TheSamba.com :: View topic

Tue Mar 25, 2003 2:12 pm

I just located a knucklehead repair on my newest bug(shoulda looked) how hard is it to replace the fenderwell metal in the cab that connects to the firewall and the heater channels? anyone got a good link of pictures, heck even a good decription of how to go about it would be great

P.S. the body will be off because one heater channel and the pans need replaced also. Second thought maybe I should start with a different car?

Nah, to much fun seeing how much time,money and brain cells I can loose fixing it all.

Tue Mar 25, 2003 2:19 pm

Fix it yourself if you have the skills. I had a body shop do those repairs to the fenderwells because I don't have the skills or the desire, and it cost $1800 which isn't that far off from the norm but it's a helluvalot of money I wouldn't have spent if I didn't think someday I could get it back when I sell the car.

Tue Mar 25, 2003 3:00 pm

I would fix it right if the car was 64 or earlier. Otherwise I would sell it to someone else and start with a better car.

Tue Mar 25, 2003 3:24 pm

how would you fix it right? would you just cut all the seams and buy a patch panel? and if so is there a good source/ part number for the panel?

Wed Mar 26, 2003 10:47 am

It's a single piece of metal curved in one plane. Cut out the rust with a dremel or a die grinder, make a pattern out of heavy card stock (Wheaties box works great). First treat the rust inside the firewall cavity and the front end of the heater channel or A-pillar, and then butt-weld your patch in. Just use plain sheet metal. There is no need to buy a special patch panel for the area you describe.

Wed Mar 26, 2003 6:52 pm

thanks major! I was thinking that would work, but wanted to hear it from someone else. I also have to replace heater channels so, it may be a couple hour job :) oh and floor pans its definately a caser job