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Replacing front panel on bay window...

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shano Commited Dubber

55 posts · joined Jan 2005 ·

#447234
Hi there, wondering if there has been a thread or a photo section showing how to go about replacing the front panel? Is this a difficult job too do? And by that i mean, is the panel a real prick to get off, i have reasonable p/b skills, just worried that the panel maybe spot welded on the inside where u just cant get a good go at 'em.....
Any piccies of fellow dubbers undergoing this surgery?
shano

helbus Administrator Mad fabricator, paint and body

7,386 posts · joined Sep 2002 ·

#447240
It is an easy job if you find it easy, and a hard job for others. It is not possible to know how you will fare on this task as I have no knowledge of your skill level. I have never done one, but it looks fairly straight forward. If you have a new panel it will be much easier. If you are using a second hand panel, saving the integrity of the used panel would be very difficult.

If the inner braces and framework behind the main outer shin are damaged, the alternative way to replace the front with a second hand section is to cut through the pillars and floor. Also known as a sectional repair, they are safe and strong if done correctly. The joins have to be staggered, and welded only by MIG or TIG, no oxy. There is a fair bit of info on sectional repairs on the www.
EJ22 into Bay Microbus - Finished project build thread- click on this spot here for info

DoNkEy Wolfsburg Wizard

684 posts · joined Jul 2003 ·

#447497
i have never done it, and prolly never will but there is a wealth of knowledge around.

I knew i had seen an article on type2.com

on this page

http://type2.com/library/body.htm

WA Volksrodder Seriously Crusin Dubber

105 posts · joined Dec 2005 ·

#447500
You might want to hold off doing that till you see what's coming....!!!!!

If you haven't seen it already, Below is a new split front, that goes on a BAY bus...!!!!!

They should be ready soon....














The opinion of The Village Idiot, only matters to those that would have him Ring The Bell....

shano Commited Dubber

55 posts · joined Jan 2005 ·

#447690
Yeah i'll be using a new panel, not secondhand. I've had a good look at it, found most of the spot welds to drill out and now wondering whether to go ahead with it or not. It's a low-light bay, so using a new front panel will also mean buying and adding the 2 lower sections, due to the fact that these front panels are for later bays. I dont think i'll have too many dramas with rust in the rails or chassis etc... shes a very clean bus underneath, but had some previous backyard repair jobs on the front panel. I'll weigh up the difficuly v's outcome and decide which way to go.
shano