Hi All
New to the forum and thought I would add my build thread. Been on the lookout for an early beetle for years and finally managed to get one.
Obviously has some rust issues originally but the previous owner made a good start and I look forward to continuing the build.
Any suggestions,advice appreciated
Cheers

Looks like a fair bit of metal has to be replaced there Where are you located do you have a panel shop or doing the work yourself



This is mine

https://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=91278 

Hi, nice car !!
Will be doing all the bodywork at home , may have to get some help with the engine / trans but that is a fair way away.
Fortunately all the body panels on this car were already media blasted and etched so there wasn't anything hiding. I prefer it this way rather than the great unknown!
What did come with it was a perfect rust free rear cut from a 59 so my direction at the moment is to unpick any panels required and fit them as I would rather do that than use aftermarket panels.
That's the plan anyway
Cheers

good idea unpick the old panels and used them

you may need a cross brace in the door openings as well

Hi VW54
Yes, will brace before I cut anything away
It's probably a nicer execution rather than using aftermarket panels
I need more practice removing spotwelds
Cheers

Did some work on the donor panels this week, am planning to utilise most of the donors as per my cuts in first photos due to previous panel damage. The current repaired cross member doesn't have any heater channel provision so must have been an earlier repair. Going to join the quarter otters under the trim which will be a little nicer.
Any advice appreciated as long as it's constructive !!!!!!

Current panels in car.........

Good to see another Oval beetle being saved!!

Also took the front apron off for a minor repair and to replace spare wheel well.
Plenty to do

Nice work. Looking forward to seeing your progress. I thought about buying it myself.

Thanks guys, it's going to be a 1-2 ? year project but looking forward to it.

Congrats on your purchase, will be keeping a close eye on your project.

Thanks all.......
Got a set of these from JK and pretty happy with the quality. They still need some amount of work to get right but l have been used to rare spares Holden patch panels so these are a dream in comparison










Current ends were pretty average







This was the one panel that didn't come with the car and got one through Das Resto and very impressed........





Rebuilding an old caravan for the lovely so VW needs to stay in the background until it's done but will keep it bubbling along

Cheers

Looking good I bet your wearing out the spot weld drills

Sure am, I purchased a couple of flat spot weld drills but in the end I found the best result by just using a 7.5 - 8.0mm regular drill as the panel usually seperates or pops when you go through the first material thickness
Cheers

bump

Quote:

Originally posted by 53vicky This was the one panel that didn't come with the car and got one through Das Resto and very impressed........