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Mon Jan 13, 2003 8:19 pm

hello all. I need help. I have a 73 bug with a damaged front apron. I can't find any info. on changing it in recent mags or books. It looks like it is stamped on. Can I just drill out the small impressions and re-weld? Thanx for any help.

Mon Jan 13, 2003 9:07 pm

I think you have a, lets see a super beetle they dont come apart lol.
Yeah just get a spot weld drill bit from your local body shop supply. Drill those impressions out and the apron should come off easy

Tue Jan 14, 2003 8:33 pm

thanx kosmic

Wed Jan 15, 2003 9:04 am

If you can't readliy find a spot weld drill bit, go to the hardware store and by a dozen or so "self tapping" screw bolts like they put metal buildings together with (TEK SCREWS) each one will drill about 10 holes before the things wear out and they drill faster than most drill bit I've ever seen.
Plus you can use them to hold things in place while you put your first few tack welds down (or even pop rivets)
With both front fenders off there are about 12-15 factory spot welds on each side and depending on what condition (rusted away) the bottom of the tire well is in, there are some there too. I use a sawzall and air chisel/ and or die grinder cuttoff wheel to help too but you may not have those at your disposal. Kosmic, I have hacked them off supers pretty much the same way?????

Thu Jan 16, 2003 12:49 pm

Thanks Keifernet! Worn out small drill bits are one on the blights I've had to put up with for years & you have just cured it! I can re-sharpen big bits but a quarter inch & less are a lost cause! Talk about the scales falling from your eyes!!

Thu Jan 16, 2003 4:22 pm

Yeah, they work good for that, I use the 3/8 socket driver in my Dewalt battery operated drill, the smaller 1/4 and 5/16 head screw don't drill out out as large a hole as you need. They only have to be the 1 inch long ones too no need for longer, just a wast of money for this purpose...
I think 1lb box or 100? in a box is about 6-10 bucks depending on the hardware store. Or better yet go to a nut and bolt supply house if there is one near you, then you can get them by the pound real cheap.
I bought a few boxes of like 3,000 when building a metal building and have found many uses for the leftovers since then!

Sat Jan 18, 2003 11:57 am

Kiefernet, just as an aside, is your sawzall electric or air operated?

Sat Jan 18, 2003 7:25 pm

I have a Millwaulke brand electric, H.D. 10.5 amp motor, they make lesser versions and one or two with even more amps but mine is the favorite of Frame crew, plumbers and the likes. They torture the crap out of them of for years and I do abuse mine weekly if not daily.
Cheaper less powerful versions will do for the ocassional home body both for auto and home contstuction remodeling, tree trimming ect! Try Sears, Home Depot, Pawn shops and see what is out there
Porter Cable and Dewalt are pretty good too. There are versions of air powered out there but probably at specialty tool places.

Sun Jan 19, 2003 12:44 pm

Thank you, but I am "down under"!
It's just that the air operated ones are much cheaper.
This type of tool is (judging by the references to it!)are very popular in the US but I really have to look in the specialist outlets here to find one. The ones at run of the mill hardware shops look a bit light.
The Dewalt is available but at 2 South Pacific Pesos to the Greenback they are expensive. Still "quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten!"

Sun Jan 19, 2003 6:12 pm

Too bad about the exchange rate, seems tlike they would be popular in a country like OZ... I mean nearly every decent contractor in residential and commericial has to own one to expediate certian jobs, or he is a fool... not to mention muffler shops and auto body trade...
I can check out a few Pawns in my area and get you a good used beater and ship it, maybe that would make it affordable, e mail me if your interested...