Fastback, Notchback & Squareback Parts
Beetle DNA with their own body, interior, and trim. Model-specific parts getting harder to find every year.
Parts and fitment questions: (657) 438-7002 · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm Pacific
What changed on a 1961–1973 Type 3
The running changes that matter
Our chassis decoder records electronic fuel injection being offered in 1968, making the Type 3 one of the first production cars with it, and a restyled front end with a longer nose in 1970. Chassis numbers start 31 for the Notchback and Fastback and 36 for the Squareback, so the body style is in the number. Everything else about buying parts for these cars runs on the Beetle calendar, offset a year or two.
Where the Type 3 goes its own way
Our 6V ignition coil covers the Type 3 1962–1966 and the 12V coil 1967–1973, matching the Beetle’s 1967 change. Shift linkage splits the same way: the early coupler is cataloged for the Type 3 1961–1964, the late-style from 1965. The floor structure is its own, though — our Type 3 pan divider lower repair panels are Type 3 only, and our chassis support brackets for it are cataloged for 1969 and later.
Before you order
- 6 volt through 1966, 12 volt from 1967, same as the Beetle.
- Pan and floor repair sections are Type 3 specific. Beetle pan halves do not fit.
- Fuel injection cars from 1968 need injection-specific parts. Many have been converted to carburetors.
- The parking brake lever is the Beetle design, picked up from the Type 3 introduction in 1961. Match it by the same year bands.
Shop your exact year
Shared mechanicals: 1958–1967 Beetle parts and 1968–1979 Beetle parts. The Ghia took Type 3 taillights in 1971 — see 1955–1974 Karmann Ghia parts.
Common questions
Do Beetle floor pans fit a Type 3?
No. The Type 3 floor structure is its own. Our Type 3 pan divider lower repair panels are cataloged for the Type 3 Notchback, Fastback and Squareback only.
What year did the Type 3 go to 12 volt?
1967. Our 6V ignition coil covers the Type 3 from 1962 to 1966 and the 12V coil from 1967 to 1973.
Which parking brake ratchet gear does a Type 3 use?
The Beetle design. The Type 3 picked up the same Beetle-style lever from its introduction in 1961, so match it by the same year bands rather than hunting for a Type 3 specific part.
Which shift coupler does a 1963 Type 3 take?
The early-style coupler. Ours is cataloged for the Type 3 from 1961 to 1964, with the late-style billet coupler covering 1965 to 1973.
Still not sure? Call the parts line at (657) 438-7002, Mon–Fri 8am–5pm Pacific. We'd rather talk you out of the wrong part than process the return.