I cut off the front of my '67 bug and welded on a new front clip. I took measurements and used the gastank shelf as a guide. Someone had mentioned using the front fenders as a guide. Mine were a rusty mess so I didn't use them. After welding the clip in I got to work patching the fenders.
When I tried to mount the fenders they wouldn't fit. I had cut my front end too short. I tried bending the fender to make it line up with the bolt holes and ended up cracking the patch job. So I fixed the fender again. Then cut the welds on one side of the front and bolted the fender on. That showed how off I was. I ended up welding a 3/4 inch patch in to fill the gap. First I put a patch on the inside then cut and welded a patch into the gap then welded a second patch over it all on the outside. Hopefully that's strong enough but it sure is ugly. I'll take some photos today and post them here this afternoon. There's more to the story but this is enough embarassment for now.
Screwed up bigtime but dealing...
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MNAirHead
- Posts: 9570
- Joined: Mon Sep 08, 2003 6:12 am
We've all done this at one time.
The bummer is that the brazillian pressings do not use the same "ribs and lines" as the OEM.
This is compounded when the car has been bonked at 5 mph.
You're fine - don't be embarrased.
Most of us set the wrong expectations of doing a show car the first time vs a learning experience.
Looking forward to your pix.
The bummer is that the brazillian pressings do not use the same "ribs and lines" as the OEM.
This is compounded when the car has been bonked at 5 mph.
You're fine - don't be embarrased.
Most of us set the wrong expectations of doing a show car the first time vs a learning experience.
Looking forward to your pix.
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crvc
- Posts: 1564
- Joined: Fri Aug 29, 2003 2:37 pm
Hopefully these explain better than I was able. I use a grinder to cut the weld then put the fender on. With the fender on there was a 3/4 inch gap. From the inside I covered the gap with 3 inch wide welded patches, using leftover metal. Then went to the outside and welded a strip into the gap. Next I'll grind down the welds somewhat on the outside and cover with another patch. Then do the same for the left side.
I had replaced the luggage tray and am using the old one as donor metal for these patches.
[/img]http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j47/k ... CN3631.jpg
I had replaced the luggage tray and am using the old one as donor metal for these patches.
[/img]http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j47/k ... CN3631.jpg
