Indeed the change was in-year.

Old front overhead duct: until VIN J-120000
New font overhead duct: starting VIN J-120001

So says ETKA.

Regards
Raimund

> Looks like there may have been a mid year change over or picture
> re-use. Found an 89 on thesamba that has AC controls on the dash. Oh
> well.
>
> I did, however, find this interesting 89 for sale:
> <http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=598296>
> It has the exceptionally rare air-cooled 2.1 six-cycle engine!
> aren't the six cycles something like
> intake-compression-combustion-exhaust-depression-acceptance?
>
> --
> John Bange
> '90 Vanagon - "Geldsauger"
> '90 Vanagon GL - "Wiesel"
>
>