Who has changed the washer reservoir panel?

[EMPIImp69]

Anyone have a build thread with pics and write-up on changing this panel? I know the spot welds need to be drilled out. Any other advice, tips and tricks? Thx

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1963 Ragtop Bug

[wcfvw69]

[grandpa pete]

If you are using a wrinkled panel like the one in the photo I would suggest putting it BEHIND the original hole you cut out . Putting it behind would allow you to plug weld it in place .
suggestions ;
cut the hole to size or drill out welds
wire brush / grind any rust off
ospho the area
drill or punch plug weld holes
cut or drill holes for brake fluid and washer reservoirs ;if needed
weld piece in place
level with hammer and dolly
surface fill
sand excess
prime
paint
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63 two fold rag
66 sedan delivery Type 6

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=569619&highlight=sedan+delivery

[glutamodo]

I had to replace that one on my 62 a few years ago. It fit "OK" but not great either. I drilled out the spot welds... I had my camera out but I guess I didn't use it much. This is what it looked like once I had drilled out the spot welds (with a spot weld drill tool)

I don't know how well it would work or look if you tried to fit it from behind.

The new one, I removed the "tab" at the bottom of it. When I set it in place, at first I used some self tapping screws to hold it down and then tacked it down in a couple of places and along the top edge some. I had thought about taking the screws out, and filling in the holes later on, but it was a bit beyond my horrible welding skills, and really, I'm the only one that sees this, so I left it. I only found one in-progress photo:

I transplanted the stock brake fluid reservoir strap over, but the damn thing wasn't long enough to reach around and fit flush unless I moved it a little bit to the side. Oh well, at least it works. Yeah, I'm still using a stock early 60s "rubber cap" reservoir here. (not the original, I bought an NOS one off of eBay many years ago)

And an "after" photo with my first choice for paint (rattle-can "Almond" that I hated, and repainted with Rustoleum Canvas White later on, as seen at the bottom here, in a photo I provided for the "rattle can paint color" thread. )

[wcfvw69]

This is what I mean about the poor quality of aftermarket sheet metal. That sheet panel pressing is terrible.
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[glutamodo]

Yeah, I was slightly underwhelmed by it for sure!

[grandpa pete]

That is why I suggested putting on from the back . He can use body filler and smooth out all the edges and bumps .
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63 two fold rag
66 sedan delivery Type 6

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=569619&highlight=sedan+delivery

[EMPIImp69]

Thanks guys. If I can't find an original piece, I may have to go with the aftermarket one or maybe I'll cut up the replacement and use only what's rusted on mine. First I gotta cut off this angle iron

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1963 Ragtop Bug

[RareAir]

I used an original part to repair the rot-

Use a wire wheel to locate all the factory spot welds. There are a few hidden on the backside of the "kidney"
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1947 Typ 11a
1954 Typ 117
1956 Typ 151
1959 Typ 117
1959 Typ 265
1961 356B
1966 Typ 151
1966 Typ 241