Re: [T3] Please explain the Vin #

["Dave Hall" <dave@hallvw.clara.net>]

> Mixed type 3 and 4 in the same line sounds pretty bizarre. Perhaps we
> should keep in mind that such photos could be posed, and might not
> represent reality, but who knows?

I think you have hit the nail on the head there, Jim.  I looked at the photo
with fresh eyes, and it does seem odd that there are only workers on the
front vehicles of two lines, one a Type 3 and the other a Type 4, and it
looks as though the first three 411s head a line of Type 3s.  They're either
dedicated workers and the rest have gone to lunch, or they've removed the
front three from one line and replaced them with three 411s so they can look
busy for the photos!

Incidentally, when I've been round the factory (in much more recent times),
they do assemble quite different models on the same line, though I wouldn't
be sure they involve more than one type of platform on a single line.  LHD
and RHD, 2 and 4 door, special versions, all seem intermixed.  The parts
computer supplies the right components packages to the final assembly line.

> As for the repainted door, do we know when the doors were attached? I
> doubt if they were in place when the body was sprayed.

Fair point - they could have fitted them later, though I think the body side
of the hinge was in place before painting, as the screws are painted too.  I
think the lids must also have had hinges attached prior to paint - there
isn't any colour paint between them and the lid.
That leaves the question as to how they adjusted the panel fit if it wasn't
correct.  Could it all be done at the latch?

Dave.
UK VW Type 3 & 4 Club
http://www.hallvw.clara.co.uk/
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