Ok stripped the 56 today looks like could poss need front section from fuel tank area forward does anyone know if ya can get front clip sections here or is it possible to graft a pre pre 67 front section on ?

Need a couple lower door mount sections and all should be fine. Might get then from hooky's panels in UK unless anyone knows of any obtainable closer !!

Anyone got links to restoration companies in the US ?

I would say a front clip section would be available here but I have only seen front valances (the outer skin) - may be worthwhile ringing MickMotors or Harding European.

Lower A-pillar sections are readily available (I replaced the RHS on in my bug).

I grafted a used 66 front clip (from half way through tank forward) onto my 63 bug....see:

http://www.aussieveedubbers.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=6630 

about halfway down page you can see the green clip from the 66 and the white bits of the original 63 body. If I had my time again I would either find a really clean used clip (no rust) or go with the repro panel even though they use reportedly thinner gauge metal and often need some manipulation to get them to fit!

Alan

I've been watching your progress it's looking good.
I can see your front section u grafted in.
I will try harding or mick next week. Gonna start a list get the things i need and go from there.
Not in a rush to build up.
Might see if can get some from UK just got the pain of shipping etc !!
Or maybe us will have to have a search around.
I'm going to replace both lower A-pillar sections while i got it stripped so far down. Only want to do it once and make sure i get it right so it will last another 30+ years !!

How much if any did the front metal work sections alter on 60's bugs compared to a say 56 !!
Need to see if can graft a 60's front end on.
Know where there is a 60's bug and thought umm wonder what metal work i can graft over with out loosinf too many lines !!!!!

Antone got any ideas ?

The front section of an Oval is different to a later 60s car after 61 or so from memory.

The section where the brake fluid reservior and washer bottle goes is square on the oval and the outer skin where the bonnet lock bolts up to has a H section pattern stamped into it.

[Edited on 6-7-2003 by vw54]

Plus the tank opening is a different size - an oval tank won't fit into a 60s bug so you will probably have to find an oval front clip to graft in as the 60s one will only fit with a fair bit of modification.

Opps forgot the most obivious thing yes the FUEL tank is different size

Thanks for that guys better get on with looking for an oval section then !!!

Need to find an oval shell with rear end damage so can cut the front out !!!

Wonder what the chances of that would be like !!!

Finding needle in a hay stack springs to mind !!!!

[Edited on 7-7-2003 by bugboymatt]

alajn
where'd u get the front clip and the a pillar sections? i need em for the 63 resto
cheers
adz

Adz, got my a pillar section from Harding European - cut the front clip off a bug I bought from Guy (Harding) - had to scrap the rest unfortunately except for parts obviously. A lot of fiddling around but it can be done with a lot of patience and some idea how a mig works (trust me I am not too flash at welding but am happy with the result).

Cool that gives me a bit more of a chance of finding a section to use..........