TheSamba.com :: View topic

Sun Aug 21, 2011 5:22 pm

Hi, I bought this 67 a couple months ago. All is good except the previous owner hacked the front clip off . I dont even know if this apron will work for my 67?

I know one of the fenders is wrong and the hood has been replaced also. I dont know what years hood would work for 67. My main concern is how do I fix that gap? Should I just put a scab over both, try to fill it in, or find a donor bug(67 may be difficult).

Anyway, advice would be very helpfull.

Mon Aug 22, 2011 5:19 am

yeah it'll work but you'll have to go back in and re-strengthen that repair...because he has such a gap...you can-t recut it and get it closer as he lost most of the existing steel.

you kight have to band it and fill it.

Wed Aug 24, 2011 2:51 pm

that gap is not a real biggie if you would fiber glass it. i would use mat on both side. make sure no rust on metal.

Wed Aug 24, 2011 3:23 pm

Rex lucy wrote: that gap is not a real biggie if you would fiber glass it. i would use mat on both side. make sure no rust on metal.
bad

Thu Aug 25, 2011 5:34 pm

Fiberglass has no place in that repair.

Thu Aug 25, 2011 9:44 pm

I agree. It will be welded for sure but I haven't figured the best way to close the gap. I'll think i'll try and recut a bit 1st, then fill the gap with a thin scab on the backside, then try to grind it smooth.

Fri Aug 26, 2011 3:22 am

If it were me I'd get the hood fitting nicely, the fenders on and aligned and tack weld it in place. Then, slowly where there are gaps I'd cut it back so the gap was an inch or so, and fab a small strip to weld in it's place. Keep doing that until there is no gap. Just be sure to keep the heat down as much as possible.

Fri Aug 26, 2011 6:55 am

that's the "band" i was talking about....the only way to repair it correctly...you could go over the gap but way better to splice it in.

if the job was done right in the first place, it should have been but welded.

Fri Aug 26, 2011 9:50 am

sounds good. Thats what seemed best to me.

Fri Aug 26, 2011 10:02 am

That's also an aftermarket clip. They fit like shit.

Fri Aug 26, 2011 11:10 am

What years of bug would you say to get a front clip from??

Fri Aug 26, 2011 11:57 am

61 to 67 should be the same other then the trim hole size.

That clip can be made to work. Just needs fineseing.

Tue Aug 30, 2011 12:54 am

i hate when people replace the front clip along those lines...the best place to cut is from the firewall-forward imo...much stronger..ive noticed that cars that have been cut at that area tend to bounce a lot in the front end

Wed Aug 31, 2011 7:20 am

When done properly it can't be seen at all.

Wed Aug 31, 2011 8:27 am

Mexikrainian wrote: What years of bug would you say to get a front clip from??

Forget buying a different clip and finish welding the brand new clip on it.

Wed Aug 31, 2011 9:03 am

X2 Mike