'79 Super Beetle Frame Rust Question

[mikefiction]

We're looking at a beautiful 79 Super Convertible and we took it into a shop to check it out thoroughly and there's some frame rust. It's all underneath the passenger side, not near the struts. Of course no shop will touch frame issues with a 10 foot pole because of liability issues.

Wanted to see what you guys thought about how bad this is.

Would you buy it?

Is it going to need a donor frame?

[jhicken]

Consider going to another shop, one that knows vintage Volkswagens. The part you are looking at are the support rails, you can buy replacements here.

http://www.mamotorworks.com/VW/product/heavy-duty-convertible-reinforcement-rail-lh-german-323218-4

Not a big deal to replace.

-jeffrey
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Der Kleiner Kampfwagens

[VWCOOL]

Hi, welcome!

That channel rust may be simply due to a blocked drain hole and require nothing more than a simple (for a welder) sectional repair, as long as the rust hasn't spread

Replacing the complete reinforcing rails (from front to rear of vehicle) is a relatively large task that will require a competent tradesman/restorer to brace and replace. It is waaayy more difficult than replacing a running board or fender...

That will require disassembly of vehicle interior, bracing and 10-15hrs of billable labour time by a competent restorer

These Cabrios (like all Beetles) also rust at the base of the A pillars... double-check there, too. Also rear floor area above the gearbox.

FYI that car has already had replacement floors... as evidenced by the non-original and non-matching front and rear sections, and the obvious weld/join line across the floors, the fronts and the rears have been replaced, at different times... Double-check that join!

[Tim Donahoe]

Try Chuck's Convertibles for the parts. MAM has a habit of being out of stock (Backordered) on almost every part I'm ever looking for. But they have a nice catalog.

Tim
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Let's do the Time Warp again!

Richard O'Brien

[theKbStockpiler]

It looks like your convertible reinforcement rails ,plus maybe the bottom plate of the heater channels need to be replaced if not more.
Take the car to a shop that can do the repairs and get an estimate from them.They can also inspect the rest of the car. Super beetle inner fenders (wheel housings) rust out where they start to curve down to attach to the fire wall in the front. Also inspect the transaxle frame horns for cracks/distortion and inspect the outside of the tunnel.
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My beetle is not competing with your beetle. I have the yellow beetle in my town. There is a red one, a green one ......
Use all safety devices including a mask.

[mikefiction]

Thanks for the info!

Does anyone know a shop around Central Ohio/Columbus that could do that work?

Sounds like what a $1000 dollar job?

I already knew the pans had been replaced, but not that it was 4 sections - the car was restored I think he said 10-12 years ago.

Nothing else jumped out that could be seen - there' some rust at an edge of the trunk and engine hatch - pretty minor but will need attention - otherwise it's in beautiful shape look and drive wise.

[didget69]

Front suspension lower control arm bushings are typically worn/shot on Superbeetles. Unless they've been replaced recently, they're 35+ years old on this car.

bnc
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I never found the need to impress people with any mechanic certifications, trophies or track wins... unless it was for Mom to post on the refrigerator door.