Classic VW BuGs The 1966 Beetle Features and One Year Options

[@ellenwood3780]

I have a all original 66 beetle with red leather interior, she's beautiful. I get alot of thumbs up when driving her.

[@pdejesu2737]

Hi. Congrats for your video. I have been a VW enthusiast since I was 15 years old and I have restored several Bugs, including a ‘66. In addition, I a big fan of THE BEATLES. I will be 67 years old in October. VW’s and The Beatles will never die.

[@garyjpilcher]

Thanks again Chris, for your world class videos. I just picked up a 66 last week and this vid in particular is a massive help. Thanks so much, keep up the amazing work.

[@classicvwbugs]

Thank you! 👍

[@malkucken]

I have a very stock looking '66 sitting in a storage unit. Your video makes me want to finally get around to restoring it!

[@floridaroadracerguy]

Same here. I have two of em.

[@leobolosky2330]

I have a restored 66 Beetle. It is worth mentioning this is the last year with the 6 volt flywheel. The 6 volt starter does work with the 12 volt conversion, however they can burn out under heavy cranking. The 12 volt flywheel has more teeth (bigger), so the transmission case would have to be machined to manage a 12 volt flywheel and starter. The 6 volt starters are sometimes hard to get. There are trade offs when trying to keep it "original". Thanks Chris. Great videos.

[@bubot17]

The thing i love the most on the 66 bug is, the ball joint beam and the 1300 engine which you can easily swap in a 1600 or those strokers

[@WesB1972]

I have a 1966 beetle that has 1967 door handles which I thought were wrong for the car. While reading in the Bentley manual it states that that some very late 1966 production cars had 1967 door handles. Being a one year part makes them more difficult to find. Luckily I started collecting VW parts in the 1970s and have been able to buy several over the years. I still have the 1966 sun roof car that I bought in1990. Some of the less common parts (pop out windows for one ) have gotten pricey.

[@tomenricks8490]

Hi Chris, Cool video like always! My dad had a '66 bug equipped with dealer a /c , he purchased the car way back in '72. I have owned my '66 bug sunroof for over 30 years. It was the pigalle model in L87 pearl white with red upholstery :seats , carpet , seat frames and floor mats rear floor kick panels. The front heater foot well slide doors came in red aswell ,car featured a walnut shift knob and a spare tire chain lock which was a '66 option. This car is an October '65 production so it still has the early pedal assembly and square push button door handles . The '65 and early '66 outside door handles are actually wrapped in a stainless steel cover unlike the chromed plated '60-'64 types. This early production also featured the center dash defroster & 4 way flasher unit with solid red "88" knob & black steering wheel & slotted wheels with flat hub caps.

[@classicvwbugs]

Very cool

[@vivauruguay]

Excelent Chris i am rebuilding a 66/67 australian beetle and a lot of my work has been learnt from you. Thanks

[@classicvwbugs]

Awesome man. Keep us posted.

[@seanc.mcnally2118]

Me too!

[@1492chris]

I bought a 1966 VW in Fresno California in Jan. 1966. It was Panama beige, had beige interior and cost $1965. Having one just from the factory was a great experience. The car was unfortunately totalled with less than 5,000 miles on it in a triple highway rollover. Amazingly my passenger and I were uninjured. I always regretted losing that car in brand new condition. Great to see you guys doing such high level restoration on these cars.

[@da-cat-dt8px]

Great coverage of the 66 model. I had an F code 1300 6V in my 57 when I was 16 years old and later I owned a 66 beetle in what I called toothpaste green- (Bahama Blue). The F code 1300 had more than 40 hp, I always like to believe it had 50 hp due to the angled intake manifold flange meeting the new style heads. F Codes Rule!

[@jamesbosworth4191]

It has 50 horses.

[@jamesbosworth4191]

Also, good that you pointed out the late 66s had the exterior door handles with round push buttons like the 67, but I have seen 67s with the square buttons. Maybe they had 66 doors?

[@CTmoog]

The 66 is really nice year! Thanks for sharing Chris! =)

[@richardmiller3919]

Chris I appreciate for posting your many video. Wish Your Tube was invented in 1960’s when I was young.. it would save my time and fix where it needs to be fixed or replaced. I ALWAYS ENJOY every video. Million thanks!!! 👍🏼

[@FayazAhmad-yl6spFZ]

Volkswagen beetle was favorite car of Pakistan's army officers in 60s. My uncle was captain he bought 67 model beetle brand new then I was 9 years old.

[@suemack1555]

I didn’t get the chance to read all the comments, so just in case it’s been mentioned, I apologize for repeating it….mine has the red interior that you show, but where the seat back release lever area is, I have a red cover over the whole seat frame area on the outboard side, which hides it all pretty nicely….might have been an option, but I’m not sure….I also have an ivory knob cigarette lighter,(6v), on the right side of the ashtray, which also might have been an option, as it matches all the rest of the knobs and retainers….my parents bought it,(I was with them), when the car was turned in by an older couple who wanted to trade it for a type three only after 3mos, we were there, and my parents grabbed it, and it’s been mine now since 1979….

[@tyronemorris8735]

66 first year with the centre vent slot cut out on the interior dash Chris

[@moragmiller4043]

Hi from scotland,fixing up a 1965 at the moment and would like to know if the balljoint beem from a 66 can go on a 65,or did the spacing on the framehead change.great vids from you allways

[@classicvwbugs]

Actually I think you can do it.

[@DuckmanCycles]

Thats a really great looking 66! Good work, Chris!

[@philipdavey8236]

In Germany this model came out in November of 1964. I bought one on December of 1964 in Fürth. The Models sold in Germany were one tear ahead of the exports.

[@johnteill_]

That pearl white with all red interior looks damn good 👍

[@geraldbly4903]

Wow! Beautiful 1966 Beetle!

[@samuelobregon5521]

Thank very much for the info in this video. I have a question dou. Is the cooler of this beetle in the video the correct grey for a 1966? I own a 66 and is blue but title says grey. Please let me know thank you.

[@classicvwbugs]

No this was a Porsche color we put on this, like a gunmetal metallic.

[@davedubnut2210]

Hey Chris, I’m bidding on eBay on a one family owned bug from December 65, which is what you explained, ball joint etc, sat in a garage since 92 the interior is all red, pigalle im told, and mint! Body has lots of bits of surface rust but solid! Fingers crossed!

[@classicvwbugs]

Ahh very good man, good luck!

[@sathindrensanthirathelagan]

Hi Chris - Great job you're doing there - I'm Sathi from Malaysia - have my dad's bug handed to me - strangely in Asia at that time it was a real mish-mash of the 65 and 66. The car was manufactured in 65 - It already had the flat hubcaps and the wheels you mentioned- and the towel rack bumpers - 1300 . No 4 way flashers though - Pearl white with those uniform red seats. Another this is these seats had the 3 piece mechanism for the front seats leaning forward mechanism as you've shown but most cars don't have them now. The owner's manual you flashed is the same too as in 65 - Guess they experimented on us Asians before going all out in America

[@Michael-vw9cn]

Thank you, I have a 66. Your video is very educational.

[@MHB7000]

66 my fav

[@DavidAguilar-be1ki]

What year beetle would be your favorite and why. Thank you

[@classicvwbugs]

Unfortunately I have a few favorites

[@backyardkombi5466]

Very helpful Chris. Thanks!

[@Rockinbiker1946]

My first new car was a 1966 red Beetle. I'll always remember what I paid for it, sticker, $1966. Currently, I just purchased a new red Arteon SEL R-line. It's a long way from $1966. My youngest son owns a '67 Ghia convertible in great shape with a '73 1600 dual carb conversion to go along with his Tiguan and Atlas.

[@dirtydubber88]

Mines a June 66 it has the factory round knobs I have been daily driving mine for 10 years now love the videos

[@richardvelazquez8115]

Thank you Chris. your videos are awesome!!! you are the best!! just a couple of things, the seat frames has handle like lever to push the top portion of the seat front, the in dash hazard, and the last year of the round front fenders, in 67 the go more flat. last year of the 6 volt.

[@robertdavis1255]

Thanks Chris for sharing your experience.... great to see the VW beatles still being restored....I purchased a new 1966 model & I think it was the first model I Australia to have synchromesh in 1st gear....also the fuel gauge was new from my older 1959 model....best car I owned but sadly sold it because family size increased ..... cheers from Australia 😀

[@VWLifeVW]

Thanks for sharing Chris!

[@brianandrews7099]

I totally agree about mounting the voltage regulators. Seeing them “tacked” somewhere under the hood just drives me nuts! I also install them under the seat, but I like them on the other side (near the battery). Doesn’t really matter; just like having all the electrics on the same side!

[@samuelobregon5521]

Quick question, is this paint color the original for 66 models? I own a 66 vw bug and like to paint it the correct color. I really like this dark gray. Thank you for the video.

[@classicvwbugs]

It's not, no. That's a modern day Porsche color

[@samuelobregon5521]

I bought my 66 from a guy in México, it has the aluminum plate that days made in Germany. The title says orinal color grey but haven't find the correct one.

[@martyp7134]

My late father was Volkswagen mechanic and service manager at dealership in western Pennsylvania he all so work for Packard dealerships that sold them through Hoffman importers we had a 56 beetle and 3 1966 beetles the first 66 had 500 miles on when bought it was bought wrecked and he put a new frame head on it and from fire wall out body panels he like the 1300cc throttle response .

[@seanc.mcnally2118]

Very helpful, thanks, Chris, now I know mine is '66 (but on a 71/72 floorpan)

[@ajwasp3642]

I thought the '66 air-cleaner was a one year only too. A forrest green '66 was my first car. Can't believe you forgot to mention the center windsheild vent. That vent, and the ball joint front end, were the two best upgrades for that year. The '66 was the best combination of old and new.

[@mikehardgraves7887]

Thanks for the ‘66 video, I mentioned my ‘66 Frankenbug on one of your oval window videos the other day. It’s nice to see a more stock’66 as a reference even though I’m going in a different direction. I do wish I had 15 or 20 K lying around to get that gun metal gray paint job!

[@JB91710]

That body with a 69 IRS chassis and you are suddenly civilized! Love those headlights. 1600 with twin Weber's and you have a poor man's 356!

[@ocavant]

Plenty of Frankenstein bugs out there to pick up. Keep an original og imo.

[@brianchisnell1548]

All bugs are IRS. Think you mean double jointed vs. swing axle.

[@Kevin19700]

Isn’t that a 1965 steering wheel horn bar?

[@restocal63vw82]

Red interior also called as pigalle. Great videos as usual. Also early 1300cc engines had a stepped crankshaft next to the flywheel end.

[@classicvwbugs]

Very good, forgot that one.

[@jamesbosworth4191]

I remember the 66 Bug when it came out, and thought it was pretty nice. However, I never saw a 66 with that horn ring, only 64s and 65s. The 66, I thought, went back to the 60 - 63 style half circle horn ring. Also, while carpet was an option in 66 and 67, not many cars had it. The vast majority of Bugs had rubber floor matting. Also, there is no need to convert to 12 volt. Just use thick enough battery cables. For this small 4 cylinder, 2 gauge is big enough. You can not use chain auto parts store 4 gauge battery cables with 6 volts. You just can't. There are also 8 volt batteries available. They are available in the same group sizes as 6 volt batteries. The only thing you will have to do is re-calibrate the voltage regulator. Everything else will work fine on 8 volts.

[@edredz]

Great video. Thanks Chris

[@gavinbolton4660]

Wonderful video, informative and interesting!

[@bluebug66]

First year for the 30Pict-1 carburetor. I think it was the last year for the short axles also.

[@classicvwbugs]

Ahh good one! Missed that!

[@billthompson80]

TMI carries the correct door panels as well, and they look really nice. I ordered mine through JBugs, plus you can select non standard colors. I went with a saddle color vinyl which compliments the Bahama Blue nicely. You can buy the chrome door panel trim from Wolfsburg West as well. Also, I don't think your hazard flasher is correct, that looks like a later model knob used. I believe 66 is one year only and are not cheap and hard to find.

[@MrDYLANSDAD7]

Great video! Always good info!👍

[@jr.classics6190]

Hi Chris.. I've learned a Couple of things from this Video.. I have a 66 Beetle. Any Changes to the Bumpers? I have the Overriders on my 66.. Let me know. Thank you again.

[@classicvwbugs]

No, they are the same from late 55-66.

[@jr.classics6190]

Thanks again, Chris...

[@Biglug8888]

When I had my ‘66 the headlight switch was really expensive, I’m guessing it was a one year only item also. Great video by the way.

[@ocavant]

Love these model year videos. You've got your hands full when you do '67. One year everything(almost).lol. Check the Samba for a one year only items '67 bug thread for a thread. Looking forward to it.

[@classicvwbugs]

I do have 67 videos on the one year features.

[@ocavant]

Great. I’ll search for it. Thanks.

[@randybriscoe5084]

Every time he said “motor”, my mind overwrote motor with engine. Every time he said “block”, my mind overwrote block with crankcase.

[@orla.d7546]

Is there a video on how to replace sunroof seal? For a 74 bettle

[@T0bh]

Didn’t the horn ring make a return in 66 as well?

[@MHB7000]

Ya I remember it. he's not finished with this one

[@jonathanbruce9658]

Hey Chris have you done one of these videos for a 65? Love your work 😊

[@classicvwbugs]

Not yet, I plan to.

[@stevenjmuller]

If you were building a 66 that needed a wiring harness, and want to go 12v, would you use a 67 harness then?

[@jpvill4th]

Interesting information about the 1300 engine. My '72 has a 1300 (1276cc) but it is an AB case. Do you have any idea if this can be increased to 1600 without machining the case? This is a car built for the German market.

[@VallonesRCHobby]

yes it can for sure.

[@jpvill4th]

@@VallonesRCHobby Will have to check the heads since the engine has dual port heads as stock or factory installed.

[@jpvill4th]

Are the 1300 cc cylinder walls thicker than previous 1300 engines, allowing the use of 1600 cylinders?

[@classicvwbugs]

@@jpvill4th yes 1300cc jug is thicker.

[@jpvill4th]

@@classicvwbugs Thank you for the reply

[@TheViewmaster1971]

I really miss my '66 especially after watching your video!! May be time to start lookin' for another one?? ;>)

[@hcombs0104]

I drove a '66 during my college years and, yes, I miss mine, too watching these videos.

[@hded06]

Is it possible to make a video of a stereo and speaker installation?

[@beefsoda1]

I'm currently rebuilding a 66. I had to cancel my order with jbugs because of a long backorder wait and I reordered everything from cip1

[@tyronemorris8735]

Also the query i have, regarding the flat hubcap that fits into the inner 3 lobes… is that cap beetle specific (i.e. protruding further out to accommodate the axles), or the same type of cap with the ridge as per the type 3. I have tried fitting the caps onto the correct 5 lug slotted rims - but the caps are just too shallow by about 5mm - whixh makes me think the beetle caps were “taller” than the type 3 ones

[@tomasalvarez6040]

Hey chris. Ive seen almost all your videos, jus wanna say Thanks for a newbie like me, starting, been getting my hands greasy and tackle my own problems, now, although bigger issues i still hit up the mechanic. Hey, need ur advise. I have a 72 ghia, it idles fine, but it boggs when i take off on 1st, or even at gear change to 2nd. Requires more gas squirt to keep it from dying. Wasnt like this before. What can be a reason? Wut u think i should do so that it doesnt quit when i take off...thanks!!!!

[@classicvwbugs]

Sounds like a carb issue. I would take it off and do an internal cleaning. I have a video on it.

[@tomasalvarez6040]

Chris Vallone chris, thankyou for taking the time to reply. Will tackle that this coming week. Im also jus gonna do an oil change, as well as changing the valve cover gasket, since i have a leak from the right side, plus its been about a year😟

[@type2523]

We Germans pronounce Volkswagen as folkswagen , v is sometimes a f in the german grammar .

[@chrisfreemesser5707]

You forgot that a German "W" is pronounced like an English "V", so correct pronunciation would be "Folksvagen"

[@type2523]

Chris Freemesser 👌

[@wesleyAlan9179]

Cool

[@seanc.mcnally2118]

@@chrisfreemesser5707 Richtig!

[@jamesbosworth4191]

@@chrisfreemesser5707 That's what I always thought.

[@andynorthern6191]

Did any 66 bugs come with the old 1200cc as a option or did they all get the 1300cc engine

[@classicvwbugs]

Possibly yeah, standard models

[@jamesbosworth4191]

Not in North America they didn't.

[@evanm4503]

In 1966 all new cars sold in the US had to have 4 way flashers.

[@jamesbosworth4191]

My 66 Ford had it in the glove compartment. I guess there was no other place to put it without modifying the same as a 65 dash board.

[@PittPenguin]

I’ve an August 65, and it has the same 1300 emblem on the engine lid, and has slotted alloy wheels (with flat hubs). Is this period correct for an August built 65? It also has an F engine block, 1300. U.K. The spare wheel well has been replaced and the identification plate is missing. I’m not sure if my registered 65 is a pure 65, or at some point maybe had a 66 body put on it with donor engine? I suppose a birth certificate might answer a few questions.

[@jamesbosworth4191]

It is a 66. It is Japanese cars that always come out in January of the new year. Also, auto makers start producing the new models a little before formal introduction, so that they can have the dealers stocked up with new cars on announcement day.

[@12345fu]

Hey just wondering can you do a rundown on a 64 Sunroof

[@ivorwm2291]

Great information. Thank you for sharing

[@sevoserver912]

Chris, I’m looking at a 66 I found online. The antenna is on the passenger side. Is this correct? I love your videos. I have learned a great deal from you and I go to your channel often when researching beetles. Thanks!

[@classicvwbugs]

Depending on the dealership, they put them on both sides.

[@WesB1972]

My 1966 sun roof car has the antenna on the passenger side.

[@jamesschrom317]

Nice video! How comes some '66's have turn signals mounted on top of the front fenders? I think my dad's '64 had them.

[@jamesbosworth4191]

All 58 and later Bugs had the turn signals/Parking lights on top of the front fenders, at least in this country, (United States).

[@daalhoffarm]

The 1300 went in europe until the end of production in germany. After 71 its a dual port 1300 with doghouse and 31pict-4 carb en big oil channels as41.

[@paulmarado]

Chris my motor does not have identification numbers at the generator mount. Obviously a new case. How can i identify the size of my motor?

[@classicvwbugs]

Hmmm, you can look at the heads by taking valve covers off and looking at the rockers, boss size, etc. Piston and cylinder size too. Manifold changes as well.

[@josefuentes4147]

Hey Chris do you have a video like this one but for a 67 vw bug

[@classicvwbugs]

I do, it is like a 2 or 3 part series

[@snugbug5067]

👍 I am curious about about the difference in the engine lid vents. Which years and position of the vents was the most optimum for cooling. I have a 74 sb It runs and operates reasonably well. I think it gets a little to hot on long drives though.

[@classicvwbugs]

well the germans had it right in your VWs time period when it came to cooling, maybe you have the wrong lid on?

[@snugbug5067]

@@classicvwbugs thanks, I'm pretty sure I have a year appropriate engine lid fo a 74. I was curious if air cooling improved from the early 60s through the 70s when the vents changed position every few years. But I know engines were also bigger over time.

[@classicvwbugs]

@@snugbug5067 It did improve yes, they had to do to the larger engine.

[@snugbug5067]

@@classicvwbugs thank you ! I'm originally from your area and enjoy watching your fall cruises around where I use to travel. Bear Mt., Anthonys nose, Peekskill. Paliades Parkway, Pretty country !! 👍

[@classicvwbugs]

@@snugbug5067 Cool man, where do you live now?

[@steveafanador6441]

Hey Chris what's the best rear main seal to get for my type 1? I'm getting oil on my flywheel causing bunny hop in first gear

[@classicvwbugs]

Those orange seals seem to work best, German.

[@steveafanador6441]

@@classicvwbugs thanks chris

[@floridaroadracerguy]

I don't mind basecoat clearcoat non stock colors on full custom beetle with big engine yadayadayada but when doing a full resto should be single stage original color IMHO.

[@anonymousme8102]

Chris my 66 has the high beams on floor, it’s a 6 volt 1200, and it also has another pull nob (with a black center, what is this for... a choke?) to the right of the ash tray... can you respond to these 3 items? Also, the license plate deck lid light is a smaller “nipple” shape, not the more big 1/2 round shape? It is a Canadian bought VW from West Vancouver. ( I also have the OG warranty and owners manual :)

[@jamesbosworth4191]

Sure it is a 66? Had a guy at work about 25 years ago show me his "64" VW that he just bought. I told him it was a 67, he researched the car, and behold, it was a 67.

[@anonymousme8102]

@@jamesbosworth4191 yes it’s a Canadian Classic 66’. The knob is for heat boost. Canadian Classics were put together with left over old parts… ie: it came OG with a popes nose license plate light

[@jamesbosworth4191]

@@anonymousme8102 Good to know.

[@Nessal83]

Is that a factory color paint?

[@thardyryll]

Unfortunately it was not a factory color, which is too bad for a restoration project. I am 66 and have owned a dozen air-cooled VWs, including a 1300.

[@clonecommandocb1330]

My 63 beetle has the same type of door handles. Was that a feature for the 63?

[@classicvwbugs]

All the door handles pretty much looked the same from 60-66. But it was in 64 I believe where they changed the mech inside.

[@coyotefurtrumpet]

❤️ the 66

[@unicron24]

Nice...

[@BRED510]

Interesting. You should compare US bugs to Europe, as we didn't get a lot of those features until 67. And if you have 67 1200 (as I do, incidentally it's a never welded UK car, near mint condition) it kept the floor dip switch, 6v electrics, reserve tap (no fuel guage), etc.

[@classicvwbugs]

Yeah that could be cool, I gotta hone up on Euro changes to do that vid. thank you!

[@chrisfreemesser5707]

I'm an American who owns a '68 Euro-spec Beetle and actually posted a video of the differences I found. The ones I'm aware of are: 1300cc engine vs. US 1500cc, no emissions vs. US emissions, no flashers, no reverse light, no brake warning indicator, steel dash vs. US padded dash, low back front seats vs. US high back seats, and different routing of oil cleaner heater hose. It does have a collapsible steering column and despite not having reverse lights it DID come with the same rear light lenses as US models..which have a clear section for reverse lights. Socket is there, wiring isn't. I *think* the seatbelts were different as well but I don't know for sure.

[@duffysullivan2794]

Big windows on the '66. Lots of glass!

[@torbjorntoft1416]

You van find the relays in 6v on werk34.de 😊

[@fredstocking3812]

One year only flasher switch. But guy in Sacramento may still have correct one for sale(thesamba.com) search will show. I have one uncracked but goes with car NFS. Another man in Monterey CA makes 6volt generators converted to 12 volt excellent units $300+.

[@willorangejuice9410]

Can you make a video like this about 1963

[@recklessmohazu]

Got a 66 with crouch coolers

[@classicvwbugs]

Ah yeah I have seen those! Rare

[@buick1955]

Good luck finding a signal flasher box in 6 volt .

[@MHB7000]

Only yr to have red hazard knob too

[@llewellyn56]

yep i had 1300

[@llewellyn56]

good old folkswagen

[@shanedarden369]

Somebody forgot the break lights...

[@carsforlife8292]

I got one

[@brianchisnell1548]

With 25% more power and the 4.37 gears, the '66 was zippy compared to '67

[@michaelfiaschetti2574]

66 /67 models

[@wadesaleeby2172]

The Beatles...

[@brucegillies1694]

Alternator is muh easier !

[@dodgers9302]

Also ‘66 was the first year with the center defrost vent on the dashboard. Might even be 1 year only on the rear bumper mounts as I could not find any that resembled my stock ones when I replaced mine. Nice video & info, Chris! 👍🏽