Temo's first SB & Convertible frame off resto

[Temo]

The repair of the A pilar or "front lower inside footwell" was a bit difficult to adjust. Some of the curvatures don't match to what I have so there was a lot adjusting.

This is the area for those not familiar to what I'm talking about.

The curvature to the side panel is not close.

The lower area that was supposed to meet the heather channel needed some work too.

A sample of some of the cutting done to the part.

Part welded in place.

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Temo.

2021 Tiguan R
2017 Tiguan
2015 Passat TDI

'72 Convertible Under Construction

[Temo]

Early this week I got the parts from CP1.

I started by installing the B pilar.

Before:

And after:

Next onto to the A pilar or "front lower inside footwell"
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Temo.

2021 Tiguan R
2017 Tiguan
2015 Passat TDI

'72 Convertible Under Construction

[Temo]

Well this was a very interesting repair, the curvature of the wheelhouse and the location of the patch made it a challenging repair, adding insult to injury as I started to weld some other rust spots appear.

More rust.

Patch curvature.

Here's the final repair.

I ordered the convertible only supports call "Pillar A" and "Pillar B"

I'm thinking that after welding those supports in place I can sit the body in the chassis and keep on going from there.
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Temo.

2021 Tiguan R
2017 Tiguan
2015 Passat TDI

'72 Convertible Under Construction

[Temo]

Rear cross member is welded in place.

Now on to make some rust repairs at the right-side wheelhouse.

Cut the area.

Make the patch.

Back to welding tomorrow.
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Temo.

2021 Tiguan R
2017 Tiguan
2015 Passat TDI

'72 Convertible Under Construction

[Temo]

Today I started to work on the left side rear cross member, I was a bit surprised at the poor quality of the part if I compared it to the one I bought before.

Really good quality from Wolfsburg West and not so good from JP Bugs.

After making a few modifications to the part, I finally got it in place and ready to weld.

The overall dimensions of the part are good, as you can see, the gaps are close.

Nex step, welding.
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Temo.

2021 Tiguan R
2017 Tiguan
2015 Passat TDI

'72 Convertible Under Construction

[Temo]

[Temo]

As I'm waiting for parts to arrive, I removed the rear cross member and I'm looking at a couple of small repairs.

Cross member out.

The next repairs to do.

_________________
Temo.

2021 Tiguan R
2017 Tiguan
2015 Passat TDI

'72 Convertible Under Construction

[Root_Werks]

Some serious metal work going on here. Good progress!
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When I set my timing, why do I flush, then take a pee?

[Temo]

Finally both of the reinforcement rails are in place, there were 2 nuts in of the heater channel that were way to close in the alignment with the rail, I decided to grind the hole of the rail to give it a bit more clearance.

Rails installed.

One of the things that I've enjoyed the most is my progress in welding skills.

A picture of the very first weld bead that I did in this project:

The last one.

Like I've stated before, I'm a machinist by trade (25 yrds and counting) and it's been very difficult to "adjust" to the tolerances of body work and welding,

Next up: I will continue to do some small repairs before I tacle the luggage area, that will be fun.
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Temo.

2021 Tiguan R
2017 Tiguan
2015 Passat TDI

'72 Convertible Under Construction

[Temo]

I did the repair at the back end of the reinforcement rail.

How it started:

How it ended:

Next step is to align the floor pans with the heater channel and make any adjustments if needed.
_________________
Temo.

2021 Tiguan R
2017 Tiguan
2015 Passat TDI

'72 Convertible Under Construction

[Temo]

[Temo]

After a brief break waiting for the reinforcement rails, I'm back to work.

First, I have to remove the jack support from the floor pans.

Once removed I check for the proper fit and I notice that in the inside of the rail the jack support sticks out a lot, I proceed to grind the excess being careful not to remove the weld.

Finally, I'm a bit disappointed in the quality of the rail, I notice this on the back end of the part.

I'll weld that joint to seal it and add a bit more strenght.
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Temo.

2021 Tiguan R
2017 Tiguan
2015 Passat TDI

'72 Convertible Under Construction

[Buggeee]

Awesome progress
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Big Time 1988 Vanagon Westy
Release the Krankenwagen! 1966 Sportsmobile Camper
Dr. Kompressor 72 Super Duper
61 Turkis Pile (adopted out)

[Temo]

BTW, it's been a challenge to work in a one car garage, but I've managed to work around it.

Whatever I can do to be a good neighbor.

_________________
Temo.

2021 Tiguan R
2017 Tiguan
2015 Passat TDI

'72 Convertible Under Construction

[Temo]

Repair of the quarter panel is done.

Next will be the support rails.
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Temo.

2021 Tiguan R
2017 Tiguan
2015 Passat TDI

'72 Convertible Under Construction

[Temo]

Heater channel is welded in place.

Now is time to make a repair to the front quarter panel before moving to the support rails.

I cut the rust away.

I made some cuts in the lip of the panel to make it easier to bend the part in place.

On to the repair.
_________________
Temo.

2021 Tiguan R
2017 Tiguan
2015 Passat TDI

'72 Convertible Under Construction

[Temo]

As I did with the passanger side, I relocate 2 of the inserts in the driver side channel.

Also I had to relocate the front end

Next step will be to prep and weld the channel to the body.
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Temo.

2021 Tiguan R
2017 Tiguan
2015 Passat TDI

'72 Convertible Under Construction

[Temo]

Removal of the other half of the heater channel, it was a bit more of a challenge, but I got it.

Drilling of the spot welds.

Areas in the rear quarter panel a rusted a bit more than what I anticipated.

On to relocating a couple of thread inserts in the heater channel.
_________________
Temo.

2021 Tiguan R
2017 Tiguan
2015 Passat TDI

'72 Convertible Under Construction

[AircooledBackcorner]

Nice, a ‘72!

Great progress, gonna follow this topic for sure.
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My 71 super convertible project: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=765788

[Temo]

I'm back at it after some interesting "life got in the way" years.

I started to cut the driver side heater channel; I was a bit skeptical about using a Sawzall but I was surprise how well it works (with the correct blade, of course).

Started to work on the pillar side cutting the support.

No need to remove spot welds, rust took care of them.

Partial victory.

Next will be removing he other half.
_________________
Temo.

2021 Tiguan R
2017 Tiguan
2015 Passat TDI

'72 Convertible Under Construction