1950 VW Beetle Split Window specs

1950 VW Beetle Split Window specs and vehicle description

The 1950 VW Bug or VW Beetle Split window has an unique design. The split window in the back is timeless and it provides the 1950 Beetle with a very high value. Initiated in August 1949 there were many changes associated with the VW Beetle 1950 Split Window models including a VW emblem and a beefed-up front axle. On some Beetles, the old single-acting lever-type shock absorbers were replaced with a new double-acting type. The left-hand door lost its armrest and running-in stickers were no longer placed on the windshield. Also a new seven-digit chassis numbering system was adopted with these models. In September there were changes to the clutch disk and piston clearance specs. In the suspension, a track rod with left- and right-hand threading was made standard. On October, Volkswagen stopped providing an engine crank-starting handle. A beefier clutch lever was put into production. Inside the use of a brown molded-type rubber front door mat and rubber footwell trim began. Rubber rear floor mats were no longer used with these VW Beetle 1950 Split Models. An accelerator pedal with larger roller was adopted in October and the runner for the driver’s was raised a bit. In December 1949, the push rod tubes were changed to have corrugated ends only. In 1950, Volkswagen marketed the Standard Beetle Sedan and the Deluxe Export Beetle Sedan. Volkswagen also marketed a rare Beetle Cabriolet or Beetle Convertible. About two months into the year, buyers could request a sunroof for their Beetle Sedan at additional cost. You can identify an Export Beetle Sedan by its chrome bumpers, bright hubcaps, chrome headlight rims and shiny door handles. Interior appointments were also of a better quality. The new Beelte Convertible was based on the two-door Sedan. It had a convertible top that was unusually bulky when folded. The Beetle could easily hit 60 mph. Four-wheel independent suspension was featured. The standard Beetle model could be identified by looking for the horn attached to the outside of the front bumper bracket, which eliminated the use of a protective grille. On the export Beetle Sedan, the horn was attached under the left fender behind the small grille. Running changes were made to the Volkswagen Beetle Sedan throughout 1950. The crankcase was modified to alter the oil level and to allow complete draining of the oil. The use of an oil splash guard was discontinued and the number 4 main bearing was grooved. Another change to the VW Beetle 1950 Split Window was the gasket between the cylinder and the cylinder head. Up front, the upper torsion bar now had the same five leafs as the lower one. A larger knob was used on the lock cable for the up-front trunck. The main beam and turn signal indicator lights were on the left side of the dashboard, with the generator and oil warning lights on the right. The oil dipstick was given a black phosphate coating. A sealing ring was used between the headlights and front fenders. Volkswagen also began using a 19-mm hexagonal oil drain plug on some cars. The accelerator cable was replaced by a pin and clip arrangement. The cord carpets previously used in the rear were replaced with Honey brown molded rubber mats. In March, the Export sedans and cabriolets got hydraulic brakes. Also the exhaust pipe diameter was enlarged. On April 28, Volkswagen put the Sunroof Beetle Sedan in production.

Main changes in 1950

• Hydraulic brakes introduced.
• Sunroof introduced.
• Noise mufflers for heating ducts added.
• Automatic air cooling by thermostatically controlled throttle ring.
• Fuel mixture heating device (heat riser) introduced.
• Small emblem hubcap replaced big emblem.
• 5 torsion leaves in each tube.
• Gaskets between cylinders and heads.
• Bosch headlights replace VW item on saloon and cabriolet.
• Tailpipe increased from 31 to 32mm.
• Inlet manifold now made of light alloy.
• Small cut-outs in tops of door windows.
• Hydraulic brakes on export saloons and cabriolets.
• Automatic engine cooling control by bellows.
• Brake master cylinder reduced from 22.2mm to 19.5mm.
• Rear brake cylinders reduced from 19.05mm to 15.9mm.
• Carby fitted without hinged float from chassis 213301 to 213455.
• Option cloth sunroof.
• Hole for external crank handle discontinued on Cabriolet in late 50.
• Heat riser added to intake manifold.
• Offset wrist pin to reduce piston slap.
• Stronger alloys for exhaust valves and inserts.

VW Beetle 1950 chassis numbers: 138 655 – 220 133

The serial number from the 1950 VW Beetle Split Window is on the plate on the front hood center and at the back of spare tire and stamped on chassis tunnel (backbone) under the rear seat. Engine number is stamped on the generator support and on the crankcase.

Engine 1950 VW Beetle

Horizontally opposed, overhead-valve four-cylinder (air cooled). Light alloy block,. Light alloy heads. Finned cylinder with cast-iron cylinder liners. Displacement: 69.0 cid (1131 cc). Bore & stroke: 2.95 x 2.52 in. (75 x 64 mm). Compression ratio: 5.8:1. Brake horspower: 24.5 at 3300 mph. Torque: 51 ft.-lbs. at 2000 rpm. Solid valve lifters. Solex carburetor. 6-volt electrical system.

Read our air-cooled VW Beetle engine guide for additional information.

1950 VW Beetle parts

Are you looking for parts for your 1950 VW Beetle? On this page you can submit a parts request that is send to multiple VW Beetle parts sellers (Paruzzi & VW Heritage). They will provide you with their price (without obligation to buy the parts AND there are no hidden charges).

1950 VW Beetle for sale