In addition to the speedometer, Volkswagen added a grille on both sides from the 1958 model year onwards. For the most luxurious models, a fuel gauge was added on the right-hand side, whereas standard models were without one, and the grille had no space for it either. On the left-hand side, there was room for an optional loudspeaker accessible from the trunk.
From the 1968 model year onwards, all VW Beetles received a fuel gauge, no longer in the grille but integrated into the speedometer. So there have been many different grilles over the years. The advantage is that they are interchangeable on either side, the difference being the number of extra holes for trim and/or a fuel gauge.
But that's not all: if you want to fit a temperature gauge, rev counter or other additional instrument, there are also grilles with one or more 52 mm round holes. Even for owners of a Dehne fuel gauge, there's a grid that replaces the original one on the right-hand side of the speedometer. So you don't need to cut holes in your dashboard or place the instruments in an illogical location, but rather in the most visible place, i.e. next to the speedometer.
Before fitting, the tabs are turned half a turn, allowing the grille to tighten. This is the most fragile part of the grille. When the grille is dismantled by straightening the tabs, they often tear off. It is possible to secure the grille by not fully bending the tabs to avoid metal fatigue, but this will cause the grille to clatter while driving, which you probably don't want to do either.
Note: All grilles are supplied with transport paint or primer, and must therefore be painted in the desired color.
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