Fibreglass 'tin'ware

Friends of ours have just bought a 'very' late bay (77). It's a great van...rock solid body and mechanics but engine in need of saving; ideal!

The previous owners have administered all the classic bodges (pushed on fuel pipes, missing hoses, unconnected breathers, crappy chrome pancake filter etc etc). all the usual stuff I've been un-doing on vans for over 20 years. The clutch cable bodge was a new one on me though...I'll have to post a photo later!

All of this (including replacing the weirdly 'squashed' pushrods tubes on one side) is easily sorted and by next week 'Bert' should be back on the road after an intensive service and renovation.

One thing is holding me up....tinware. In their wisdom a PO has fitted beetle tinware (and wondered why it overheated!!!!) Actually the 36 hp style fanhousing I was going to bin turns out to be a rather nice Scat item. This is still being replaced as while it fits well it has no flaps, linkage or thermostat.

The main issue is is the front and rear 1600 late bay tinware. I've used up all my supplies over the years and replacements are proving hard to find.

Then I saw Kingfisher customs are making fibreglass copies for £140 for the pair. They say its fireproof and Fibreglass shrouds seem pretty common on 'Porsche' upright conversions. Anyone seen one 'in the flesh'? How's the fit? If all the OG holes and captive nuts are there it might be a goer...I'd appreciate any thoughts

http://www.kingfisherkustoms.co.uk/productDetail.php?productId=3084&categoryId=17

 

I know Paul Wheedon on here makes fibreglass panels. PM him and see if he does the ones you want.

 

...or was it Bert Wheedon...

I don't think Paul Weeding does these ones, someone beat him to it, but his T4 undertins are very good.

 

I think if fibreglass tinware was a problem, then the undertins that Paul Weeding does for type 4's would be more of an issue because they will have hot air blasted directly at them. The front and rear tins for a type 1 engine are the furthest away from direct heat of any of the tinware. Not seen them fitted, but then this topic has come up a few times on this and other forums, and I've not heard anything bad about them so far.

 

I've had two sets. Used one for ages and brought another set for a new project.
Great product that sticks two fingers up at people over charging for rusted old ones.
Recommended

 

I think i will take a chance on one of these, a good replacement is becoming impossible to find , and then they cost hundreds for a second hand part,
If someone would buy one and then report back on the Quality ,i would be greatfull

 

I think Paul Weeding was making these for the type one engines aswell
Im sure he will be along soon

 

I've fitted the KF ones... and for that reason I've got a pair of LB tins in process at the moment... once I've a bit of time in a couple of weeks I'll get them to the stage whereby I can take a mould from them...

I'm not knocking the KF ones, but you still need a piece of beetle rear tin, and the GRP parts are around 4mm thick, so not exactly "tin" like

One section in primer


And the other


Some of the other bits I make...




Type 4 under tins




I use twill as opposed to chopped strand as it reduces part thickness while maintaining strength and durability... I also add in extra glass tape on the edges and for the screw holes!!

 

How very dare you! Wanna buy a front one (excellent condition and made of steel)?

 

Hi Paul,really interested in a type2 rear tinware / fiberglass ones if your still doing them could you message me a price mate.

 

I'm not there with them yet dude!! I'm only in the prep stage before I take a mould from the OG metal part... like I said, gonna be a couple of weeks before I get to that, then another 2-4 weeks before part production

Good things come to those who wait

 

Thanks for the input. Agreed that if they are too thick they'll be a bit of a pain to fit. I think I might get a rear one (behind fanhousing) to get the job done and borrow the other one (large one with holes) off my other van for now. If you let us know when your versions are ready Paul I think I'll take one At least it'll be easy to swap them over at a later date. Don't fancy the idea of the two piece combo...then again, I guess it's the same as an prototype bay-removable valance version really? I wonder if there's a seal between them?

Zed, which bit do you have? Is it the 'front' of the van (gearbox side) or 'in front' of the engine (exhaust side)?

Cheers.

 

Oh, does anyone have a thermostat bracket, thermostat and thermostat rod for sale?

 

I'll post up in the parts for sale forum when they're ready

 

Excellent, thanks Paul.

 

Superb thanks Paul

 

No pressure but I would have a set if they are ready .... Mine have nearly turned to dust..

 

Does anyone sell the full setof tin ware in fibreglass to replace all of mine which has been totally butchered and dodged together over the years?

 

You can get a lot of genuine tins from vwh... But they have a price tag to match