Rear body mounting panel replacement - passenger side

The passenger side rear mounting point needed replacing. The replacement panel from VW Heritage was pretty rubbish. The mounting point was the wrong height and it took alot of adapting to fit.


The mounting point was cut off and welded in place after the panel was fitted.


Some inner bits needed replacing. None of the panels available covered the corners so patches where made.





The panel didn't quite cover all the bad metal. The patch was added towards the rear.

Fixing the retaining plate on the door post

Front inner wing/ apron - New panels welded

Front inner wing/ apron - New panels fitted

In order to make sure the new panels fit correctly, the bonnet and wings where fitted.








Beginning to look like a car finally!

Front inner wing/ apron - Removal

The front apron needed replacement as does the passenger side front wing.




These were cut off and the new parts held up for modification.


We fitted the bonnet to help with alignment.

Cleaning up a hinge

Taking the doors off was a bit of a challenge. I had to drive the pin out of one hinge.


After cleaning I put it back together with a new pin.

New panels

So the first problem I had was the new front wing that has been fitted, has no fuel access flap. The panel was available but is about £70-80 more expensive. The access in the old panel is without defect so I thought I would just spend some time cutting it out and fitting it to the new panel. Today, when picking up some new bits, I asked about the old petrol tanks. Pre 68. They have the filler cap under the bonnet. Would they fit my bug?

I was told that it will, I just need to get a new petrol cap to fit the new tank. This worked out really well as I was thinking that I should use some fuel tank sealer as it is almost 40 years old. Who knows what the inside is lined with now!


Also got the rubbers for all windows, the engine bay and the floor to body gasket. The accelerator and clutch cable was also included in my purchases.


The front valance.


The bottom of the spare wheel bay.


Passenger side front wing panel.