Fabricated heat channels

[vwsteve]

I have a 67 bug in pretty bad shape that I want to start working on. It would need heat channels, front firewall, rear crossmembers, and a package tray, along with new pans. I have done all this before (on other bugs) using patch pieces and new channels and floor pans. I am considering fabricating the whole bottom perimeter of the body using square (or rectangular) tubing. It would resemble the 3" lift kits that are available, but I will not be lifting the body. I will form in the package tray with square tubing or angle and have the panels be removable for access to top of tranny and back (actually front) of motor. I saw a bug at a show once that had this done, but it was in order to lower it. The channels were raised and fit inside of door openings in order to get the body down several inches. It looked good, but it also took a lot of work. I also want to do something similar with the chassis. Maybe frame the perimeter again with tubing and use diamond plate aluminum pans. I just want to do something different and I think this would make for a very strong setup. I have been searching for pics or posts on other people doing this, but can't find much. I know it has been done, anyone know where to find any pics?
Thanks

[swhitcomb]

Seems like a lot of work to me Steve. My heater channels I put in my 67 were only $250 shipped. The nice danish ones. No fabbing, just clean up the old ones and weld them in. I'm sure you could do it, but will it be worth it in the end?
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My 71 Ghia Been in my family since 1980
My Patina 66
My 74 Ghia
07 Boxster

[vwsteve]

Nobody has any pics?

[hpw]

[vwsteve]

Thanks for the link. That is similar to what I want to do but I would like to also form the base of the front firewall and the rear crossmembers with heavy square tube and weld it all together. You would never have crushed up jack points again. I have one of those 3" body lifts laying around. I should be able to use that as somewhat of a template. I just figured it was done before and someone might have some pics for ideas.
Thanks.

[Mike Fisher]

All that Work to hack something together that you'll be Embarrassed about! Re-build with new/used parts and build a Nice VW with Resale Value not a hack!
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https://imgur.com/user/FisherSquareback/posts
69 FI/AT square Daily Driver
66 sunroof,67,70,71,71,71AT,72,72AT,73 Parts
two 57 oval ragtops sold
'68 Karmann Ghia sold

Society is like stew. If you don't keep it stirred up you end up with a lot of scum on the top! - Russ_Wolfe/Edward Abbey

[hpw]

[hpw]

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SLIzSCt_cg&list=FLIX26sGa8__1F1loczLPTtg&index=2

[Mike Fisher]

If it has shiny paint on good metal then I'm happy! If your using new rocker skins that's all that shows. Some people need More than just rockers. I just cut my second squareback up to order to ship to Nova Scotia to repair a notchback.

_________________
https://imgur.com/user/FisherSquareback/posts
69 FI/AT square Daily Driver
66 sunroof,67,70,71,71,71AT,72,72AT,73 Parts
two 57 oval ragtops sold
'68 Karmann Ghia sold

Society is like stew. If you don't keep it stirred up you end up with a lot of scum on the top! - Russ_Wolfe/Edward Abbey

[vwsteve]

I'll bet that ghia is stronger than any were from the factory. Do you have any more pics of the fabricating part of it?

[hpw]