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Wed Jul 16, 2003 2:03 pm

Does anyone know how much a body shop in nor. cal would charge to replace the heater channels in my 1956 beetle? With no welding experience, and lack of tools, i have decided it might be best to have a body shop replace the channels.

How much would i be looking at? $500+??

I believe i can handle the floor pans, but ill have someone else weld them in for me.

Any help greatly appreciated.

thanks

Wed Jul 16, 2003 2:50 pm

don't know what it would cost you, but I would install them and then pay to have them welded in if you are going to pay someone to weld the pans in. Atleast you will save some cash. the hard part is getting them cut completely out and having a god clean install. Lining everything up, is a pain in the ass.

Wed Jul 16, 2003 7:49 pm

Dude go for it
You can do it.
Do you have a compressor or access to one?
Is there a homedepot near u to rent a wirefeed welder?
I could teach a monkey how to weld with one of those.
I did it and had no experience at all even with body work.
Email me at maj1@aiosolutions.com
I had to do it because the quotes I got were more like 3500
Its cheaper and then when u drive it its just great that you did that kind of work to your own car.

Wed Jul 16, 2003 8:34 pm

I agree with the above but with a couple of caveats (learned the hard way).
1. practice with the welder on scrap of similar thickness metal before you start on the car.
2. if/when you cut the channels out, be sure to mount a brace at the bottom of the door opening first. Very importtant to maintain those exact measurements.
Good Luck.
Big Al

Thu Jul 17, 2003 5:21 pm

United Rentals charges $40 bucks a day. I say screw that, i might as well buy a welder.