My '73 Coupe. First VW build ever.

[Evil_Fiz]

[KidKarmann]

Without paying the exorbitant prices for Snap-On, Mac or Matco, I think Craftsman is the only dog in the fight. I had a 12 drawer roll-cab full of tools for years but I had to sell them in order to make rent during a rough patch several years back (and since I had left the service industry the need for them was almost nil). I don't know of any other US made brand that has that level of support or quality.

[lonotch]

Sorry to see this guys restoration thread turn into a tool thread.
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It's not about the window, it's about the people.

German Folks

[KidKarmann]

[Evil_Fiz]

[KidKarmann]

Had to put the project on hold for my daughter's birthday weekend so we'll pick it back up soon.

[didget69]

Since we aren't turning this into a 'best Tools' thread, I won't mention that I use Craftsman, along with Kobalt sockets & wrenches from Lowes, Husky wrenches from Home Depot, and various wrenches from HF...

I'll note as well that I haven't broken a wrench, socket, or adapter in Years, as I pick & use the correct tool for the job at hand.

...makes a difference. I don't used a 3/8" drive socket to remove axle nuts.

bnc
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I never found the need to impress people with any mechanic certifications, trophies or track wins... unless it was for Mom to post on the refrigerator door.

[KidKarmann]

Back on track...can anyone tell me if there is a safe way to remove the dash knobs? They all appear to be glued on. I have to pull off the cracked up dash fascia plastic and the knobs are tricky.

[scotty timmerman]

they screw on, so turn them counter clockwise.

also once you get the knobs off the rings that hold the switches on unscrew. theres a special tool to unscrew them but i have used snap ring pliers and a big screwdriver to take them off in the past.
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71 ghia coupe: Build thread http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=511738&highlight=
71 type 3 fastback auto
71 type 3 fastback manual
73 super beetle
57 oval: build thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=8616563#8616563
63 beetle reassembly: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7458619#7458619
2332cc engine build: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=8608429&highlight=#8608429
84 vanagon westfalia wolfsburg edition

[KidKarmann]

Outstanding. Thank you.

[KidKarmann]

After birthday celebrations and Mother's day are in the history books, we got back on track this weekend. Started by getting the back glass out and removing the rear seat back.

Pulled the rear bumper.

Then after some wrestling with me and my son (who is apparently a lot stronger than I gave him credit for) we got the body separated from the pan. (Before anyone panics, my next undertaking will be building a stand to set the body on so I can beat panels without sitting on the floor).

Found this delightful clutch cable repair done sometime back in its history.

And we broke out my birthday gift shop vac to clean up the 40 years of debris from the pan and get a better look at the rust repair areas to be addressed. (Pardon my garage. Given the time frame of the purchase of the car I wasn't able to get it as sorted as I would have liked beforehand.)

Overall, it was a productive saturday and now we can see exactly what we're working with and have full access to both parts of the car so we can make solid forward progress. I'm glad to see that the body has effectively ZERO rust. Bondo, however, is another story. Procuring rear pan sections is on the short list. If possible I plan on doing repairs of the sections that need replacing without disturbing the seat rails since the rust seems to be isolated to the sunken sections of the rear pan area.

[KidKarmann]

Made a bit of progress pulling the front beam in prep for cleanup and rehab. Cleaning and prepping the pan is next. What is the secret to getting the old seal goop off the pan? Do any of you have a preferred method or a solvent that you use?

[paul_round]

Did you pull the body with just the two of you?

[KidKarmann]

Yep. After getting the rear bumper off and the back glass out we walked it across and rested it on the tires. Went nose, tail, nose, tail until we cleared the passenger shock towers and then set it gently on the floor.

[motorhead364]

Looking good. You're best bet I'd say is a 4 inch grinder with a wire wheel. It will be messy. Or possibly A LOT of adhesive remover and a scraper.

Is it hard or soft "goop"?


Nice job getting the body off.
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63 ghia coupe

[KidKarmann]

Awesome. I'll give the wire wheel a go. The texture depends on how warm it is in the garage. Goes from almost runny to a thick, gluey texture when it cools off.

[KidKarmann]

Anyone ever seen something like this? Found this sandwiched between the body and the right front of the pan acting as a shim. I can't say with 100% certainty that the body has never been off the car, but if it hasn't then someone in the factory stuffed this in there to even it out.

[scotty timmerman]

that is part of this piece http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=VWC-141-801-049-A. it is suppose to be attached to the body. there are 2 bolts that go thew the pan and screw in to it.
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71 ghia coupe: Build thread http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=511738&highlight=
71 type 3 fastback auto
71 type 3 fastback manual
73 super beetle
57 oval: build thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=8616563#8616563
63 beetle reassembly: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7458619#7458619
2332cc engine build: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=8608429&highlight=#8608429
84 vanagon westfalia wolfsburg edition

[KidKarmann]

Darn it. Whatever that is apparently doesn't exist anymore in that listing. There is no pic or reference.

[bhartwell59]

http://www2.cip1.com/SearchResults.asp?search=VWC-141-801-049-A&Submit=

Does this work?

Scotty... is the piece you were referring to?
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'74 Zambezi green Ghia vert, autostick, 101k
'87 Jeep Wrangler, 4.2, 330k