rusty A-pillar repair?

warrenbaity · Post by **warrenbaity** » Sat Sep 27, 2003 12:17 pm

just a quick one. how much (about) will i expect to pay for a passenger side a pillar replacement. Its completely gone at the bottom and there is now a very small gap between the actuall pillar and the heater channel. any ideas??

warrenbaity · Post by **warrenbaity** » Sun Sep 28, 2003 3:14 pm

::bump::

you mean no one on this list has had this repair done to their bug before? please anyone?

warrenbaity · Post by **warrenbaity** » Mon Sep 29, 2003 12:18 am

nothing?? ::bump::

racelook · Post by **racelook** » Mon Sep 29, 2003 1:15 am

I don't know..

Just buy some new platework for the places.. And weld them in.. I have done it also..

THe platework didn't cost much...

Rescue912 · Post by **Rescue912** » Mon Sep 29, 2003 7:52 pm

If you already have the combustibles cleared (ie: headliner, dashpad, etc), the windshield pulled and a donor piece it is a pretty simple fix. Only about 3 hours for welding and cleanup - shop rates here (Midwest, USA) are $45 an hour and up, plus materials.

If I have to pull the windshield and watch where my sparks go then that takes some additional time.

Rescue912 · Post by **Rescue912** » Mon Sep 29, 2003 7:57 pm

Sorry, just reread post ...

Fix at the bottom of the pilliar obviously doesn't require pulling windshield. Prolly be easier if the door comes off just so you can get in there and get it cleaned up well.

Before getting started, fit the door, get gaps correct and then stitch a piece of scrap tubing from somewhere up on the jamb to the sill to keep spacing correct otherwise you can get a sag happening and the door will never fit right.

Good luck

warrenbaity · Post by **warrenbaity** » Mon Sep 29, 2003 10:11 pm

well i dont do body work and i dont own a welder so i was going to take it to someone to get done. i was just hopeing that someone had had the same thing done and was looking for a $$ amound of what they had paid.

Rescue912 · Post by **Rescue912** » Tue Sep 30, 2003 7:03 am

Ahh, gotcha. Get a few quotes. Someone with VW experience may not be the cheapest but you may (not always) get better results.

You can reduce the cost by doing some of the grunt work yourself if you are so inclined. If you have a donor piece it shouldn't be more than a few hours welding.

If you just wanna drop off and pick up then it could stretch into 10-12 hours worth of work fabricating all the bits and stitching them in. Figure that multiplied by your local shop times and that'll get you close.

Keep us posted ...