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64 Beetle Restoration
MattY-64 - October 4th, 2004 at 11:40 PM

Hi,

I have a question concerning the reassembly of the body and chassis.

I am curious to know if a silicon compound is required between the chassis and the rubber and between the rubber and the body. When I removed the body a silicon compound had been used but I am not sure if the body had been removed previously. If it is required could anyone please recommend what type.


Thanks.

Cheers,

Matt.


vw54 - October 5th, 2004 at 08:52 AM

Matt

You should only use it on the joints..... In 4 places or the corners. You dont need it on the sides maybe under the rear seat area on the tunnel depending on how the body sits on the chassis

Get 4 each 8mm engine studs to screw into the body mount hole at the front and rear of the car. this will make lining up the body to chassis much easier allowing it to slide into place

Match the studs to the chassis holes and only cut holes in the chassis rubber in these 4 places. The body bolt are pointed and will pearce the rubber seal and therefore no need for silicone

fitt all the bolts loose and get the started first before doing up any of them


do u have a new body seal. The WCM rubbers are available from the Vintage Vee Dub in Sydney 02-9789-1777 the will ship or you can pick up from shop if your near Sydney

You can use some contact glue on the seal to hold it in place on the chassis before fitting the body to it. Use some clamps and bits of timber to hold it in place while the glue drys .

Origionally VW used a grey mastick which is as gooiey as it n never drys.

Its hard to find try a panel beater supply shop.

Otherwise go to your local hardware shop and get a tube of Gutter Silastic.... as its non acidic If you use Glass silastic it will cause rust.

matt where are you located fill in your profile


MattY-64 - October 5th, 2004 at 09:47 AM

Thanks vw54,

From what you have said indicates that the body had never previously been removed from the chassis as the grey goo was a pain to remove.

When I removed the body the rubber was held down by tacks, or steel nails. I broke some of them taking them out and I am wondering if you know of any one who sells these?

I get my body back from the panel beaters soon so now I should be prepared for the job or reassembly.

Cheers,

Matt.