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easybeaner
Samba Member
Joined: December 21, 2018
Posts: 10
Location: Minnesota
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 Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2018 1:40 pm Post subject: Drivers Side Pillar Panel |
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I just purchased an 86 Vanagon that has some damage right around the turn signal on the front corner. I am curious how easy it is to remove this panel (It is not seamed to the rest of the front panels) This will probably be obvious when the van arrives next week... but I will be driving by a junk yard that has a similar era Vanagon in the next few days and was thinking about grabbing a replacement if the job is simple.
Many Thanks,
Mike |
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 17161
Location: Brookeville, MD
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easybeaner
Samba Member
Joined: December 21, 2018
Posts: 10
Location: Minnesota
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| Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2018 1:54 pm Post subject: Re: Drivers Side Pillar Panel |
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Thank You for the reply. The two front corners do not appear to be welded (there is an open seam) to any other panel. There is a edge that runs up around the door and the panel seems disconnected (not welded) from either of the two front panels. Where is there a weld on the Pillar A panel? This is what I am talking about? Is it welded to the lower frame?
https://www.vancafe.com/9557211-p/9557211.htm?gcli...8kQAvD_BwE
Thank You, again, for your help!
MIke
This photo seems to indicate that it is a single panel... I am just confused as to how it is secured to the frame:
https://www.ebay.com/i/254021054206?chn=ps |
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SyncroButter
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Joined: February 02, 2016
Posts: 401
Location: Seattle
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| Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2018 2:28 pm Post subject: Re: Drivers Side Pillar Panel |
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I have first hand knowledge with this panel, and as dobryan said it is definitely welded to the other panels. Is your question about replacing that entire panel (arguably the right way) or about fabricating a piece limited to the damaged area immediately around the turn signal hole?
Welds when replacing the panel are:
to the bottom nose panel (the long panel below the grill)
to the "real" bumper (the actual structure beneath the vanity bumper cover)
to the roof line/top of pillar
to the "nose" panel which runs under the windshield (two welds at both corners, I think weld closest to windshield was a braze)
Spot welds along vertical of windshield
_________________
Grant
In the stable: 1986 Syncro Westfalia/Bostig, 1989 Doka Tristar, 1974 Vespa Rally 200, 1973 Vespa Primavera 125, 1963 Solex 2200, 1938 Buick Special
Gone but not forgotten: 1989 Porsche 944, 1973 Standard Beetle
Last edited by SyncroButter on Fri Dec 21, 2018 2:45 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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syncrodoka
Samba Member
Joined: December 27, 2005
Posts: 12318
Location: Santa Cruz, CA
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| Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2018 2:37 pm Post subject: Re: Drivers Side Pillar Panel |
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| The only panels that can be unbolted from a vanagon are the front doors, the sliding door, the small panel behind the slider and the rear hatch. |
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easybeaner
Samba Member
Joined: December 21, 2018
Posts: 10
Location: Minnesota
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| Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2018 2:40 pm Post subject: Re: Drivers Side Pillar Panel |
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Thank You for the information! This is just what I needed! I was thinking of pulling the whole panel from another van and putting it in before painting it. It seems like getting my angle grinder out at the junkyard might be as much trouble as ordering a new panel... though the original might be a better fit.
Mike |
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dobryan
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Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 17161
Location: Brookeville, MD
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SyncroButter
Samba Member
Joined: February 02, 2016
Posts: 401
Location: Seattle
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| Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2018 2:51 pm Post subject: Re: Drivers Side Pillar Panel |
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original metal is definitely better than the reproduction stampings.
If there is no other damage you need to address and the damage is in a limited area immediately around the turn signal, I would (if it were me) consider ways to fix the cosmetic damage without replacing the entire panel. The windshield side and fit/finish with the "nose" panel are pretty tricky and fairly involved, tons of spot welds etc. and plenty of surrounding metal to deform if you are not careful with your removal technique or if you are not paying attention to heat warpage from the welding and so on.
_________________
Grant
In the stable: 1986 Syncro Westfalia/Bostig, 1989 Doka Tristar, 1974 Vespa Rally 200, 1973 Vespa Primavera 125, 1963 Solex 2200, 1938 Buick Special
Gone but not forgotten: 1989 Porsche 944, 1973 Standard Beetle |
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easybeaner
Samba Member
Joined: December 21, 2018
Posts: 10
Location: Minnesota
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| Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2018 3:04 pm Post subject: Re: Drivers Side Pillar Panel |
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The damage is, indeed, just around the turn signal area... so perhaps it would be best to just see if that issue can be addressed without pulling the whole panel. Thanks, all, for the great information!
Mike |
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