Convertibe Frame Welding

[Peter D.]

I did a search so hopefully this topic hasn't been covered before...

I'm working on a '66 Convertible and the top frame is very rusty where it meets the front wooden bow. The metal is pretty wasted and all the hardware is rusted in place. I notice that CIP1 is selling a pair of repair sections that must be welded on.

https://www2.cip1.com/vwc-151-871-197-pr/?srsltid=...jZzmMpR0hE

I can weld okay enough with my entry level mig welder but I'm not great at it. Anyone have any experience at doing this repair? My concern is that it would be too long or short or come out crooked. Then I'd be in big trouble...

On the plus side I have the hard to find '66 top latches. Always need to see the postive.
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2019 Golf Alltrack, '65 Ghia Coupe Restoration in Progress

[far rider]

I would say practice welding , get comfortable at it and do the repair. Guessing there will be some more welding required with your vert so you might as well dig in. Good luck!
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67 zenith blue sunroof

Contentment; when what you have is what you want.

[pondoras box]

When you do decide to do this make sure you fabricate a jig that triangulates the latch with two other know and fixed locations. That way you’re guaranteed to get them in the right spot make sure your jigs are solid and don’t flex. Then make tape templates where you’re going to cut the old section out and then transfer the tape templates to the new piece. This ensures that they are the same size and shape. Use three or four layers of tape to keep it strong enough to be removed and transferred.

Do yourself a favor and when you cut out the old section out do it in a square or rectangle it makes it easier to fit the new piece. I see people try to get creative and only remove the rusty area and try to fit this lightning bolt shaped piece in causing themselves hours of extra work. Don’t spend time trying to be creative and forget to be efficient.
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Looking for anything from Hal Casey Motors out of Hamburg New York, from license plate surrounds to matchbooks.

1961 23 Window (Bobo)
1965 11 Window (Zelda). https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=563183
1965 13 Window (Lucas)
1957 Oval ragtop
1960 hardtop
1964 hardtop
1965 hardtop
Another 65 hardtop
1973 standard bug
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=804912
1988 Cabriolet VR6 conversion

[Peter D.]

Solid advice thank you... I will post follow up pics of my progress.
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2019 Golf Alltrack, '65 Ghia Coupe Restoration in Progress