Front Wings

[Stickman]

I have a solid 1959 model beetle which I want to restore as a stocker. (With a fair amount of period accessories) The only problem is the front wings are not original:(

Do i have to source an original set or are there any repros that are as per the originals? Did all o/s front wings have a solid plate behind the horn grill?

Any help greatly appreciated:)

[Ivan]

Pattern front wings are not the same shape as the original wings your car came with. It'd be hard work to track down an original New Old Stock pair, they are in serious demand and go for a lot of money (relative to the price of pattern wings.). If you want to try an find NOS wings - I suggest Germany as you first port of call - specialists such as Axel Stauber has more NOS than anyone I know of - try www.volkswarehaus.de.
Solid used wings shouldn't be too hard to locate, even if you have to look overseas for them. Try www.thesamba.com

Finally, put a wanted advert on every forum you can - someone out there will be able to help you.

Good luck.

[Stickman]

Cheers Ivan, I'll start the search! Keep you posted!

[Ivan]

Go for it! There's no point settling for second best, those wings are out there somewhere and if you look at the feature on Peter Harvey's car in this issue I am sure you'll agree - they're worth finding!
If I hear of any, I'll hook you up.

[Stickman]

Cool:D Cheers for that. I'll have a look round at slough but i usually end up with some accessory which i dont need but my heart says "buy it buy it!"

[Retro Custom]

Your search will turn up more left hand side wings than right hand side ones. Right hand side ones were the ones which got replaced all the time back in the day as most NOS stuff comes from the continent or the US, where cars are LHD.

People tended to prang the RHS side wing more than the LHS wing and as a result, RHS wings are like rocking horse sh*t. I've been looking for a RHS Zwitter wing for 4 years now.

You can find a good used '58 wing needing work for around £200-300 each, but beware that many used wings out there are later ones made to look earlier with the headlamp wiring tube welded in. Original '58 wings are 1/4 inch wider than later 60's wings and the contours on them are different.

On the plus side, there is a company in the US presently tooling up to reproduce correct early wings, so its just a matter of time before you can buy correct sized wings once again.

[SlammedSixtyFive]

i have a pair of 61-63 wings, but would be incorrect for your car...
i think beetles up to 61 had the oval style front wings??

[Stickman]

Your search will turn up more left hand side wings than right hand side ones. Right hand side ones were the ones which got replaced all the time back in the day as most NOS stuff comes from the continent or the US, where cars are LHD.

People tended to prang the RHS side wing more than the LHS wing and as a result, RHS wings are like rocking horse sh*t. I've been looking for a RHS Zwitter wing for 4 years now.

You can find a good used '58 wing needing work for around £200-300 each, but beware that many used wings out there are later ones made to look earlier with the headlamp wiring tube welded in. Original '58 wings are 1/4 inch wider than later 60's wings and the contours on them are different.

On the plus side, there is a company in the US presently tooling up to reproduce correct early wings, so its just a matter of time before you can buy correct sized wings once again.


Thanks RC thats really helpful. Do you know the name of the name of the company in the states who is planning to remanufacture?

Thanks once more

[Stickman]

i have a pair of 61-63 wings, but would be incorrect for your car...
i think beetles up to 61 had the oval style front wings??

Thanks for the offer. I have been led to believe the same re oval type wings. Lets hope the rumour about the comapny in America proves to be true! I'm sure they would be a great seller.