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Poor mans convertible support rails?
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eth727
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PostPosted: Mon Apr 23, 2018 12:26 am    Post subject: Poor mans convertible support rails? Reply with quote

I was wondering if anyone out there has used a cheaper alternative to buying convertible support rails? My heater channels are intact but the support rails are shot. I don't have the $$ to have it professionally done. I have a flux core welder.
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theKbStockpiler
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PostPosted: Mon Apr 23, 2018 3:37 pm    Post subject: Re: Poor mans convertible support rails? Reply with quote

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/search.php?search_keywords=flux&search_forum=13

If you're not really good at flux core welding sheet metal start practicing. I would at least look at a Variable Voltage EastWood. MIG 110v model.

From what I understand the convertible rails are welded to the Heater Channel bottom plate and the lip they put on with the bolt holes looks like it serves no purpose other than to provide a little strength from side to side. I don't see a lot of value in it's existence myself. The front of the Heater Channel tapers off to fit between the wheel when turned and not to cover up the pan bolts, otherwise square/rectangular tubing can be used.

It's not that hard of a task if you already have the skills.
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Mike Fisher
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PostPosted: Mon Apr 23, 2018 9:09 pm    Post subject: Re: Poor mans convertible support rails? Reply with quote

Late model Type 3's have about a 1"X4" support rail welded to the bottom of each pan. I'm not sure if that's applicable to convertibles, but thought I would mention them.
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eth727
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PostPosted: Tue Apr 24, 2018 6:53 am    Post subject: Re: Poor mans convertible support rails? Reply with quote

I practiced on putting a new battery tray. It's just a lot of spot welds and looks ugly but who It works. I was thinking about just welding some long pieces of U shaped steel since that's the part that is gone. I don't have a couple thousand bucks to get it done right now but once I hit the lotto then I'll take it to a pro.
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theKbStockpiler
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PostPosted: Tue Apr 24, 2018 8:49 am    Post subject: Re: Poor mans convertible support rails? Reply with quote

You can get a decent MIG for under $500 ,use it again sometime and convertible rails are about $130 each plus shipping. In cali you could probably pick them up at the supplier. A MIG welder is going to save you a lot of time if you can afford it.
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eth727
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PostPosted: Tue Apr 24, 2018 11:16 am    Post subject: Re: Poor mans convertible support rails? Reply with quote

Yeah my buddy suggest mig w/gas but ultimately it comes down to $$.
I foundo that out the hard way when I blew holes but now I can manage the damage.
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theKbStockpiler
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PostPosted: Tue Apr 24, 2018 3:40 pm    Post subject: Re: Poor mans convertible support rails? Reply with quote

Do the forum a favor and post back with pictures of your method or what you learned while using flux core on sheet metal. It's not the go to method but it does work if you put time into it.
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Mike Fisher
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PostPosted: Sat Apr 28, 2018 3:27 pm    Post subject: Re: Poor mans convertible support rails? Reply with quote

A solid set of convertible heater channels in the PNW ready to 'cut to order' for $300!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/PNWAircooledSwapmeet/
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theKbStockpiler
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PostPosted: Sun Apr 29, 2018 5:41 am    Post subject: Re: Poor mans convertible support rails? Reply with quote

It just occurred to me the lip (wide base with the pan holes in it's) purpose is to allow it to be spot welded on.
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My beetle is not competing with your beetle. I have the yellow beetle in my town. There is a red one, a green one ......
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