TheSamba.com :: View topic

Wed Jul 02, 2008 8:52 pm

I've been working on my Squareback for a couple of months now. I've gotten most of the passenger side done and as I work my way around the car I have reached the rear apron.

This was the only significant damage on the car when I bought it... and something I have not been looking forward to dealing with. I figured I would start by getting some advice and opinion on here before picking a strategy.

What do you guys think? I would prefer fixing this apron rather than replacing it, but I'm open to suggestions. I'm not looking for the shorter and easiest route... I'm looking for the right way to do it.

Wed Jul 02, 2008 9:04 pm

My opinion from my own personal body work experience, would be that the crease at the very top of your apron, will be a nightmare to try and straighten, without professional help. You will never get it to the point of not noticing it, without many months of laborous anger.

I'd find another one, or let a well seasoned autobody guy go at it, and still end up having to replace it.

Wed Jul 02, 2008 9:08 pm

Well that's the other thing. If it comes down to having to remove it (by cutting) and installing a new one (welding) then I think I'm comfortable enough to do that.

Wed Jul 02, 2008 9:21 pm

I had a scirocco ll, wit h a crease in the rear quarter. a friend with body experience and I, spent an entire MONTH every day after work, trying to make it look clean again.

Ended up calling in a 20 year autobody journeyman, and he laughed, said it would be easier to pre fab a piece, and cut then weld it in.

Dont waste time like I did lol

Wed Jul 02, 2008 9:25 pm

sundog kid wrote:
Dont waste time like I did lol

Haha... sounds like good advice.

I would like to find an entire apron section locally that doesn't cost a fortune... just not having any luck and I'm anxious to get something done.

Wed Jul 02, 2008 9:28 pm

Have you seen my build thread? I totally understand the need to get sh!t done.

I'm doing a complete teardown and buildup, on a car I know nothing about (im a veteran watercooled guy, but a newb air owner), plus I live 4 hours away from anything remotely considered a vw custom shop.

Very alone up here.

But, when in Rome...

err...

Like the Romans did..

Wait...

Rome wasn't built in a day

there's the ticket.

Wed Jul 02, 2008 9:53 pm

I've got a pretty nice apron carefully cut out and ready to ship. Perfect up top, but needs a little straightening on the bottom. $200 shipped!

Wed Jul 02, 2008 9:54 pm

Id take bottom straightening over creased top any day.

my 2 bits.