Body panel replacement

[Imonit]

Hi Folks.
New to VW and not sure if I should replace this rear panel? First please tell me what this rearmost part of the body is called?

Looks like the PO already replaced this but did they do an acceptable job? It seems the track for the seals do not line up well and part of the panel is well above the adjacent piece. The panel seems new but is dented from storage in various driveways for who knows how long.

Any input or advice is welcome.
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Scott Boulton
'74 Super Beetle Convertible - current Project
'66 Jeep CJ5 - Frame up RestoMod done 2018
'64 Jeep CJ3B - on hold to finish the Bug.

[cletus_zuber]

Its called the rear apron but that's all I got, I'm not a body man.
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1972 1302
HPMX 40's & 019

[busdaddy]

Since you aren't a body man you might explore replacing the apron, none of that is hard to hammer out, but attaching a new part may be more suited to your skill level. But don't be shocked if the new part doesn't quite fit, most replacement stuff these days is just barely in the ballpark as to quality and fit.
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Rust NEVER sleeps and stock never goes out of style.

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[Imonit]

[Dan the workingstiff]

How is the fit with the lid closed?
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'69 Beetle
'66 FG buggy
My other air-cooled's
'76 IH 1200
'75 IH 1200

[viiking]

Looks like a reasonable part but it looks to me NOT to be high enough. That is the whole rear apron needs to go up towards the rear window. This should bring the seal "J" Channel into closer alignment. Poor installation by the PO.

What you needed is a photo of the bottom of the rear fenders to see how they lined up with the rear apron. If my diagnosis is correct I would have thought the apron was well below the line of the rear fenders.

If true I'd drill out the spot welds and push the whole apron up to see if you can improve the fit. the apron should only be held on in a few places with some spot or more likely plug welds.
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1968 1500 RHD Lotus White Beetle since birth. In the hospital for major surgery
1966 Lancia Flavia Pininfarina Coupe - in the waiting room
Discharged: 1983 Vanagon, 1974 1800 Microbus,1968 Low Light,1968 Type 3

[Imonit]

[raydog]

That panel should line up better than that. But it is not uncommon to have to "help" the panels fit better. The misalignment of the seal channel is not uncommon either. I would remove what is there.

If you are going to go that route, the decide if what you have is worth saving or start with a new one, instead of screwing around with the old one and wasting time. Also. I just looked at the prices of the apron. I guess it's been a while since I bought one.
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Come on, It's not rocket science. KISS

[viiking]

Do a search in the Gallery menu here for Rear Apron and you will get lots of photos

Ditto search within this forum for the same thing putting Rear Apron in the "Title" menu.
_________________
1968 1500 RHD Lotus White Beetle since birth. In the hospital for major surgery
1966 Lancia Flavia Pininfarina Coupe - in the waiting room
Discharged: 1983 Vanagon, 1974 1800 Microbus,1968 Low Light,1968 Type 3