Time for another update (sort of). Not really got a lot done, just been cutting more off. The van has had some bad repairs in the past and some accident damage, I was going to filler all the imperfections, but the more I look at it more I think I couldn't live with it knowing I'd bodged it. Also found out recently it hasn't been on the road since about 1995 and had a recon engine fitted in 1994. Anyway here is a pic I've cut the rear arch off which needed replacing, to find an inner arch that also needs repair. Anybody got any advice on how to go about repairing the inner arch as I can't find a repair panel for this area (and don't want to buy a complete rear tub), I've searched the forum and some people have used their old outer arch, but mine was that badly fitted it was destroyed in the removal. I could buy another outer panel and butcher it?
The lower edge where the outer would fit to has totally gone, I know what you mean though I've seen a lot worse on here. The metal is like paper its that thin and it's very distorted from what I believe to be accident damage. Would you just try and rebuild the lower edge and make the inner fit the outer once I have it fitted. I was worried that it wouldn't support the outer adequately.
Hi everyone, hope your all well. Not updated this for a while, but work has restarted after losing a bit of enthusiasm. I've recently inquired about having the van restored professionally, but when he started quoting figures in the region of 10k plus, I seem to have developed an unexplainable urge to complete it myself. So this is where I'm at now, Battery tray, rear of wheel well, and pillar now all repaired. Engine bay side panel replaced. Inner wheel arch repaired. Outer wheel arch trimmed, prepped, trimmed, beaten and is now ready for welding, tomorrow with a bit of luck. This is now repaired, but no photos. Hopefully this new found drive will last
Small update. Got a bit of welding done last week, hopefully get a bit more done this coming week. I'm not one for lots of words so I'll let the pictures tell the story The self drilling screws were a great help when trying to hold things in place. Might put a bit more weld under the battery tray not sure if it will be strong enough as is. Next will be the other corner, then the rear valance, but I need an engine lid before then so I can line things up. Oh and then there is the engine lid hinge panel that needs repairing and then.....................................etc.
Another small update, things are still moving forward and I'm still enjoying, which is the main thing. Offside rear corner pretty much done, Also had a mock up off the back end with the new engine lid, also to try and locate the lid hinges, And yesterday I got the grinder out and cut out the rot that used to be the engine lid hinge attachment points, Which leads me on to a request, could anyone take some measurements for me. My hinge panel was so rotten around the mounting for the hinge I have no reference, I need to know the width and depth of the relief that the hinge sits in. Mines a late Bay 1978 so the single screw type hinge. Thanks for looking
I've just received one from vwh, it was the only one I could find for a '78 made by red hd I think. It's not great, it's not even long enough. So if anyone can point me in the direction of a good replacement it would be much appreciated, otherwise I'm back to knocking something up myself
Thought it was time to update this. I've had this van about 6 years now, with very little progress, well I think its time for that to change. I'm determined to get the van running and if possible actually on the road this year . There's a few gaps in this update, basically I've not taken any pictures of some bits. Both rear corners are now replaced, I finally repaired the engine lid hinge panel. So today I've fitted the rear outer valance, the plug welds still need cleaning up. Then I cleaned up the fuel tank area in readiness for seat belt mounts, painting and then tank back in. Back in a bit peoples
