My London Roadster came with it’s own VIN number, concocted by the London Motors Corp. in Inkster MI. This has been quite a boon for registration over the years. The one place it fails me is in identifying the donor VW model year used in construction and thus in ensuring I’m getting proper parts and pieces.

The chassis number seems to have been ground off, obscured, or I’m just plain inept at finding it. Supposedly it’s on the tunnel, under the seat, just in front of the access panel. There’s no hint of anything ever being “stamped” there. I’ve checked many times as recent as last evening.

By process of elimination, I think what I’m looking at is a 1969 to 1971 donor. Here’s my logic, referencing http://www.vw-resource.com/years.html

– Cannot use the engine to ID as it’s likely not original to the frame
– Dual joint rear axles (IRS) introduced on late ’69 models in US
– Steering lock in ignition lock introduced in ’69
– 4xDrum brakes
– 4 Lug wheels introduced in ’68
– Old clutch throwout (not definitive) introduced new one in ’71
– Computer analysis wiring introduced in ’71 (not definitive, does not have)
– New steering column introduced in ’72 (need to check this one further)

Your thoughts? Are there other indicators I can use to narrow the guess?

Those of you with London Roadsters and VW frames; is your VW frame number ground off or still there?

Stephen