Front tophat removal for 66 standard

[licketysplit]

So I'm replacing my cargo floor, removed the front portion to expose the top-hat. Found the ends are toast as expected, the middle between the frame is ok-ish, but the metal behind that (which I assume is the bottom few inches of the bulkhead) has some rust and holes.
Should I replace the entire top hat+the bottom bulkhead metal? Or just the ends? and try and patch those holes?
If I do replace the whole thing, what order of removing parts do I take?
Do I have to remove the bottom most part of the spare tire well? I think it's just tacked to the front side of the bottom of the bulkhead as seen in the last pic.

I dont plan on removing the tubes, so if I do replace the whole tophat I'm just going to notch it. Jack-points and supports are getting removed as well.

Thanks for having a look.

[mdege]

If you look through my build thread you should find the answers you are looking for: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=704287

> Should I replace the entire top hat+the bottom bulkhead metal? Or just the ends? and try and patch those holes?

I would replace both.

> Do I have to remove the bottom most part of the spare tire well?

No.
_________________
- Michael

1965 21F: Restoration of a former '65 firetruck
1963 Typ3 Notchback project
1988 Multivan Magnum 112i
1984 Standard: My son wanted a bug for his first car

[licketysplit]

OK yeah I guess you just cut off the whole bottom of the bulkhead and the top-hat, gotcha.

What a cool fire truck project! So Awesome!

Did you buy the bottom bulkhead strip somewhere? Or did you make it?

Also I love your homemade frame/tipper. Do you happen to have plans/dimensions for it?

Thanks again for responding.

[Dubskii]

Check out my thread, Pg 9 and 10. I fabbed the top hat and a portion of the bulkhead.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...;start=160
_________________
69 Sunroof Deluxe - Montana Red/Cloud White (Sold)
57 Kombi - Dove Blue http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=648240
WTB Early Dove Blue Bus Driver's Side Door
WTB Joe Heishman VW Arlington, VA License Plate Frame or Other Memorabilia

[mdege]

[Skim]

I usually replace the ends where they are bad and then weld in the new back splash panel after all's said and done.

_________________
GFK
Samba since before the towers collapsed. Still here.
1953 Kabriolet
1954 Sunroof
1959 Lowlight Ghia vert
1960 Lt Grey Double Cab SMZ LEGIT
1963 Deluxe Turkis Walk Thru 15 Window OG Paint