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VW Baron
Samba Member
Joined: July 07, 2005
Posts: 251
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 Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2005 2:15 am Post subject: Heater channel blasphemy? |
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In a nutshell, my right heater channel has sufficient rust to require attention, but I loathe the prospect of the long, tedious process that will ensue if I replace the entire channel. My question is: How feasible and/or wise would it be to merely cut out the section that has the rust problem and weld in a replacement as opposed to replacing the entire channel?
From visible inspection and tapping/prodding, only a small area around the heater vent and A frame pillar need attention... |
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oicdn
Samba Member
Joined: April 30, 2005
Posts: 279
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| Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2005 8:31 am Post subject: |
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I was actually thinking the same.......
I was actally looking at getting some square tubing and making faux heater channels. Basically, something there to replace them and maintain or maybe even increase rigidity....
The only parts rusted on mine are near the feet and at the pillar...otherwise, rust free...
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VW Baron
Samba Member
Joined: July 07, 2005
Posts: 251
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| Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2005 3:18 am Post subject: |
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Yeah, the area around the feet and the pillar is the only major rust area for me too.
Insights anyone? |
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Chubber
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Joined: November 12, 2003
Posts: 334
Location: Clermont, Central Florida
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| Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 11:56 am Post subject: |
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You can replace just a piece. Use 3 inch cutoff wheels and a pneumatic metal cutting saber saw. That will make the cuts nice and clean. Then weld in the parts that you will be using to replace it. It will be tough to cut it to fit just right, as there are a lot of bends, but carpet covers 99% of it, so that may be OK for you.
I just did one on a type III where I essentially had to build it up from scratch, one piece at a time, as there are no replacement channels for those.
Chubber
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VW Baron
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Joined: July 07, 2005
Posts: 251
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| Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 9:40 pm Post subject: |
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I'm thinking more and more that that is what I'm going to do. There's just no rust on any other part of the channel, and I hate to go through the effort of replacing the whole thing.
I just wasn't sure whether a partial replacement was a foolhardy idea or if people actually do it.  |
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