What is it?

[Pillmeister]

Just got a 1966 VW and found something that I don't have a clue what it is. On the dash to the right of the ignition and the right of the ashtray in what is normally a blank space there is a knob with a cable attached. I have traced the cable through the trunk, into the cabin, under the carpet against the hump and past the battery into the engine compartment. I is behind the fan housing and appears to have snapped off something. If you could tell me wha this possibly goes to I could then figure out how to fix it and what it operates.
Thanks
PM

[Blue Baron]

Just got a 1966 VW and found something that I don't have a clue what it is. On the dash to the right of the ignition and the right of the ashtray in what is normally a blank space there is a knob with a cable attached. I have traced the cable through the trunk, into the cabin, under the carpet against the hump and past the battery into the engine compartment. I is behind the fan housing and appears to have snapped off something. If you could tell me wha this possibly goes to I could then figure out how to fix it and what it operates.
Thanks
PM

Ordinarily that would be the choke cable on an early model. There can be only two explanations: Either your car (or just the body) is much earlier than a '66, or it could be a rare standard model.

Unless you plan to install a manual choke, it's useless.

[Pillmeister]

Thanks for the info. The body seems to be a 66. It has warning flashers, heater vent on the dash and a blue box flasher relay. Do you know of a way to check and see if this particular car was made with a standard choke or if it was added later.
Thanks again.

[h~moto]

According to the owners manual that is available online at TheSamba.com, even the standard '66 Beetle came with an automatic choke. If it was original, I would think the cable would run inside the hump, not along the outside. Does the knob appear to be original VW (same color and shape as the other knobs)? Does the carb have an automatic choke on it? Personally, if it appears to be a VW made part and can be put in working condition, I would keep it. My other VW's from the 50's have manual chokes and I think it is a preferable method.

[h~moto]

One other thing. Does the chassis # of your car begin with 116? If so it is a 1966. My car is titled as a 1965 but is definitely a 1966 model. The motor vehicle department does not always get it right.

[Blue Baron]

If it has the 4-way flasher knob and the central defroster vent, that would indicate a '66 body.

Somebody may simply have wanted to add a manual choke.

[Pillmeister]

Thanks for the info. It is definitely a 66. The VIN starts with 116 and the engine number begins with F0. I am thinking that this might have been and add-on and likely a manual choke. Thanks again

[rknowles]

My '66 has a knob in the same place. I've no idea what it was for originally - my Solex 30 Pict 1 has an automatic choke on it - but the PO turned it into the power on/off knob for the radio.