Knee panel split vs zwitter

[sinclair]

Does anyone know if the 52 split and later zwitter panels are the same? I know the dash is different but is the profile the same?

[splitjunkie]

It's the same. There may be minor differences such as holes and brackets for the rear dash protector but the stamping is the same. It is actually the same as a crotch cooler split all the way to the last oval.
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Chris

You know, a lot of these scratches will buff right out... Jerry Seinfeld

[rod_vw]

I have a pdf copy of a 1957 parts book, originally it listed the panel that you are asking about was quoted as...

111 805 405 for cars up to chassis number 1- 397 023 - pre-zwitter
and
111 805 405B for cars from 1-397 024 to 1 600 439 zwitter to last oval

However an amendment on the page indicates 111 805 405 is discontinued and replaced by 111 805 405B which would indicate that although the two parts were not identical they were interchangeable.
Sorry as the amendments are only stuck on typed strips I unlike later amendments I cannot say when the first version was discontinued or if there were any additional parts required to use the later part on earlier cars.
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Rod,
Please visit http://www.historicvws.org.uk
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1946 Beetle (Back on the road after over 50 years! Last major outing - Hessisch Oldendorf 2022)
2016 T6 Selfbuild Camper and a LWB MAN TGE in build.

[DSweinhagen]

I'd agree with the two posts above. The piece as a whole will fit, and fitting to the dash is no problem. I've used a donor oval piece on a split before. There is a difference out at the sides though. You can see in the pic, there's a bulge out at the sides, then it drops vertically. The earlier version is flatter there and doesn't bulge up so much. It will fit and you could leave it. When I did it I saved those outer pieces and sectioned them back in.
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David S

[splitjunkie]

[Bruce]

Here's another small detail. Look at the rear edge of the panel where it meets the underside of the dash panel. See the small trough that lines up with the starter button and ashtray? The oval panel doesn't have this.

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[splitjunkie]

You are correct. I forgot that I had to recreate that detail.
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Chris

You know, a lot of these scratches will buff right out... Jerry Seinfeld

[Bruce]

Tell us how you did that. Did you hammer it into shape, or weld a piece in?
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[splitjunkie]

hammered it. If I had to do it again I would probably make a little press tool for top and bottom to press it since it is a simple profile.
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Chris

You know, a lot of these scratches will buff right out... Jerry Seinfeld

[a57oval]

Do you know if anyone makes this "knee panel" ?
Dont think KlassicFab has it, Wolfe doesn't have it. My oval knee panel is heavily pitted.
Peter

[VW_Jimbo]

[splitjunkie]

Nobody makes that panel. It's a pretty complicated piece. The only option is to find a used one or patch what you have if it is patchable.
_________________
Chris

You know, a lot of these scratches will buff right out... Jerry Seinfeld

[a57oval]

Hi Vw Jimbo,
Mine is only heavily pitted with no perforation. I was hoping to find a quality reproduction but I guess no one makes it. Thanks for the offer.
I bet if Mika Virtanen made one there would be a market.
Peter

[splitjunkie]

[buglover34465]

https://wolfparts.com/product-category/vw-type1/

The part your requesting is sold here.

[a57oval]

Wolfe does make the part. According to their website it is $790.76.
I sure wish Mika made just the center portion. I bet he would sell a ton of these. So many splits and ovals are rusty in this area. My car isn't so bad that the whole piece needs to be replaced.
Mika?
Peter

[ZENVWDRIVER]