From the WTH Files

[louisb]

I decided to pull the rear fenders off my '67 today and got a couple of nasty surprises. First, it looks like the driver's side rear quarter as pieced together from several small pieces of metal. But wait, it gets even better. I guess they couldn't afford the $2 for bolts because someone welded the rear body mounts to the frame. On both sides. I just shook my head and went inside and had a beer at that point.

Its getting to the point where I think I am going to have to find another shell and write this one off.  So far it needs front clip, both front wheel wells, heater channels, one full rear quarter, one half rear quarter and a new rear apron.

Anyone got a mostly rust free '67 shell they want to part with?

<sigh>

--louis

[nicolas]

that would be a good body in europe.  you guys are spoiled...

hope you can sort it all out though. i think it i better to start with a part that is in the best condition as possible, to work on. otherwise it ends up way to expensive and not as good as you hoped and that would be a real bummer.

[louisb]

that would be a good body in europe.  you guys are spoiled...

I have seen some of the cars you guys start with and I am constantly amazed. Especially with the quality of work when they are done. I am still kicking it around. I need to see how difficult a full quarter replacement is.

--louis

[Neil Davies]

that would be a good body in europe.  you guys are spoiled...

I have seen some of the cars you guys start with and I am constantly amazed. Especially with the quality of work when they are done. I am still kicking it around. I need to see how difficult a full quarter replacement is.

--louis

Have a look at Rolands thread in the In Da Werks section, and also at the current issue of Ultra VWs. I know I'm going to have to do some work on my brothers car soon, and it's already had bumpermounts, body mounds and lower quarters - I'm not going to mess about with patches, just going to do the whole quarter. When you do the rear apron, it'll give you the opportunity to make it removeable, which is a bonus!

[louisb]

Yeah, after sleeping on it last night I am not so down about the whole situation. Prices for factory panels are not that bad. Guess I will get a lot of practice welding. If anyone has a link to some detailed pics of quarter panel replacement please pass them on.

Thanks,

--louis

[Jon]

Are you just getting it "back on the road" or are you restoring it back to stock bodywork? To me it sounds like you need to look for a new body, but I haven't seen it so I really don't know. I just hate the replacement heater channels we are stuck with today.

[louisb]

The goal is a full on Cal-look treatment. Not sure if I want to go to the extent Roland did, but I want that quality of car in the end. I want a car as nice as the DKP/DAS/JG54 cars. I just know my talents are not that good. Minor rust repair and filling holes, sure, but major panel replacement, probably not. If I did it all myself, I am guessing it would be around $1,200 in panels alone. If I could find a better shell and get it back to Florida for less than that it would probably be worth it. But on the other hand, I hate to cut up another bug. Especially seeing the stuff you guys start with in Europe.

--louis

[Shubee2 (DSK)]

I decided to pull the rear fenders off my '67 today and got a couple of nasty surprises. First, it looks like the driver's side rear quarter as pieced together from several small pieces of metal. But wait, it gets even better. I guess they couldn't afford the $2 for bolts because someone welded the rear body mounts to the frame. On both sides. I just shook my head and went inside and had a beer at that point.

Its getting to the point where I think I am going to have to find another shell and write this one off.  So far it needs front clip, both front wheel wells, heater channels, one full rear quarter, one half rear quarter and a new rear apron.

Anyone got a mostly rust free '67 shell they want to part with?

<sigh>

--louis

Louis I would look for another shell you are in the US so there are alot more of then around replacing fenders and doors are one thing but but when you have to cut the car apart they are never the same the Europeans deal with rust all the time and the Quality of there Body Repair is far better then the US  most body shops here would not attempt to fix a car with so much Rust  you would be better off to buy a 67 Rolling Chassis and put your good parts you have collected and sell off the rest.

[louisb]

Yeah I agree Shubee. Plus I doubt I could pull it off anyway. I emailed this guy in Tejhas today and am waiting on a reply:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=480256

Plus a couple of other forum members who live in dryer climates have mentioned they will keep an eye out for me. I just want a shell and maybe a pan. I dont need the rest of the car but U guess I could sell off what I don't use. I have all the rest of the metal. Hopefully I can find something in the $800ish range.

Thanks,

--louis

[Donny B.]

Louis I posted this on another thread, but I have a NOS one of these...

[louisb]

Thanks Donny, but the section that has been butchered is in front of the wheel well. It combines the mounting area for the fender and the flat section behind the door. It looks like they didn't have any patches, so they took a bunch of metal strips and beat them into shape, then covered it all in about an inch of filler. My guess is the car was hit hard on that side. It would also explain why the driver's side valve cover is almost impossible to get off. But, should you run across a good shell in Ari, keep me in mind. Give me an excuse to drive out and visit you this summer. lol

--louis

[Donny B.]

But, should you run across a good shell in Ari, keep me in mind. Give me an excuse to drive out and visit you this summer. lol

I will keep that in mind and send out some feelers.