gusset

[the martins bug]

Hi Guys,
well after 3+ years of doing nothing due to intimidation, i have finally started to work on my 1970 beetle convertible restoration again. I stopped when i realized my support rails needed replaceing and what was involved with doing so. Needless to say, i have studdied the Bug Me video on how to do it and feel confident about trying.

This brings me to my delema. during the process, I am supposed to remove what the guy in the video calles the Front Gussets. the panels on the inner side walls. And also the rear ones by the pilar. I noticed that the previous owner had welded on some sheet metal along the bottom of the front gusset thus making it very difficult to remove as he covered any of the origional spot welds that i would have had to drill out. I am debating trashing the gussets, cutting them out in pieces so i dont have to fiddle with them to much but cant seem to find anyone that sells replacements.

Any thought, directions or links to someone who sells these parts would be greatly appreciated. I will unfortunately be in a stall again for a while awaiting a reply so i can determine my next course of action. I have started taking photos and will start another threat of my restoration once i have enough to put on.

thanks in advance.

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Unfortunately, I have never seen the gussets reproduced. Anyone I have known to repair a convertible has either obtained used ones off of a salvaged car or made them from scratch. I wouldn't eliminate them, they create extra structure on the bottom of the body without a steel roof.