1952 VW beetle project.

[retrovan]

Thanks for the comment Herman, I also didn't know. Should I close the hole? Or leave it? What is your recommendations Jaco and Herman?

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If I was you, yes I would keep it as it shows the provenance of your car.

This is what it looked like installed..



This is what it looked like in a box..



Here are the replacement of the same look.



New copys can be got from Vintage Speed

Here is a Video of on working.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9GPo14Vufk

Here is the face of my original still on the car as bad as it was when I found the car...



Herman

[Jdt1976]

That looks good.

Do you know what the hole was used for below the indicator switch?

Thats for the after market Thermometer type fuel gauge that you could order as an extra.


Herman

Reason why I asked for was to see if it was in fact for the fuel gauge.
Then the next question would have been if Rudi knows if the car was originally bought from the old Lindsay Saker Mooi street in JHB.

Reason I wondered was that the majority splits that I came across that had a fuel gauge in was originally bought from the Mooi street agent.
I might be wrong but to me it seems like that specific dealer was promoting fuel gauges when selling cars.

Up to you if you want to keep it or close it. If you know you going to get a working gauge leave it. There will be many other holes you will
also need to close. I rather close it if it doesn't look like it's from the factory. Easier to make a new hole than to close one after paint. Just take a lot of pics for future reference.

[Rudi02]

Thanks Herman and Jaco, your knowledge surpasses mine on this specific detail.

The comment about the Mooi str agent pushing fuel gauges is something I didn't knew. Unfortunately I do not have the information on where this car was sold, but your assumption on this is very probable Jaco. Thanks for sharing with us this details.

I'm part of this forum for more than 10 years and it was one of the best decisions to join. You guys and gals rock.

Rudi

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[Rudi02]

Some photos of the pan. The work on this is starting now.

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[Jdt1976]

I am also happy that I am on the forum otherwise I would not have know this was your car.

Always on the lookout for a split and got these photos in 2014. Never heard anything again but you know how it goes, some one knows some one with one then you get all exited. Now I can see the restoration process....

[Jdt1976]

The floorpan looks solid. Are the pans good enough or are you going to replace them?

The number on the left rear bracket shows it is a June 52?

[Rudi02]

Thanks for the kind comments Jaco.

I never knew that those pictures would come into your possession. Cannot remember who took them, but it is my car. Small world we live in.

The pans seems to be good, but I will decide after a thorough cleaning and inspection. The battery area have been repaired in the past, so there some decisions will have to be taken.

Stay blessed.

Rudi

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[Jdt1976]

Virtanen sells the repair panels if you want to replace only the battery section.
http://restorationpanels.com/product/sp ... ir-panels/

The pan halves still looks good but if you want to replace them I got from Wolfsburg West but the shape was not correct.
The Klassik Fab ones are good.

[retrovan]

If you are replacing the pan half's, just make sure the seat rails are for RHD as the driver seat rails are different to the passenger side.

So if buying with seat rail make sure its for a RHD not a LHD

I got without rails and welded my own in once fitted

Herman

[Rudi02]

Thanks Herman,

The pans seems to be in good condition. Only the section under the battery will need replacement. I'm quite lucky and glad. The seat rails are unique to these cars. Glad to be able to retain them.

Rudi.

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[YvaneS]

Awesome project! Good luck keep us updated

[karmakoma]

Brilliant. Work so far looks like it is of a high standard. Good luck with the rest of the process.


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[Rudi02]

The bodyshop is pulling out all the stops. The holes in the bulkhead just need some dressing, and the heater boxes are where they should be.


I also managed to source 16 inch rims. Slowly slowly the project is going forward.

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[Rudi02]

The Bodyshop is still busy doing what they do best. Working their magic and massaging every panel.

In the mean time there is a lot of parts on order.

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[Haans]

Must say it does light a fire under my arse to get going again!

General question,......are there youngsters out there that is/or willing to learn theses skills seen in video? I am reaching my expiry date fairly soon,....and it seems a lost art,......doing real bodywork !

Love the beetle Rudi !

Haans