replacing front of beetle - help needed

Kazandmyrtle Slammed & Awesome Dubber

92 posts · joined Dec 2010 · 7 Mar 2011, 1:50 pm

#829717

I'm replacing the front end of my beetle, including part of the wheel arches and petrol tank space.

I bought the front end new and just need to line it up before welding.

My problem is....Its aligned on left but on the right side the bonnet seal / rail runs on the original about 5 mm higher than the new part. I know that with new parts like this there is some tweaking that needs doing but i have no idea how i can raise the right side so it continues relatively seamlessly.

I've tried raising the sides so both run smooth but the the tank space doesn't line up and the guards won't fit.

Anyone any ideas?

Thought about trying to build the new part up with sheet metal but thats going to be tricky.

Thanks

waveman1500 Also rides a Honda

1,346 posts · joined Dec 2009 · 7 Mar 2011, 7:08 pm

#829757

The first thing to work out is which part is wrong, your car or the new panel. It's entirely likely that your whole body side might be in the wrong place if your car has had a crash and/or had the front rust off it.

1972 VW S-Bug - For Sale!
1968-onwards Beetle panels and glass for sale

Kazandmyrtle Slammed & Awesome Dubber

92 posts · joined Dec 2010 · 9 Mar 2011, 6:34 pm

#830052

Thanks. Had a look and a bit of a fiddle. Looks like its the original body that's out of line.

Now the obvious thing would be to take it to a panel beater but i really want to do EVERYTHING on this resto on my own.

Guess i better get reading up on panel beating in more detail!