Posted by: vwJim - 20 November 2012 21:32:21
Evening, I've been getting some of the missing parts together for my Oval, as I just bought a job lot of Barndoor / Oval / early non Oval bug parts. I've got contradicting information regarding if the engine starts on a button or a key. One source said it was a one year only setup, '53. Another source has said its up to '57. My Oval came in boxes, and has been heavily played with over the years so its hard to know what's correct and what isn't. It didn't come with a button, it did come with a switch but that doesn't seem to fit the dash all that well. So, anyone know what the correct answer is? Thanks.

Posted by: nicolass - 20 November 2012 22:12:35
Hi Jim Starter buttons are used on Zwitter october 1952 up to Oval november 1953 [ATTACH]7902[/Attach]

Posted by: vintagebug - 20 November 2012 22:50:37
Jim, Nicolass is correct. But zwitter & '53 Ovals came with both an ignition switch and a starter button. The ignition switch on a zwitter & '53 Oval is different to later Ovals. It doesn't turn as far as the later ones, so it doesn't start the car. You have to turn the key then press the starter button. The switch is in the normal location & the starter button is on the dash, to the left of the speedo on LHD cars, and to the right of the speedo on RHD. See Nicolass' photo. Dave

Posted by: vwJim - 20 November 2012 23:25:07
So mine being a 55 wouldn't of had one. And a mate's '56 that has one must been retro fitted at some point. Thanks. PS funny that another mate's 60 ghia has one too. All very confusing :roll:

Posted by: Fernando Pal - 10 January 2013 17:02:19
My car is oval 6/1955 and starter key in right near button on the air [ATTACH]8018[/Attach]

Posted by: Rod_vw - 11 January 2013 23:05:10
Progressive Refinements says starter function was combined with ignition key at chassis number 1-0575 417 (21 Dec 1953) for Type 1 vehicles. Up to 1-397 023 (Split becomes a Zwitter) it was a large 'plastic' button under the centre of the dash after that it became a small chrome button to the outside (away from the centre of the vehicle) of the steering column on the face of the dash. Then as above with some markets having gearlever locking added as required by local laws. Rod