Heater channel bottom/closing plate

[leec]

Hi all,

Looking to replace the heater channel bottom plate (closing panel)
Had a search on here but couldn't find any detailed process/pics on how to remove existing one cleanly.

Any one help me out with a good link?

Thanks,
Lee

[VW_Jimbo]

Not sure what model VW you have. But I will assume it is a Bug. Bottom plate is spot welded on the bottom side along the folded hem. Take a cup wire brush on an angle grinder and remove the paint. This will expose the “spots” where the welds have fused the two pieces of steel together. Take a 1/4” drill bit and center it over the weld spot. Drill through the bottom plate steel and try not to go through the top metal. If you do, it is fixable, no biggy. After drilling out EVERY spot weld point, take a cold chisel and a hammer and split the seam. The steel will separate as you break the remnant weld spots.

If you drilled through the welds. When plug welding the new plate on, use a piece of copper bar. I use 1/4” by 1-1/4” x 12” bars to back the weld up. The weld will not stick to the copper and will keep it from falling out of suspension.

Good luck!
_________________
Jimbo

There is never enough time to do it right the first time, but all the time necessary the second time!

[leec]

Thank you for your reply. And yes it is a bug.

Lee