Earlier floorpans on a late model bug?

[Jonny 5]

Is it possible to fit earlier (pre 73) pans on a 73 bug? Is the only difference the seat mounts? Cheers.

[Retro Custom]

Yeah, they will fit. '72 had one year only seat runners, but the earlier ones will fit. Oval pans are different and have different runners too - the earlier ones had horizontal runners.

[Jonny 5]

Cheers. One of my reasons for doing so is the number of cheap second hand (I'm on a tight budget) pre 73 pans available compared to the post 73 ones and also I fancy fitting highback seats which again seem more common with twin point runners.

[Ivan]

If you are talking about putting your bodyshell on a pre '73 floorpan make sure you get the registration document with it, as the chassis is what is registered - not body. Also this will mean it is a Historic Vehicle - and therefore you'll get free road tax. Worth thinking about if you are on a tight budget!

[Jonny 5]

Yeah cheers Ivan, I had thought of that. My only thought against that is the Beetle is my first VW that my old man bought me when I was 16 (18 years ago) so I'd rather keep it's identity for sentimental reasons. It's been sat in the garage for over 10 years while I've owned (and sold) a succession of other cars but I've never had the heart to get rid of it!

[spaarky]

earlier floorpans will fit, but how easy depends on what seat runner/base configuration you need. Have just fitted pre-73 pans to a UK registered 1974, and have transferred over the late centre mount & seat runners, simply 'cos that made it cheaper and easier to source replacement pans. As for tax eligibility etc - check the DVLA web site