Aircooled VW South Africa

Hi guys

On the 13th of May I was involved in a really bad accident, I managed to walk away with just a bit of bruising for at least 2 weeks compared to the state of the bug, I am really lucky.

I would like to know from all of you if it is possible to fix her up again, I have managed to source most of the parts ,like fenders, front bumper front apron, headlights, windscreen etc.

I was in contact with someone who could straighten the body and align the driver door post and all was well, but when I lifted the tunnel carpet there were more surprises. Sadly the pan is really bad at the front end tunnel, it has caved in bending the front of the pan upwards, splitting from the body.

I have heard that there are places that straighten chassis, I would really love to fix her up again.

Regards
Roscoe

Sjoe Boet,.... me thinks the spare wheel saved from more injuries !!!!

Looks like a pole jumped in front of you !!!! got no manners at all !!

Well, ....... I suppose everything is fixable.....depends more on how deep your pockets are ??? Biggest issue seems to be the pan, how about getting another pan AND then "refurbish" the damages on. if you get my drift.
body will need some jacking and hammering on the bonnet framing and around the windscreen frame/roof area. that just what is visible. the front / whole bonnet frame and sparewheel well will need serious jacking.

my 2 cents worth

glad you're ok though.

regards Haans

Hi Haans

Appreciate you're feedback buddy, yeah its a shame, it was a actuary a garage wall that I hit. The spare wheel definitely saved me, I can't believe I never broke anything judging by the steering wheel, very very lucky...

Friends advised getting a 70s pan as they are more available, a few modifications to make it fit.

We will see, I don't really wanna go that route but if its the best and only option then that will be it.


Regards
Roscoe

Glad you are ok.
Looks like the spare wheel took a lot of the force.
Pan looks like it was at some time cut open to ease clutch cable installation. (Not necessary, unless the guy was too clumsy or lazy to do the proper procedure). This caused more damage to the body when the pan bent there.
On the other hand... if pan mainly bent in that position, it might be possible to bend it back. While measuring all dimensions to confirm that it is correct. Then re-weld it closed where it was cut previously.

Changing the pan would be the easy part. However legally sorting the registration papers would be be the difficult part if going that way. (Not having the chassis number stamped where it would be expected.)

Hi Dawie

Thank you, really appreciate you're advice, that gives me hope. As far as I know that is the only damage to the pan.

Regards
Roscoe

That is rough! Sorry to hear. I really hope it can be fixed. At least, you walked away from it without serious injury, and that is the most important thing.

lucky the motor is in the rear or your bill would have been be much higher , good luck with the re-build