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

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.

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 

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....

He He. Splitty front on a bay bus. Brings back memories of Miriam.

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