Air-cooled VW Beetle Decklids

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.

Decklid: 111827025BDecklid: 111827025B** Does not have 1300 badge holes pre-drilled. Compatible with both latch styles.Decklid w/ Louvers: 111827025AD(use with decklid lock 113827503F)Decklid No Louvers: 111827025AC(use with decklid lock 113827503F)License Light Housing Seal: 113-391LLicense Light Housing Seal: 113-392LLicense Light Housing Seal: 113-393LLicense Light Housing Seal: 113-394LDecklid Lock: N/ADecklid Lock: 113827571BDecklid Lock: 113827503ADecklid Lock:113827503FDecklid Lock: 113827503H1975-7719741972-731970-711968-6919671300Note: Some sources show "1300" decklid is split year, late '66.196619651964Late 19631958-1963.51956-19571953-551950-52
Additional Notes:
  • 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

VW-Beetle-Decklid-Reference-1950


  • "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

VW-Beetle-Decklid-Reference-1953-55


  • "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

VW-Beetle-Decklid-Reference-1956-57


  • "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

VW-Beetle-Decklid-Reference-1958-63


  • "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

VW-Beetle-Decklid-Reference-1958-63


  • Flared wings end above the license light housing.
  • Short domed 1958-63 license light housing unit.
  • "T" Style locking decklid latch.

1964 Beetles

VW-Beetle-Decklid-Reference-1964


  • Flared wings end above the license light housing.
  • Wide round-top 1964-66 license light housing unit.
  • "T" Style locking decklid latch.

1965 Beetles

VW-Beetle-Decklid-Reference-1965-66.5


  • 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

VW-Beetle-Decklid-Reference-1966.5


  • 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

VW-Beetle-Decklid-Reference-1967


  • 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

VW-Beetle-Decklid-Reference-1968-69


  • 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

VW-Beetle-Decklid-Reference-1970-71


  • 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

VW-Beetle-Decklid-Reference-1972-73


  • 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

VW-Beetle-Decklid-Reference-1974


  • 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

VW-Beetle-Decklid-Reference-1975-77


  • 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.)