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Mon Jun 30, 2008 10:37 am

I did a search on this topic and could not find any exact matches to my question so here it is:

When I was looking into the replacement metal for the 67 year bug, I found that I had two options:

1. Buy the 68 and later metal and modify. The left panel looks ok but the body mount will need to be drilled out and lowered so that it is flush with the bottom of the wheel well. The right side, however, looks like the z-bar mount needs to be moved, the metal needs cutting to allow for the z-bar arm to go through, and the body mount needs to be lowered.

2. Buy the 66 and earlier metal and it appears that this will work but I would need to ditch the z-bar as there is no provision for this. Will the 66 and earlier work with the body mount as is and the shock absorber cut out as is?

Another really odd 67 only part!!!

I guess the main question is should I go with the 68 and later to keep the z-bar( a ton of work) or go with the 66 and earlier (if it will work) and lose the z-bar. Are there any issues with no z-bar or is there an aftermarket solution for stability for the swing axle?

BTW, the body is off the pan and I am also replacing part of the rear luggage tray.

Thanks a ton!

Mon Jun 30, 2008 11:51 am

what exactly are you replacing?

Mon Jun 30, 2008 12:06 pm

The sheet metal in the rear wheel wells where the rear body mounts and z-bar mounting points are located. It is a metal plate that is spot welded to the wheel well and also it is spot welded to a part of the rear luggage tray and engine firewall. The online catalogs refer to these pieces as rear shock tower area metal.

http://www.wolfsburgwest.com/wolfsburg_new/body_sheet_metal/bug_sheet_metal/rear_shock_tower.cfm

Thanks for the reply.