TheSamba.com :: View topic - Replacing body panels

Wed Nov 15, 2017 6:24 am

Hello to everyone, i have a 1973 Super Beetle with a lot of rust an looking for help. I have to replace both front side panels, heather channels and cross panel. What would be the right or the best sequence to start replacing this panels? Thanks for help!

Wed Nov 15, 2017 3:37 pm

I would take all 4 fenders off of it, so you can see all the damage. If it's rusty around the windows, then the windows have to be removed too. Leave the doors on it while you weld in new heater channels. Cut out the rusty sections with a sawzall & angle grinder. Search/find/buy/ship solid used or new replacement panels to butt weld into it with a MIG welder with shielding gas.

Wed Nov 15, 2017 11:37 pm

Maybe we didn't understand right. Car is allready stript down and sandblasted. Front Panels are beyond reparable and need to be replaced. I have allready bought all the parts i need for restoration and now looking for the right way where to start. Should i start with heather channels or front quarter panels?
MIG welding is not a problem for me i allready restored one super beetle before.

Thu Nov 16, 2017 8:27 am

Post some pictures, they usually work better then words.

Thu Nov 16, 2017 10:08 am

Do you have a super bettle, 1303? :D

I would do the heater channels either first or last and spend the time making sure that the door opening is perfect. It should be easier to disassemble both the wheelhousing and the firewall at the same time.

I would intuitively do the firewall first ,then wheel housings and the heater channels last but I have never done it. :shock:

Fri Nov 17, 2017 12:14 am

Yes it is a 1303s super beetle.
Here are all the Panels and parts i have to replace. Where should i start?

Fri Nov 17, 2017 8:53 am

I think you just want to show off your repair panel collection and your pavers. :D

Fri Nov 17, 2017 11:27 am

I think he's just scared to get out the sawzall & angle grinder and start cutting out the rusty metal? :-) If you intend to replace the entire panel, then drill out the spot welds with a 'spot weld cutter' drill bit to take the whole panel out in one piece? It does not matter which panel you replace first.