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  View original topic: Heater box restoration
joeherb53 Fri Nov 28, 2014 4:38 pm

I have a 1962 bug and will be running a 1776 or larger engine and will be keeping the heater boxes. I have a pair and they are a bit dirty, rusty and at some point a squirrel was storing nuts in one of them. What is involved to take these apart and restore?

joeherb53 Fri Nov 28, 2014 5:05 pm

http://www.wolfsburgwest.com/cart/DetailsList.cfm?ID=043255105F

I saw this at Wolfsburg west? Are these close to the original or aftermarket crap?

gt1953 Fri Nov 28, 2014 7:21 pm

They may be dissassembled and reassessembled. Check the classified here you may located some non rusted ones in good shape.

busdaddy Fri Nov 28, 2014 7:52 pm

Are we discussing OG stale air boxes or later fresh air heat exchangers?
Either way a little careful prying on the folded seams and drilling the occasional spot weld gets them open for sandblasting and rustmort then paint treatment. The outer shells don't need high heat paint, I've put Tremclad/Rustoleum on dozens over the years with no burning or peeling (assuming your fresh air hoses are hooked up), the inner pipe could use some header paint or even ceramic coating though if you want a deluxe job.

joeherb53 Fri Nov 28, 2014 9:21 pm

They are the fresh air heater style. I can take things apart, putting back together could be the tricky part

gt1953 Sat Nov 29, 2014 7:19 am

Take them apart ONE AT A TIME clean paint or what ever then assemble.
Remember an oil covered heater box in the classifieds is not rusted for sure.

joeherb53 Sat Nov 29, 2014 10:51 am

They aren't bad, one is kind of rusted where it attaches to the muffler, the outer housing that fits directly over the j-tube. I could post pictures later

Mike Fisher Sat Nov 29, 2014 12:48 pm

Have the rust/fit repaired at a Muffler Shop & then heat paint them.



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