Identify Your Vibroplex

Identifying Your Vibroplex

This section and the following sections will help you identify and date your Vibroplex bug. Most of the images are from the KN6W collection, with some links to other images of Vibroplexes on the Web.

Identification Chart for Newer Vibroplexes

At one time or another, the Vibroplex Co. has made eleven distinct bug models. Most models were made in several varieties, with different base finishes and sometimes slightly different components.

Identifying Vibroplexes made after 1940 is fairly easy. A post-1940 Vibroplex will have a serial number greater than 115,000 or so. If your bug has a lower serial number, take a look at the images and text descriptions of the early models.

If the serial number of your bug is between about 175,000 and 275,000, turn it over and take a look. The model name should be stamped on the underside of the base.

Otherwise, measure the width of the base. It will be 2.5", 3" or 3.5" wide.

Next, take a look at the damper assembly. The damper assembly is the assembly that supports a small loosely-connected wheel that stops the vibration of the pendulum. For post-1940 Vibroplexes, there are four types of damper assembly:

An "L" damper is made from two cast pieces. The lower piece is shaped by the letter L. The upper cast piece is hinged to it and supports a damper wheel.

The "M" damper consists of a damper wheel hanging from a flat horizontal bar mounted between the tops of two vertical cylinders. The result is an assembly that looks like the letter M.

An "I" damper is very simple. A U-shaped piece of bent metal holds up the damper wheel. The result is an assembly that looks like the letter I.

A "U" damper is found on only a few post-1940 bugs. It's simply a casting in the shape of the letter U whith a damper wheel attached to one side.

Now consult the following table:

    Base    Damper        Model
    Width   Type          Name
    -----   ----          ----

    3.5"      L        Original or
                       Presentation (with gold top plate)

    3.5"      M        Lightning Bug

    3.5"      I        Champion

    3"        I        Zephyr

    2.5"    U or L     Blue Racer

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