Tech-Tips: VW Beetle Decklid Identification
Air-cooled VW Beetle decklids (or engine lids) play a functional and aesthetic role in these classic cars, and their design evolved over the decades. Here's an overview of the different types and their significance:
This page should only be used as a general reference for VW Beetles manufactured for sale in the U.S. market. Beetles destined for foreign markets may have different decklids. Some years were split-years, where different decklids may have come on the vehicle.
- All convertible decklids have vents for airflow, and rain catching trays on the decklid backside to keep the engine dry.
- Decklids that can be swapped will require new locking plates welded on the aprons.
1950-52 "Split Rear Window" Beetles
- "W" Style Decklid.
- Featured domed "Popes Nose" 1950-52 license light housing unit.
- Uses large one-piece spring with a triangle spring mount on decklid.
- "L" Style locking decklid latch.
1953-1955 "Oval Rear Window" Beetles
- "W" Style Decklid.
- Uses large one-piece spring with a triangle spring mount on decklid.
- Short domed 1953-57 license light housing unit.
- "T" Style locking decklid latch.
1956-1957 "Oval Rear Window" Beetles
- "W" Style Decklid.
- Uses small one-piece spring with a rectangular spring mount on decklid.
- Short domed 1953-57 license light housing unit.
- "T" Style locking decklid latch.
1958-1963 Beetles
- "Half W" Style Decklid.
- Uses small one-piece spring with a rectangular spring mount on decklid.
- Short domed 1958-63 license light housing unit.
- "T" Style locking decklid latch.
Late 1963 Beetles
- Flared wings end above the license light housing.
- Short domed 1958-63 license light housing unit.
- "T" Style locking decklid latch.
1964 Beetles
- Flared wings end above the license light housing.
- Wide round-top 1964-66 license light housing unit.
- "T" Style locking decklid latch.
1965 Beetles
- Center flared wings end above the license light housing.
- Wide round-top 1964-66 license light housing unit.
- Round decklid latch hole with three mounting screw holes.
1966 Beetles
- Holes for mounting 1300 badge.
- Center flared wings end above the license light housing.
- Wide round-top 1964-66 license light housing unit.
- Square decklid latch hole with three mounting screw holes.
1967 Beetle
- One year only decklid.
- Eliminates center flare.
- Wide 1967-79 license light housing unit.
- Flat bottom, but longer than 1968-79 decklids.
- Square decklid latch hole with three mounting screw holes.
1968-69 Beetles
- First year short decklid.
- Wide 1967-79 license light housing unit.
- No cooling vents.
- Square decklid latch hole with three mounting screw holes.
1970-71 Beetles
- Introduction of 1600cc engine and featured two sets of cooling vents.
- Wide 1967-79 license light housing unit.
- Holes for mounting "Volkswagen" badge.
- Square decklid latch hole with three mounting screw holes.
1972-73 Beetles
- 4 Sets of cooling vents.
- Wide 1967-79 license light housing unit.
- Holes for mounting "Volkswagen" badge.
- Square decklid latch hole with a single mounting screw hole. (O.E. Only. Aftermarket use 1967-71 decklid lock.)
1974 Beetles
- 4 Sets of cooling vents.
- Wide 1967-79 license light housing unit.
- Holes for mounting "Volkswagen" badge.
- Thermostat flap vents under license plate to help with cooling. (California models)
- Square decklid latch hole with a single mounting screw hole. (O.E. Only. Aftermarket use 1967-71 decklid lock.)
1975-77 Beetles
- 4 Sets of cooling vents.
- Wide 1967-79 license light housing unit.
- Holes for mounting "Fuel Injection" badge.
- Thermostat flap vents under license plate to help with cooling. (California models)
- Square decklid latch hole with a single mounting screw hole. (O.E. Only. Aftermarket use 1967-71 decklid lock.)
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