number above paint code, what is it?
 

can someone tell me what the number/code above the paint code is? I see inside drivers door jam L13K as the paint code, but what is the 7 digit number above it? doesn't appear to be the VIN. I tried searching but couldn't find an answer,
thanks for your time
K.

Number
 

That number tells you the production date of the car. First two numbers are the week of the year when the car was built. third number is the day of the week, 9 is the Karmann Factory and the last three numbers should start with 5 and the following two numbers would be the number of the car built that day.

My '74 is: 0939514

Built the ninth week of the year, third work day of the week, Karmann Factory and 14th car built that day.

Greg, thanks so much, that really helps.
the car I am referring to is
455-9021 So, it does not have the "5" after the Karmann Factory number. Other than that.....it really makes sense.
K.

Greg, does your car have this number also in the front trunk on the fender?

You must have a late 75 or 76 914, and the chassis number is on a tag in the front trunk. Earlier cars have the chassis number stamped into the rear trunk floor. Greggs explanation is correct through about mid 1975, when the 5 was changed for 0. Everything else is correct and you should be able ot determine the date code of your chassis.

How about telling me the VIN, then I can put the three pieces into my database. If you still have the decal on the door post, then the date code there would also be very useful.

The chassis number was assigned when the body was welded up, and before painting. My research indicates that the cars are painted in batches of the same color. Thus sequential chassis numbers are painted the same color. The VIN and the chassis number bounce around a lot. This indicates the bodies were warehoused after painting and before final assembly. There are error known between the Karmann badge and the chassis number stamped into the rear trunk floor. The trunk floor number is the true chassis number, the Karmann badge is just a copy of it.

When daily production exceeded 100 units the chassis number would be xxy96zz or xxy91zz. The change from 9500 base to 9000 base was early in 1975 model year, and it bounced back and forth ( relative to the VIN) until all the early chassis were used up.

I PM'd you the VIN. thank you very much for your help in decoding this car. truly appreciated.
Kyle.

Mine is 1029505

10th week of 1974

2nd day of the week

Karman factory

5th car that day


Neat !

built one week after yours !