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djkeev Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007 Posts: 32433 Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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Posted: Sun Nov 14, 2010 3:49 pm Post subject: |
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Got the Convertible body into the garage today. Decided it is time to start hacking it apart and figure out what parts to order so the repairs can begin. The discovery process on this body has been eye opening and depressing!!
Sadly this car had a previous owner who "fixed" it. His concept of fixing it was hacking in floor pan chunks, a new package shelf out of a sheet of tin, many patches around the body mounts in the rear as well.
Today, I sliced open the rocker arms with my trusty sawzall only to discover that the reason this rocker system did not LOOK rusty was that the PO had installed new rocker panels, good for him, but...... he just slapped them over the old rocker channels and welded the bottom rocker flange to the floor pan flange!!
In this photo you will see the layers, first the layer of white is the bondo put on to make the threshold look "nice"
Under that is the new rocker panel tack welded on top of the old rocker panel. Curious that the original rocker panel was two pieces, seamed at the step down for the door seal. You can see the lap joint that was spot welded together. I always thought they were one formed piece.
Next is the convertible strengthening member, or what remains of it,
Then we have the remains of the outer heater channel and finally the remains of the inner heater channel.
Here is a view of the rocker channel showing the degree of rot when viewed from the bottom inside edge! This car did NOT sag when the doors were opened until I cut the floor pan flange off of the rocker flange!
Well, I've gone and done it! There is NO turning back now. I've taken my convertible and sliced it into two parts. A lot of welding ahead before they are joined back into one complete body! I've got my spot welder, I've got my MIG with inert gas and I've got my oxy / acetylene all waiting to be called into service as needed!
Notice the pile of rust where the rocker were! This car craps rust!! It's got rusty diarrhea!!
I Picked up some car dollies that go under the tires so you can roll it around the shop as needed. I'm using these to hold the body so I can roll it around. I'll tip it up and work as needed.
Time to start spending some money now!!!
Dave _________________ Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos
Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473
Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537
Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert |
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djkeev Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007 Posts: 32433 Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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Bruce Amacker Samba Member
Joined: December 26, 2007 Posts: 1786 Location: Cleveland, Ohio
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djkeev Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007 Posts: 32433 Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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Posted: Mon Nov 15, 2010 1:12 pm Post subject: |
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Bruce Amacker wrote: |
Didn't you make a major mistake by not tying the door jambs together before cutting the rockers off? I thought this had been covered many times. I've not done any heater channel/rocker replacements, but in all of the threads on 'verts it shows fabbed reinforcements bolted or welded between the door jambs to keep things aligned while the procedure took place.
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Yeah, thought about that but the rockers were all "mushy" to begin with so there was no "perfect" alignment to keep.
If I wasn't replacing the rockers and was removing the body for floor pans or other service work, I would have braced the doors.
I've also got sitting here a 69 Coupe, coupes use the same doors as the convertible, which only has 50 some thousand on the clock and whose doors hang sweet and close nicely. Measurements will be taken off of that for proper sizing of the opening when the time comes.
Besides, it's a whole lot easier to muscle 1/2 of a car body around than a whole car body!!
I'll first do the fender repairs and other panels then put the two halves together afterwards.
I'm not the first to break a vert in half, I'm sure that I won't be the last either.
Dave _________________ Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos
Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473
Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537
Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert |
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djkeev Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007 Posts: 32433 Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 4:13 pm Post subject: |
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Ok, to the rocker panel!!
Link.... https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=437602&highlight=door+drains
I took some graph paper and carefully drew out what the profile would be using the 2" x 3" channel with a 1/4" side wall. (I'll just drill and tap for the floor pan bolts
To get the flange at the bottom of the rocker panel to fasten to something I'll be using a 1 1/2" x 2" x 1/8" Angle Iron set out from the inside edge 2"
I need to create the little "hollow" for the wiring under the threshold plate and have something for the top of the rocker channel to fasten to so I'll be using a piece of 5/16" x 3/4" bar stock.
This is all cold rolled or drawn steel, easily available, not overly expensive. I could have used thinner wall tubing but really want the strength and thread holding capability of the the 1/4" side walls.
The first photo is of the rocker as it came out, the 2nd photo is of my scale drawing of my new rocker panel on top of it showing how the bottom flange will mate up with the long leg of the angle iron. (the rocker is leaning up against the front plate of my Super Beetle for those wondering)
I'll mount the new rocker panel in the same location as the original was mounted, so ignore the old new rocker panel top position.
I ordered the steel today, I know I'm adding a few pounds but I'm going to have an amazingly strong car that will not rust away for a mighty LONG time!!! I will modify the rocker panel bottom to have factory "like" drain hole bulges much like the factory outer heater panel provided.
The 2 x 3 will also have a slightly more square edge than the factory heater channel but nothing objectionable to me. It is very much square like the factory section where the floor vent is located. I'll pipe int the duct from the heat exchanger under the back seat as well.
Opinions?
CONSTRUCTIVE feedback? I haven't built it yet!!
Dave _________________ Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos
Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473
Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537
Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert
Last edited by djkeev on Sat Dec 28, 2019 6:34 am; edited 1 time in total |
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lovethatconvertible Samba Member
Joined: August 22, 2008 Posts: 1434 Location: Las Vegas N. V.
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Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2010 9:37 am Post subject: |
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Dave the steel re-enforcement rail looks like a cool idea, but my question is are you going to set the body half's back on the pan to re-align the rockers, doors and other bits? Seems like a good way to go. And Please keep the pic's coming. |
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Schwing Samba Member
Joined: May 10, 2009 Posts: 2506 Location: Centreville, MD
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dbstaggs Samba Member
Joined: June 19, 2004 Posts: 7 Location: Plumas Lake, CA
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Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2011 5:05 am Post subject: |
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djkeev wrote: |
Took a 6x6 timber, two straps with end hooks and simply lifted it off by myself.
Incredibly easy but a word of caution to those who use the removal procedure outlined here.....
http://vwjudsonregister.tripod.com/IMAGES/ghia-faq.pdf
That it isn't 100% correct, a few minor issues but won't go into it just now.
Dave |
Can you tell me what the differences are in the outline. I also have a 69 and am having trouble getting the body off the pan?
Thanks in advance
David |
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Robertjm Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2011 Posts: 261 Location: San Francisco Bay Area
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Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2011 10:45 am Post subject: |
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So the last post was in January. How is the priloject going? _________________ 1967 VW Double Cab Pickup
2003 Mercedes ML-500
1995 Saab 900SE Turbo Convertible (Crossed over into Valhalla April 2014)
1972 VW Squareback (Autobahn in the Sky - July 1987) |
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djkeev Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007 Posts: 32433 Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2011 3:50 pm Post subject: |
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Robertjm wrote: |
So the last post was in January. How is the priloject going? |
Funny you should ask!! It's become a giant shelf for all manner of stuff!!
I got my 74 Super Vert on the highway and rather than work on the Ghia, I've been tinkering with and actually DRIVING a VW!!
I was just telling my wife about a week ago that I think I'm going to sell the Super Vert and apply the $$ to the Ghia this fall.
In addition I'll have the desire to get a VW on the road again which will motivate me through the Fall and Winter to finish up the Ghia. It will also free up 1/2 of the garage giving me working space for the Ghia, not shoved off to the side of it.
As a bonus, finishing the Ghia will free up a storage shed for other stuff! It is packed with doors and seats and engines and transmissions and even a Golde Beetle Sun Roof!
Really, be honest now, one doesn't NEED two air cooled VW's. If I must choose but one ACVW, I'd much rather have the Ghia!
Anyone interested in a fairly priced 74 Super Vert in Good condition??
Dave _________________ Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos
Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473
Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537
Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert |
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djkeev Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007 Posts: 32433 Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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grandpa pete Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2008 Posts: 6426 Location: St. Petersburg, FL
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djkeev Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007 Posts: 32433 Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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Posted: Sun Feb 02, 2014 3:02 pm Post subject: |
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Well, I'm one step closer to getting back to the Ghia project.
I just sold my Super Vert this morning.
This frees up space and time for the Vanagon rebuild.
Shooting for a Van roll out this Spring or early summer......... Knock on wood!
After that happens............ in comes the Ghias and hopefully within a year or two...... Out will roll a beautiful facsimile of the photos below!
This 1969 coupe will be combined with a 1970 Ghia Convertible taking the better 69 pan and drivetrain along with other bits and ending up with what I'm calling a 69 1/2 convertible. Putting in the smaller 69 lights but having the newer glass back window. The 69 1/2 is actually a model identification step point, I'm just making my own is all! Why do it the easy way and just purchase one? ANYONE can do that!
This is the goal, my wife's dream car.... Without the ugly bra!
Dave _________________ Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos
Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473
Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537
Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert |
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djkeev Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007 Posts: 32433 Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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AlienJohn Samba Member
Joined: February 23, 2014 Posts: 253 Location: Ohio
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Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2014 6:25 am Post subject: |
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djkeev wrote: |
jwold wrote: |
Why change out the tranny?
The autosticks are great. I had a 68AS' loved it.
Start out in low, drive it like a 3 speed. You'll love it too.
Congrats on the find! |
I'm really wondering what to do. I had a 68 Beetle (back in about 71) that had an auto stick. I was young, I wasn't thrilled with it.
I'm older now, live in an area where traffic can be a SERIOUS pain in the rear and am wondering about keeping it.
I've read up on changing it. I'm keeping the 69 chassis and running gear as a whole and doing some body repairs / transplanting with the 70 I just brought home.
The 70 has a 4 speed and is complete except for the engine so doing a transplant wouldn't be hard, I have all of the parts! The 69 pan is just so much better. Add to that the 69 has a Clean NJ title which I am going to transfer to me with zero issues. The 70 title is WV but a few owners old! Not sure how hard it would be to transfer in.
Convince me to keep the auto stick.
Dave |
This is just my ill-informed opinion so take it as such
but of all the VWs I've had by far the one I enjoyed the least was
an auto-stick (sometimes called the "Slush-o-Matic?"
Maybe I just had a bad one, but that thing was truly unlovable for me.
I personally vowed never to own one again.
I'm sure there are others that loved them.
John - in Ohio |
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mpiersd Samba Member
Joined: January 01, 2015 Posts: 1 Location: Savannah, GA
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Posted: Thu Jan 01, 2015 6:06 pm Post subject: |
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I know I'm new. I'm new to VW's as well.
But I am REALLY curious as to where this project stands as i will be taking on my own projects soon enough.
As soon as I get my own good DD beetle, a Ghia is on the list for the wife. |
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djkeev Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007 Posts: 32433 Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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O2COOLED Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2007 Posts: 452 Location: Pac NW
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Posted: Fri Jan 02, 2015 6:24 pm Post subject: |
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djkeev wrote: |
Grandkids...... They Trump Ghia!
Dave |
X2 And everything else in every Grandparent's life _________________ "Sometimes people forget they signed up to a HELP & SHARE Forum not a pissing contest"
"At my age time is too short to respond to people with short minds"
Current: '69 Ghia Coupe
VW History:'63 Bug;'70 Bug;'73 412;'83 Rabbit;'86 Golf;'76 Fat Chick; 67 Ghia Coupe; '70 Bug |
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djkeev Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007 Posts: 32433 Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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WooleyNelson Samba Member
Joined: July 13, 2012 Posts: 191 Location: Kokomo Indiana
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Posted: Wed May 04, 2016 10:06 am Post subject: Re: My 69 Ghia |
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Glad to hear that the Ghia vert is still on the list of projects!! |
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