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Tue Apr 19, 2005 5:10 pm

I am so frustrated with the aftermarket parts I could scream... and they're not cheap either!! Why do we have to pay big bucks for crap? I'm rebuilding my '70 sqbk. and don't have many options. I've purchased parts from several sources, so can't say anyone supplier is better or worse. ](*,) I just know that if you can save your original parts do it. I've put on new window and door trim, what a joke. The outer window scrapers and trim don't fit at all. 3 out of the 5 clips broke while I was trying to install the passanger side...I'm afraid what will happen on the other side. Not to mention the radius on the trim is completely wrong. I paid $90 for a dash pad that isn't fit to use as bum wipe...well you get my point. Putting the guages in the POS was also a major pain. Bottom line keep ahold of your old and even broken type 3 parts. I did put in a headliner on the weekend, that went realitevely well... There...I fell a little better. Now, back out to the garage. :wink:

Tue Apr 19, 2005 5:48 pm

I always keep my old clips, they are much nicer then the new ones that are made. I'll pull the new ones out and put in the O.G. ones, they are much stronger and hold better.

Wed Apr 20, 2005 7:45 pm

If you did a search on dash pads, you'll see that I mentioned they don't fit at all on the early cars, and are just about useable on the 71 and laters (they were copied from). :shock: I also mentioned some time back that the new window scrapers were next to useless, except for the rubber part, and then it's about 1/2" too short. :roll: I've found using bug scrapers works better for the rubber pieces, and they're cheaper than the t-3 parts. I do agree that the fit and quality of the parts available is not really acceptable, but they're the only ones out there besides good used. :? At least you had good luck with the headliner, which is better than I ever did. :wink:

Wed Apr 20, 2005 8:25 pm

I'm working on the 10 year plan on this sqbk project. I've completed 4 other cars during the time I've owned this type 3. I restored a '65 bug, a '66 type 2 delux, a '74 thing and a '70 bus (you'd have thought I would have figured out the aftermarket stuff sucked by now). Both the dash and the headliner were purchased 8/1/95 and have just sat in boxes all this time. I thought for sure the pad would be better than the ones talked about lately...boy was I wrong! What a piece...well it's in and the guages are in, the headliner is in, the posts are wraped, next I'm putting the glass in (this weekends project). We'll see just how bad the dash pad looks once the windshield is in place. I wish I had some good old original door trim w/ outer scrapers... I'm getting tired putting in and pulling out and it still not looking right!

Wed Apr 20, 2005 8:43 pm

If your still having this much fun after all this time I just can't wait to get started on mine. I'm not looking for stock restore so I guess I could make some compromises if needed. Don't let it get to you. My wife calls it therapy :D

Thu Apr 21, 2005 6:38 pm

lowsquare wrote: I'm working on the 10 year plan on this sqbk project. I've completed 4 other cars during the time I've owned this type 3. I restored a '65 bug, a '66 type 2 delux, a '74 thing and a '70 bus (you'd have thought I would have figured out the aftermarket stuff sucked by now). I'm getting tired putting in and pulling out and it still not looking right!

Yeah, I hear you. It almost sounds like you need a break from restoring VWs. :shock: I know I've done a few over the years, but then I've also done a few GM's in between to help break things up. :D I think that was one of the reasons I built the Roadster 2, as it was an ANTI-restoration. :twisted: It used almost ALL used parts (except the brake system), and it didn't get a flashy new paint job either. :D But it does seem like the GM's were actually easier, but then I think it's the quality and fit of the replacement parts that helps do that. :shock: A friend of mine has been restoring a 71 Mercury Comet for the last 5 years, and brought it over on it's maiden voyage for some paint detailing. His problem is like ours, in that nobody is making any replacement parts, and the pieces that are out there are very limited. He's noticed the quality seems pretty good, but the prices are a little higher than he expected. As a result, he's been looking for good used parts on e-bay and other places like we have with the Samba classifieds. :D