 164 402 Exhaust: Pre-heater pipe now standard.
13.05.1950 - Piston: some models now using Mahle Autothermic piston's.
19.06.1950 1-0 173 719 Clutch: single spring now standard.
10.08.1950 1-0 183 539 Exhaust valves: hardened valves are now standard.
Oct 1950 - Oil filter: mechanical oil filter (service part).
16.11.1950 1-0 210 317 Exhaust valves: welded heads is standard.
Front axle / steering
Jan 1950 1-0 138 835 Torsion bars: upper and lower 5 leaf, before upper 4 leaf, lower 5 leaf.
Rear axle / gears
28.05.1950 1-0 167 890 Brake cylinders: now 15.9mm, formerly 19.05mm.
Brakes / wheels / tyres
March 1950 1-0 155 322 Hydraulic brakes on some models (export & cabriolet)
April 1950 1-0158 253 Hydraulic brakes, standard on export and cabriolet.
13.05.1950 1-0 164 460 Brake fluid reservoir with float, formerly with filter.
20.05.1950 1-0 167 890 Master cylinder: reduced to 19.5mm, formerly 22.2mm.
Chassis
10.02.1950 1-0 146 222 Accelerator cable: pin and clip, formerly elbow.
24.03.1950 1-0 154 928 Chassis number: die-stamped on rear left, on vertical side panel of cross member.
29.04.1950 1-0 162 444 Heater control knob: now turn handle.
May 1950 - heating ducts now have noise suppression.
12.09.1950 1-0 192 742 Accelerator cable: return spring standard.
17.10.1950 1-0 202 071 Handbrake lever shortened.
Bodywork
Jan 1950 1-0 140 130 Bonnet release cable: larger knob.
26.01.1950 1-0 143 276 Front wing: rubber gasket between headlight and wing.
13.02.1950 1-0 146 657 Floor covering, rear: brown coloured rubber mats, formerly cord carpets.
March 1950 1-0 155 020 Bosch headlights introduced on export and cabriolet, (previously of VW manufacture).
03.04.1950 1-0 156 991 Changes to upper window channel, horizontal window channel, window raiser and a small cut-out to the top of the door glass.
18.04.1950 1-0 159 782 Door handle, right: now with lock. (optional extra)
03.06.1950 1-0 169 714 Ashtray: on dashboard and right rear side panel.
Electrics
Jan 1950 1-0 140 537 Warning lights on dashboard: for indicator and main beam, left. Generator and oil warning on the right.
Other modifications
28.04.1950 - Production of sunroof model begins.

1951

Date Chassis Number Modification
Engine / clutch / heating
18.01.1951 1-0 224 763 Accelerator cable: now has guide sleeve for return spring.
19.01.1951 1-0 225 376 Crankcase: magnesium-aluminium alloy replaced by Elektron.
21.03.1951 1-0 241 734 Camshaft gear: built from synthetic material. (export model only).
27.03.1951 1-0 242 600 Exhaust silencer: pipe modified.
06.04.1951 1-0 243 731 Heater flaps: front heater flaps, moved inside heat exchanger.
18.04.1951 1-0 246 090 Generator: uprated from AL15 to RED 130/6-2600 AL16.
Aug 1951 1-0 272 706 Oil filler cap: now has spring.
26.11.1951 1-0 305 813 Valve seats: V2 A-steel now standard.
27.11.1951 1-0 306 417 Valves: with caps, on some models.
Front axle / steering
Nov 1951 1-0 299 992 Tie rods now have angular grease nipples.
Rear axle / gears
06.04.1951 1-0 244 003 Shock absorbers: telescopic shock absorbers, fitted to export and cabriolet models only. (Formerly lever type).
Chassis
31.07.1951 1-0 272 406 Hand brake: lever now has rubber boot.
Bodywork
06.01.1951 1-0 221 638 Ventilation flaps fitted to front quarter panels.
01.04.1951 1-0 243 731 Bonnet: Wolfsburg crest added.
12.04.1951 1-0 244 668 Windscreen: trim added.
14.08.1951 1-0 276 126 Ventilation flaps: new mesh and operating lever.
25.10.1951 1-0 296 592 Strengthened jacking points.
20.11.1951 1-0 304 210 Rear seat bolster cushion discontinued.
Electrics
04.01.1951 1-0 221 051 Generator pulley modified, to prevent V-belt jumping off.
March 1951 - Distributor: marked with number/letter according to month/year.
May 1951 1-0 253 756 Starter cable lengthened by 100mm.
01.12.1951 1-0 308 653 Dashboard: indicator lamp now 6 volt. 0.6 watt, formerly 1.2 watt.
Other Modifications
05.02.1951 1-0 229 182 Standard saloon run-in on test bench only.
24.09.1951 1-0 287 416 Toolkit: wheel bolts discontinued.

1952

Date Chassis Number Modification
Engine / clutch / heating
25.03.1952 1-0 338 059 Connecting pipe between tailpipe and exhaust discontinued.
29.05.1952 1-0 357 667 Valve springs: the previous two springs are now replaced by one.
20.08.1952 1-0382 029 Oil bath airfilter fitted on some models.
01.10.1952 1-0 397 023 Heating adjustment, by rotary knob.
20.10.1952 1-0 402 111 Inlet manifold combined with pre-heater pipe in aluminium casting.
Fuel system
01.10.1952 1-0 397 023 carburetor: now 28 PCI, formerly 26 VFIS
Nov 1952 - Coffee can airfilter now has flame trap.
Front axle / steering
01.10.1952 1-0 397 023 Torsion bars now 6 leaf, previously 5 leaf. Shock absorber travel increased from 90mm to 130mm.
  Rear axle / gearbox
01.10.1952 1-0 397 023 Syncromesh gears for 2nd, 3rd and 4th, export model. Gearbox now has rubber/steel mountings, front and rear. Formerly without rubber/steel mounting.Torsion bar diameter reduced from 25mm to 24mm.
Brakes / wheels / tyres
07.02.1952 1-0 324 758 Hydraulic brake reservoir now without float.
01.10.1952 1-0 397 023 Tyres: 5.60-15, formerly 5.00-16. Wheel rims now 4j-15. Rear wheel brake cylinder diameter increased from 15.9mm to 17.5mm.
Bodywork
01.10.1952 1-0 397 023 Quarter light added to doors, broader demister outlets for windscreen, Noise reduction padding in front of engine bay, Window winder now turns 3 1/4 turns, previously 10 1/2. Engine lid now has T handle. Bumpers have broader profile with heavy duty overriders. Body mouldings are anodized and polished, previously aluminium. Glove compartment with lid and push button. Dashboard completely redesigned. Rubber floor mats with non-slip studs. Revised ashtray. Cloth patterns changed.
Electrics
20.02.1952 1-0 322 639 Parking light: parking light terminal 58 of standard wiring system, formerly terminal 57.
01.10.1952 1-0 397 023 Brake lights now in new rear lights, formerly popes nose. Fuse box for brake/tail lights now on reverse side of dashboard. Windscreen wiper has wider sweep, with more power. Battery 70 AH formerly 84 AH. Battery clamp strap position changed. Starter button on dashboard, to the left of steering wheel Indicator switch now on steering column. Lights and windscreen wipers now on separate pull switches. Horn now concealed on standard model. Speedometer has larger dial and warning lights. Interior light above left door pillar. Inspection lamp plug socket discontinued. Horn button with Wolfsburg crest.
Other Modifications
19.03.1952 1-0 336 561 Tool kit: 'Klettermaxe' jack.
01.10.1952 1-0 397 023 Tool kit: spare V-belt dropped.
15.10.1952 1-0 402 111 Tool kit: spare V-belt included.
20.10.1952 - VW Industrial engine production begins

1953

Date Chassis Number Modification
Engine / clutch / heating
02.01.1953 1-0 428 221 Oil bath air filter: with clamping strap.
15.01.1953 1-0 433 397 Carburettor: air correction jet 200, formerly 190.
21.12.1953 1-0 575 415 Engine performance and capacity increased from 25 hp to 30 hp. Compression ratio from 5.8:1 to 6.1:1. Oil bath air filter installed on all models. Engine running-in requirement discontinued.
Fuel system
07.03.1953 1-0 454 951 Petrol tank filler neck enlarged to 80mm, previously 40mm.
Front axle / steering
21.08.1953 1-0 517 304 Front torsion bars increased from 6 to 8 leafs.
21.11.1953 1-0 562 054 New steering wheel construction, view of speedometer unrestricted.
Brakes / wheels / tyres
21.12.1953 1-0 575 415 Brake fluid reservoir moved behind spare wheel, formerly on master cylinder.
Bodywork
14.02.1953 1-0 441 708 Door striker plate now adjustable.
10.03.1953 1-0 454 951 Oval rear window introduced, 23% larger, now with Safety glass instead of plate glass. Ashtray on dashboard receives handle.
18.06.1953 1-0 495 968 Hole for windscreen wiper shaft set 8mm deeper. Bonnet lid support is now shorter.
06.07.1953 1-0 503 371 Quarter-light catches with locks.
July 1953 1-0 509 668 Rear view mirror integral with sun visor.
Electrics
10.03.1953 1-0 454 951 Interior light with off-switch, bulb now 10 watt, formerly 5 watt. New speedometer indicator arrow.
09.10.1953 1-0 541 307 Generator: 9n, 3Li / REF, 160 watt-2500L, on some models.
21.12.1953 1-0 575 417 Generator: 160 watt now standard. Instrument illumination now automatic and can be regulated. Windscreen wipers now have flat arms, painted in metallic paint, formerly chrome. V-belt narrower, with synthetic fibre insert. New ignition and starter lock, starter button discontinued. New distributor with vacuum advance. New battery clamp strap with centre catch, formerly secured with springs. One key now fits door and ignition.

1954

Date Chassis Number Modification
Engine / clutch / heating
06.02.1954 1-0 518 795 Oil cooler has month & year on underside.
19.08.1954 1-0 696 501 Spare V-belt discontinued from tool kit.
Bodywork
25.05.1954 1-0 652 823 VW Cabriolet: New synthetic resin paint, Rear view mirror with two sun visors. Grab handle for passenger. New upholstery.
13.10.1954 1-0 730 023 Windscreen now shatterproof.
Electrics 
01.10.1954 1-0 722 916 Heart shape lenses discontinued on US market cars. (Rear light pods)
18.10.1954 1-0 734 000 Rear light pods fitted with drainage hole.

1955

Date Chassis Number Modification
Engine / clutch / heating
04.08.1955 1-0 929 746 New twin tail pipe exhaust.
Fuel system
04.08.1955 1-0 929 746 Petrol tank moved and changed in shape, filler neck now 60mm, formerly 80mm.
09.01.1955 from 1-0 787 449 to 1-0 797 357 Tie rods without grease nipples on approx. 1000 standard models.
11.05.1955 1-0 881 293 Gear lever assembly: identical on all models.
Brakes / wheels / tyres
04.08.1955 1-0 929 746 Handbrake cable: now bolted to the handbrake lever, formerly on an actuating arm. (Export model only)
Bodywork
04.08.1955 1-0 929 746 Heater knob moved forward, to in front of the front seats. Front seats 30mm wider. Front seat backrests adjustable to three positions. Front and rear luggage spaces increased in size.Plastic grab handles, formerly cloth.
Electrics
01.04.1955 1-0 847 967 Semaphores replaced by flashing indicators on US market cars.
11.06.1955 1-0 904 566 Ignition / starter switch: lock number on fixing lug.
04.08.1955 1-0 929 746 battery now 66 Ah, formerly 70 Ah. Brake / tail lights 60mm higher. Separate brake light lens discontinued, double filament 5/20 watt.
Other Modifications
04.08.1955 1-0 929 746 Spark plug spanner now also used for 21mm generator pulley.

1956

Date Chassis Number Modification
Engine / clutch / heating
21.08.1956 1 266 678 Camshaft timing gear, now made from light alloy on all export saloons.
19.12.1956 1 385 974 Heating duct in sills. Heater outlets in front footwells, moved back (Saloon Models)
Brakes / wheels / tyres
30.06.1956 1 232 835 Tubeless tyres fitted to 800 vehicles of various models.
10.07.1956 1 239 921 Tubeless tyres become standard on all models.
Bodywork
08.08.1956 1 257 230 New door lock plate with adjustable wedge, on some models.
06.09.1956 1 283 328 VW Cabriolet: brass pins and studs for hood fastenings, formerly steel.
04.09.1956 - Hub caps: VW emblem now only in black.
19.10.1956 1 329 017 External mirror on all home market cars.
03.04.1956 1 149 147 Internal padding on front seats made 15mm longer.
Other Modifications
March 1956 - ground clearance now 155mm on export saloon, formerly 172mm.

1957

Date Chassis Number Modification
Engine / clutch / heating
09.01.1957 1 394 163 Heating duct in sills. Heater outlets in front footwells, moved back. (Cabrio Models)
Front axle / steering
07.06.1957 1 568 040  Steering wheel splined shaft now has 48 splines, formerly 24 splines.
Electrics
01.02.1957 1 423 927 New windscreen wiper motor with permanent magnetic brake. Popes nose fitted higher with diffusing lens. Improved illumination of number plate with 5 watt spherical bulb.
Other Information
31.07.1957 1 600 439 Last oval rear window rolls of production line
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