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WolfsburgWest Panels Received
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itjustbugsme2
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PostPosted: Sat Dec 26, 2015 12:09 pm    Post subject: WolfsburgWest Panels Received Reply with quote

Well: received my WolfsburgWest repair panels for the "65" Bug's rear inner wheel well section. Received all ordered panels except for the heater channel end cap. Attempted to call and inform them but the mailbox is full, so sent them an email (with pics). I'm sure they will take care of it Sad . So, before I being fab/installation did a quick "mock" hold up panel to see fit.

1. The Fender Fastener Panel has a strange overhand lip on it and I'm not sure if it is going to repair areas I need repaired, may have to end up cutting this piece and fitting it where needed.

2. The Rear Qtr. / Bumper Bracket section seem to fit fairly well but it's apparent that I will need to drill a hole for the rear light wires, you would think they would consider this..no big deal.

3. The Shock Tower section seems OK., but I believe I will need to remove the shock so I can more easily fit panel up, in and behind.

Q. Has anyone installed these, if so...any tips. I'm sure that I will need to do some minor cutting, grinding and shaping.

Look forward to some comments - replies - suggestions.

Take care.


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PostPosted: Sat Dec 26, 2015 2:43 pm    Post subject: Re: WolfsburgWest Panels Received Reply with quote

Start reading build threads ; there are several detailed explinations among them .

Sticky ; Beetle Projects and Builds
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PostPosted: Sun Dec 27, 2015 3:59 pm    Post subject: Re: WolfsburgWest Panels Received Reply with quote

Thanks, I agree and I have. Started to fit these panels. First off: They are no where near "fit ready"...but then again I'm working on a "past worked on" - "50 years of somewhat else patching" Bug. I'm attempting to keep all the "original" good metal but ..... these panels need allot of cutting, and pounding. Pics below just show "mock up" fitting...any tips on how to get them to fit as snug (less gaps - flares) appreciated. As I noted before, done past body panel repair but mostly on exterior lower quarters on American Made cars, more straight, butt weld, filler work. These inner wheel wells are proving to be a little tricky. Taking a break. Thanks for all replies and tips. Later
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grandpa pete
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PostPosted: Sun Dec 27, 2015 5:51 pm    Post subject: Re: WolfsburgWest Panels Received Reply with quote

A suggestion for the next guy doing this size repair ; replace the WHOLE 1/4 with ORIGINAL metal . You will save yourself a LOT of work .
Sorry you got into this so deep ; " one bite at a time "
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PostPosted: Sun Dec 27, 2015 6:05 pm    Post subject: Re: WolfsburgWest Panels Received Reply with quote

grandpa pete wrote:
A suggestion for the next guy doing this size repair ; replace the WHOLE 1/4 with ORIGINAL metal . You will save yourself a LOT of work .
Sorry you got into this so deep ; " one bite at a time "

I am doing this same repair on mine. It is not easy to find an original 1/4 panel in the rust belt.
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PostPosted: Sun Dec 27, 2015 6:38 pm    Post subject: Re: WolfsburgWest Panels Received Reply with quote

I looked at purchasing the "entire" wheel well section (replacement panel) from Wolfsburg West and they talked me out of it saying it really didn't fit well. I then (as suggested) attempted to find a "donor" VW.....very , very difficult to find. As for a "big project". Since both sides need done, I guess I'm going to "learn" on this side and make some changes on the other side. Sort of like the first time you replace a part and find out after taking off the dozen or so nuts and bolts......you really only had to remove one. We'll see how the other side goes.

One thing I am considering is rather than attempting to save most of the "good" metal (original)...or may be easier just cutting out the metal to better fit the panel and "butt welding" the new panel rather than attempting too large of an "overlap"....we'll see and I'll keep everyone posted simply to possibly save some one else some time. Again, appreciate, enjoy the replies.

Now: time for a beer and watch Sunday Night Football.

Later;
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PostPosted: Sun Dec 27, 2015 6:42 pm    Post subject: Re: WolfsburgWest Panels Received Reply with quote

If but welding is giving you problems you might want to try sheet metal clips

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PostPosted: Sun Dec 27, 2015 7:10 pm    Post subject: Re: WolfsburgWest Panels Received Reply with quote

Welcome to after market sheet metal fitting. As you're experiencing, it's most lousy fitting, the metal is thinner that original and you waste a lot of time massaging it to make it fit.

Having replaced most of the lower 12" of my convertible, if I ever had to do it again, I would not use anything but donor metal. Yes, it can be a challenge to find in the rust belt but, there are lots of folks chopping up bugs in the dry SW and could ship you what you need.
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PostPosted: Sun Dec 27, 2015 8:07 pm    Post subject: Re: WolfsburgWest Panels Received Reply with quote

Reply to the last two comments:

1. I've used the clamps before when "butt welding" panels (lower quarters etc.)....ones that don't take too much stress....but on this repair, since the wheel wells are actually part of the body support.....holds the "body mount" portion, I didn't feel comfortable with simply the "butt weld" so.....going more with the "lap-plug weld" method to gain that strength.

2. As for "DONOR PARTS"....I totally agree but wanted to do this bug over the winter, get her "road ready" not necessarily "show-point wise ready" and see where I go from there.

So, both great comments and I thank you. We'll see how the other side goes.

Rest of the Bug looks good.

Thanks.
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PostPosted: Mon Dec 28, 2015 4:14 pm    Post subject: Re: WolfsburgWest Panels Received Reply with quote

Well; as noted and we all agree.....those "replacement" panels don't exactly fit as they should. Actually I'm not sure what if any Bug they were made for....so there will be a need to cut, bend and hammer. The pictures attached to this post shows how I made the "shock tower" panel to fit snug .... into the curve of the original wheel well. I had to cut a large portion of the panel out...just wasn't going to fit in and plus I had allot of good metal behind that area. Then I simply sliced the panel (like a pizza) so it would be more mendable ( I checked...that's actually a word)....then I took a good tinsmith hammer and hammered in the cut sections to mend into the curve of the original wheel well. The rivets are simply to hold it in place. I am going to mig weld the panel and for better strength mig a nice bead in between each slice. Once ground, finished should look like new...then work on the rear section. Comments, Suggestions...always welcomed. JPL
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PostPosted: Mon Dec 28, 2015 7:28 pm    Post subject: Re: WolfsburgWest Panels Received Reply with quote

If the new piece is sitting on top of the old metal then that could be why it isn't fitting as well as it should. When ever I replace this piece I always use the buttweld method - its plenty strong enough.... never had a problem with fitment.

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This is on a '63 Beetle.
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PostPosted: Mon Dec 28, 2015 7:38 pm    Post subject: Re: WolfsburgWest Panels Received Reply with quote

Joey wrote:
If the new piece is sitting on top of the old metal then that could be why it isn't fitting as well as it should. When ever I replace this piece I always use the buttweld method - its plenty strong enough.... never had a problem with fitment.

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This is on a '63 Beetle.


Yup, this is the way I did it as well.
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PostPosted: Mon Dec 28, 2015 8:05 pm    Post subject: Re: WolfsburgWest Panels Received Reply with quote

Nice job on the cutting out the old/bad and "butt welding" in the new. I was all set to do the same and as I stated earlier; since the rear shock tower area is also the body mount section, I was a little concern as to the strength of a simple "butt weld"............also whoever did this repair prior to me obtaining the Bug did a "butt weld" repair and it failed........now I will admit I have no idea if they knew how to weld or how good the weld was. Again, you repair looks great and strong and I'm sure it is serving you well. Although my fit took a little more work, cutting, hammering....it isn't over that much of the old metal....just enough to give me (in my opinion) a little more "metal to metal" hold. "Butt Weld" vs "Over Lap Weld"....I guess it's an individual choice. Thanks for the comments, replies and as always....suggestions welcomed. Hey, I have the other side to do........maybe after this sides beats me up to much.....I'll do the "cut" - "butt weld" technique.
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PostPosted: Mon Dec 28, 2015 9:35 pm    Post subject: Re: WolfsburgWest Panels Received Reply with quote

An overlap weld is an invitation for moisture. Moisture = rust, rust = weakened metal/structure. Use a good weld thru primer them seal it with seam sealer asap.
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PostPosted: Mon Dec 28, 2015 10:08 pm    Post subject: Re: WolfsburgWest Panels Received Reply with quote

Yes sir well aware of the potential for rust due to the overlap (gap/moister) but I plan to close that gap with a good seam and also will do a good metal treatment, possibly undercoating (maybe bed liner) cover. Should be fine.
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PostPosted: Mon Dec 28, 2015 10:14 pm    Post subject: Re: WolfsburgWest Panels Received Reply with quote

Once I get the inner well done (remaining rear section) and get it all welded up, finished....the tricky part is going to be the section where the fender attaches...allot of metal missing and bolt (holes) gone....I have some panel parts I'm going to cut and weld in...but it's going to be a little tricky.

Any tips on that section?
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PostPosted: Tue Dec 29, 2015 9:03 am    Post subject: Re: WolfsburgWest Panels Received Reply with quote

You know....I walk in the back garage, look at the "Bug" all torn apart, being cut, ground, hammered Sad and think ............."I don't know, maybe I should just quit" Confused ............then I do some web searching, see all the other bugs that are similar in condition Smile ........what others have done..........and get that "lets do it feeling" Very Happy one more time........my plans is to have this "65" done by this spring and start enjoying her again Cool . Just thought I would share my thoughts before I gear up and head back in the workshop.......later
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PostPosted: Tue Dec 29, 2015 12:05 pm    Post subject: Re: WolfsburgWest Panels Received Reply with quote

The metal replacement posts always reminds me of how well VW manufactured the air-cooled Beetles back in the day. Suppliers were subject to extremely high quality standards, and that included the sheet metal. It's one of the main reasons Beetles/Buses are still around today.

I am 80% done restoring my 1964 Bug and virtually every aftermarket part that I have purchased simply does not meet the same high quality of the OEM VW parts. This includes aftermarket door handles, replacement dashboard chrome strips, roof mounted grab straps for the rear passengers, brake hardware, etc.
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PostPosted: Tue Dec 29, 2015 12:49 pm    Post subject: Re: WolfsburgWest Panels Received Reply with quote

Yes sir.....that's why when you find an "original" VW - Bug or Bus and there remains some "original" metal....you have something...either as a donor or something to work with. But, even though the new panels aren't the same quality, having the VW on the road again is somewhat cool. I'll keep cutting, grinding, hammering, welding, wrenching on her.....keeps me from making to many trips to the Casino. Very Happy
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PostPosted: Tue Dec 29, 2015 1:52 pm    Post subject: Re: WolfsburgWest Panels Received Reply with quote

vwnut1 wrote:
The metal replacement posts always reminds me of how well VW manufactured the air-cooled Beetles back in the day. Suppliers were subject to extremely high quality standards, and that included the sheet metal. It's one of the main reasons Beetles/Buses are still around today.

I am 80% done restoring my 1964 Bug and virtually every aftermarket part that I have purchased simply does not meet the same high quality of the OEM VW parts. This includes aftermarket door handles, replacement dashboard chrome strips, roof mounted grab straps for the rear passengers, brake hardware, etc.


VW had their own presses and stamped all of their own sheet metal parts.
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