vwragtop
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convertible restoration
I have a 71 super beetle convertible that I am in the process of restoring. (bringing back from the dead!) my question is, can or should I take the body off of the pan to sandblast and paint it or not. there appears to be no rust in the pan.
Im at the point now where the whole thing needs to be sandblasted (bead blasted)and primered so the bady work can begin. I am especially concerned about the underside since it has much zeibart undercoating on it and needs to be taken down to bare metal.
I have not rebuilt the front end or rear suspension yet but intend to after its sandblasted.
Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated. vince- lakeland, tn
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10/14/2006, 10:54 am
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VDubz
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Re: convertible restoration
My personal opinion is that if you really want to do it right and not take the chance of missing some unseen thing, go for the body off. You can really clean up the chassis and suspension.
Of course, use caution to at least keep the doors closed and latched unless you are going to brace them. Since the convertible lacks a metal top, it is much more flexible and all you will have are the heater channels holding the ends together. . 
---
Our VWs Over Memphis (all VW) Car Show is the 2nd Saturday in October. Check main web site, events for updates. http://www.midsouthvw.com
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10/17/2006, 11:24 am
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vwdroptopfan
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Re: convertible restoration
If you decide to do a body off restoration. You need to brace the doors and the body. The first thing you do is to make sure the doors open and close correctly. If they sag or scrape then use a jack at the door openings to either raise the front or rear depending on the situation. Once you have the doors operating correctly, remove them. Build a frame work of 1/4 inch thick angle iron and install on both door openings. The frame work should have a front and back upright with an X member between them. Then you need to brace the inside of the body. Make an X from below the dash to the oposite side behind the door opening. What were are trying to do is stiffen the body up so no twists will happen when the body comes off. I know this reply might be a bit confusing but if you have any questions just yell
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10/18/2006, 4:08 pm
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mitchellsk
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Re: convertible restoration
How is the resto going? Any updates or pics you can post?
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3/13/2007, 12:00 pm
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Re: convertible restoration