Welding on T3 Panel Van

[Krugerbaydesign]

I have finally stripped all the wrap off the Van and its in pretty good condition, with only a 5p sized hold in the lower front panel plus a bit of rust rash also passenger side rear arch is peppered and need replacing other than that its rock solid.

I have taken it to a local bodyshop and they have had a look and seem to think that to replace the lower front panel they might have to remove and replace the Deformation panel?? This sounds a bit OTT to me, could anyone advise as the Deformation panel looks solid and like it may have been replaced in the past.

Also I have looked at VW Heritage Panels and Schofields and there is quite a difference in price on the Deformation panel (thats if I actually need it)


They quoted £800 to supply and replace the above panels, does that sound about right, as I know nothing about welding, but seems a tad expensive.

[Plasticman]

hehe, deformation box never really needs doing ,
lower front panal you have the choice of full lower panal or splice in a repair part, i usually make my own lowers if not fitting it all as i like a good gauge of steel they take a bit of time to do right, so they are either lifting your leg or more likely they are not experienced in these vans and havent got much clue,(i figure the latter) pickies really help as well as i havent got the inclinationb to guess stuff
mm

[Krugerbaydesign]

Yes I think you are right, his main line is restoring Old Minis?? he says he has worked on a couple of Bay Windows in the past and one T25. Think I need to find a more experienced local guy who knows Our vans well as he was also banging on about Gluing panels as its much stronger than spot welding?? I will get some pics taken and loaded up so you can get a better idea of what needs replacing.

[Krugerbaydesign]

Been snowed under with work so only just had chance to upload a picture:-

IMG_3412.JPG

[Plasticman]

Normal lowerfrontpanal rot

[Krugerbaydesign]

Do you recommend a complete new front panel then?

I need to find an alternative local welder

[Plasticman]

Would need a few more picks of the front ,not quite so closeup
mm

[Wychall]

This guys an ok welder, you just need to tell him exactly what you want done. He did a brilliant rebuild on a collapsed jacking point for me, after we had discussed how much I wanted done. He would have done a full job including all internal structures as well if I had so desired. I opted for the half measure job as some other poor unfortunate is already commisioned to do the job properly at a later date.

He's not too far from you in West Heath.

http://www.birminghamwelder.co.uk/index.shtml

[Krugerbaydesign]

Hi Thanks for the contact details.

I will get some more pictures taken and uploaded, definately needs a passenger side rear arch and think I will go for a full front panel for completness. 1.5 years ago I went to a Local chap to weld my girlfriends floor in her 82 Aircooled T3 so might ask him to give me a price as he did a good job on that. He runs Vantasia and has done a beautiful job on a few baywindows and a couple of T3's that I have seen. He leadloads and tries to avoid using filler, so might be worth asking him me thinks.