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Fri Aug 15, 2008 7:47 pm

Im new to the VW world and I just bought my first bus. I have a 65 with some front-end damage and I need to replace the nose section. I noticed there are several aftermarket options out there with prices ranging from 300 to over 600. I need some recommendations...thx, Rob

Fri Aug 15, 2008 8:09 pm

brokenbus951 wrote: Im new to the VW world and I just bought my first bus. I have a 65 with some front-end damage and I need to replace the nose section. I noticed there are several aftermarket options out there with prices ranging from 300 to over 600. I need some recommendations...thx, Rob

How much of the nose needs to be replaced? A little searching will yield allot of results. If just the lower 8", ronnie will have Gerson metal for you.

Fri Aug 15, 2008 8:16 pm

I need to replace the passenger side half fron top to bottom. I also need an a-pillar but i herd no one makes them any more. so far i have been striking out on finding an original front clip i can graft on.

Fri Aug 15, 2008 8:20 pm

brokenbus951 wrote: I need to replace the passenger side half fron top to bottom. I also need an a-pillar but i herd no one makes them any more. so far i have been striking out on finding an original front clip i can graft on.

Like I said. Search & you will find. I have so much Gerson metal in my bus, it is not even funny.

http://flickr.com/photos/59371714@N00/sets/72157605305141981/

Fri Aug 15, 2008 9:05 pm

If more than just the nose skin is damaged it might be best to buy a nose that has been cut off a bus because it will likely also have the A-pillar you need. In addition you would probably be better off to replace the entire nose clip rather than just the damaged half, it will be a much cleaner job in the end.

www.metwiz.com is a good place to look to get an idea of what you are getting into.

Fri Aug 15, 2008 9:16 pm

I had to replace the nose and both A pillars. The cheap nose worked just fine for me. I found a donor that provided the A pillars and new dash. Not that hard to do. contact me direct for detailed instructions and pictures.

Fri Aug 15, 2008 9:34 pm

The A-pillar replacement is a BITCH. At the bottom it ties into several other panels. Try to cut it right above the lower hinge and butt weld it there, rather that trying to go all the way to the floor...unless you also need to replace the floor and the dogleg.

Sat Aug 16, 2008 9:19 pm

Thx for all your help. I have placed a couple of want ads in the classified and on craigs list. Hopefully i can find a donor. whats the best aftermarket nose skin?

Sat Aug 16, 2008 11:02 pm

brokenbus951 wrote: Thx for all your help. I have placed a couple of want ads in the classified and on craigs list. Hopefully i can find a donor. whats the best aftermarket nose skin?
There isn't one. Hold out for a used front clip with minimal rust. Budget $450 plus shipping and hope for better.

Sun Aug 17, 2008 9:09 am

If you search the classifieds there are a number for sale but not cheap. There is also an ad for this

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=240638

but I would look for feedback on the quality. I recall hearing something about an aftermarket clip that was missing part of the lip that gets folded over. If it isn't a close fit things could get ugly. With a used clip the fit is pretty remarkable. If you have pillar damage you are probably going to need to use the clip as a guide to get things back where they belong.

Tue Aug 19, 2008 7:38 pm

Thx for all of your help. i just located a complete front clip. Now the fun begins.