Body Repair Panels? FAQ

SamboSamba22 · Posted: Thu Sep 03, 2015 1:02 pm Post subject:

So continuing my discussion on floor panel replacements for the Bay Window buses, I contacted Busdepot direct today. I verified that the complete floor pan comes from T Parts which does not have a Klokkerholm badge but they do sell Klokkerholm metal panels. Busdepot told me the metal is coming from Virginia. I am mixed on the reviews given, as I have had luck and good business with the Bus Depot, and also reading folks being happy with Klokkerholm metal for various other panel replacement projects.
I like the work of Klassicfab and AH Schofield, and price wise both those two compared to the Busdepot is about a $70 difference, not including shipping.
So really, what's the catch? I want to do the job right, with good, solid metal that will look close to factory and be solid for years to come. Is the $70 more of a guarantee that it will be easier to install, and fab into the bus? Not being familiar with welding and metal works, I would be having my uncle show me how to do it myself, and look forward to tackling the job. But using a cutting wheel and cleaning up the existing hole for the new floor pan, will the additional costs up front make it worthwhile in the installation process?
Anyone have any input for this matter from personal experience??

babysnakes · Samba Member Joined: August 19, 2008 Posts: 7106

SamboSamba22 · Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2015 10:57 am Post subject:

Hey guys I started another forum post in regards to floor pan replacement panels and it got a little off topic, so I came here. What I am after and asking for, is you guys experience and opinions on good replacement panel companies for more specifically the floor pan area in the front cab of a 74 Westy. Any input on this matter and things to look for/look out for?
Thanks,
Sam

secretsubmariner · Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2015 11:49 am Post subject:

Behold!
https://klassicfab.com/klassicfab1/en/87-front-floor-floor-sections

Put some funk on it Cool

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1970 Auto Fastback FI

a1steaksauce · Samba Member Joined: September 23, 2010 Posts: 612

SamboSamba22 · Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2015 11:53 am Post subject:

I am really interested in Klassicfab and their work but the problem is, is they are out of stock on what I'm needing. Also I was thinking it was $300 CAD and USD so I'm concerned about shipping costs. I have emailed them just waiting to hear back. Thanks for replying good sir!

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secretsubmariner · Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2015 12:34 pm Post subject:

I noticed partial replacements (for either side) are noted as 'in stock' on their site right now, does the WHOLE floor NEED to be replaced? Just a thought. Hopefully they will reply to you soon and it won't be so bad.
_________________
-Tony
ᏣᎳᎩᎯ ᎠᏰᎵ
1978 Champagne Edition Bus FI
1970 Auto Fastback FI

jtauxe · Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2015 1:55 pm Post subject:

SamboSamba22 · Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2015 2:47 pm Post subject:

I really only think I need the left side panel replaced, especially if it includes the area for the throttle assembly and mount. I can't drive my bus because it's rusted out underneath the pedal. I like the looks of AH's stuff and cost wise I'd like to do half and save some green.
The only real reason I am looking into a whole panel is because there are some light spots of the passenger side that yeah, could benefit from the entire can floor being replaced. As well as it being a cleaner, more professionally looking job after fab work and installation.
As stated, Klassicfab no longer has the floor pan in stock for this year bus. Screen shot just a few minutes ago still showing no longer available.

I may call around some distributors and see if anyone has Klassicfab panels in stock and if so, if they have this item I'm after. Any leads would be great. And thank you for the suggestions and feedback. I'm in the southeast of the country, east coast and south logistically are ideal.

jtauxe · Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2015 4:09 pm Post subject:

I hope you can find it somewhere.

One other nice thing about the KF panel is that it has a much more substantial mount for the accelerator pedal. The A H Schofield piece has little to offer there besides the hole.

That's one of those little details that people are talking about. Having to fab that up yourself takes time. What is your time worth?

I'm in the same boat, but will not be getting to this project until next summer or possibly even 2017. Maybe the KF part will be back in stock by then! Smile

_________________
John
"Travelling in a fried-out Kombi, on a hippie trail, head full of zombie..." - Colin Hay and Ron Strykert
http://vw.tauxe.net
1969 Transporter, 1971 Westfalia, 1976, 1977, 1976, 1977, 1971, 1973, 1977 Westfalias,
1979 Champagne Sunroof, 1974 Westfalia Automatic, 1979 Transporter, 1972 Sportsmobile, 1973 Transporter Wild Westerner, 1974 Westfalia parts bus, 1975 Mexican single cab *FOR SALE*, 1978 Irish 4-door double cab RHD

white74westy · Samba Member Joined: May 02, 2011 Posts: 777

SamboSamba22 · Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2015 6:32 pm Post subject:

Dude, the location is perfect. I'm not too far from the Carolinas, though I still have a question about the partial panel. Does it go far enough in (center of cab area) to replace the accelerator mount and linkage? That's the main reason for needing to replace the busted one, it's rusted right underneath my gas pedal!
Price is cool and I am intrigued with the quality. That green would look great with my brilliant orange bus ha

1967250s · Samba Member Joined: May 02, 2007 Posts: 2137

Worse comes to worst, temp weld a patch where the pedal hinge goes, put down duct tape and paint on the rest. Wait for the good metal, either Klassicfab or Alan schofield, if they are on back order or you need to save more money. Especially if you are not experienced in metal fab work, it is so much easier to work and fit their metal. I have a couple Klokker pieces, and they are unusable except for cutting up.
_________________
'72 Elm Green Deluxe

jtauxe · Posted: Sat Sep 05, 2015 7:49 am Post subject:

skills@eurocarsplus · Posted: Sat Sep 05, 2015 7:54 am Post subject:

levi20AE · Posted: Sat Sep 05, 2015 9:17 am Post subject:

I bought a drivers side partial floor for a 73 a few years back from Gerson. There photos of the piece in my build thread.
_________________
1973 Campmobile http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=524511&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0
20th AE VW GTI - 369hp 340tq @ 26 PSI
1982 Rabbit Pickup - German AAZ 1.9TD - daily with lots of MPGs

SamboSamba22 · Posted: Sat Sep 05, 2015 9:58 am Post subject:

Levi, that sir, is an extensive Build Thread. Very nicely done.
The partial panel you used from Gerson, was it only front the steering column over to the door? Looks like it just a tad small for what I'm needing.

77Campmobile · Posted: Sat Sep 05, 2015 5:44 pm Post subject:

busdaddy · Posted: Sat Sep 05, 2015 6:55 pm Post subject:

That's the first time ever I've heard of someone complaining the replacements were too thick Shocked

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