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Bravo 1
Samba Member
Joined: September 13, 2005
Posts: 407
Location: Richmond, VA
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 Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2005 4:55 pm Post subject: Reinforcing the side doors? |
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I think it was on thebugshop.org that I read that they didn't start putting steel bars in the doors until 1974, correct?
Well, I'm thinking of getting a '64, however, I doubt '74 doors would fit. On the other hand, I'd rather not 'mangle' doors that are in good condition. Any idea how these bars (if there are any and I'm not just spitting pipe dreams, that is  ) are fitted into the '74? ...and how I might fit some into a '64 (I'd like the protection just in case, however, I'm not 'set' on it, I'd just like to hear your thoughts  )?
Thanks for your time,
Bravo |
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Bruce
Samba Member
Joined: May 16, 2003
Posts: 17573
Location: Left coast, Canada
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| Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2005 11:08 pm Post subject: |
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The re-inforcements first appeared in 73.
They are not retrofitable. The easiest way to get them is to sell your car and buy a late car. |
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vdubdan
Samba Member
Joined: June 16, 2004
Posts: 151
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| Posted: Tue Sep 20, 2005 5:44 am Post subject: |
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Those reinforcements are not enough to make much of a differnce. If you look at them they do not offer a whole lot of extra protection.
65 Ghia
67 Beetle
73 Beetle Vert |
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ratlook63
Samba Member
Joined: November 10, 2003
Posts: 347
Location: Pittsburgh Pa.
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| Posted: Tue Sep 20, 2005 8:07 am Post subject: |
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roll cage if you are really worried or by a volvo
_________________
‘60 SWR walk-thru Kombi
‘60 Mango Standard
‘66 EZ Camper |
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Mike J. Goode
Samba Member
Joined: November 14, 2004
Posts: 402
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| Posted: Wed Sep 21, 2005 12:01 am Post subject: |
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| In the early to mid eighties there was a company legally importing then new Mexican Beetles to the US. They were called the Peoples Car Company. One thing they had to do was to bring the Bug up to current safety standards-among those requirements was adding side door beams to the existing Mexican doors. I would bet there is a way it could be done. Maybe try checking different small cars out at your local auto salvage/junkyard, see if you can find some you could make work and fit into the Beetle's relatively thin doors. Rabbit Convertible/VW Cabriolet comes to mind. Or maybe contact a shop like Ron LUmmus Racing in Anaheim CA, maybe they could fab something for you |
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Gsuffa
Samba Member
Joined: July 09, 2019
Posts: 48
Location: Missouri
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| Posted: Fri Feb 28, 2025 12:42 pm Post subject: Re: Reinforcing the side doors? |
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Grey-market cars (I am familiar with BMW) get bars added in the doors when they are Federalized. Does it make a difference? I plan to do this for peace of mind. Should be easy since I am eliminating my door glass.
_________________
BillW in St Louis
1968 Convertible
1972 Super Beetle
1973 Roadster project
BMWs |
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