Das Volks Vintage Volkswagen Gruppe

Got some rust issues on the front and rear of the driver front fender and I got a chance to get a unused set that have the slotted bumper opening that matches the rear. Had some fun taking the old one off and installing the new one to be sure the bolt holes line up and it seats correctly. The PO had some hardware issues b/c the headlight cover was screwed in with a dry wall screw which is why there is a dribble of rust down the front and and the light was screwed in with wood screws. One of the fender bolts was not metric and now the threads seem out of wack.

The front section that is rusted and ugly.


The new front disc brakes. Car was repainted, lots of overspray!


A good fit with not all the fender bolts on or tight.


Need to find bumpers that will line up with these holes?


Not even painted and it looks 100% better.


Put the old fender back on and reconnected and checked the lights, good to go!

Those front brakes look great.

Looks nice Good progress!

You're lucky to get those fenders off without tearing out or sheering any of the nuts welded to the body . Why did you put the old fender back on ? It looks like the bolt pattern for the bumper lines up with the slotted fender , does it ?

"Why did you put the old fender back on ?"

I don't think she did...the gray fenders are the new ones

Tom wrote:You're lucky to get those fenders off without tearing out or sheering any of the nuts welded to the body . Why did you put the old fender back on ? It looks like the bolt pattern for the bumper lines up with the slotted fender , does it ?

Yes, the old one is back on. The bolts came off without a problem. I want to get the new fenders cleaned up and painted and need to get new rubber to put between the seams. It was good practice for me, but now that you've warned me of potential pitfalls I'll keep that in mind.

Tom wrote: Why did you put the old fender back on ? It looks like the bolt pattern for the bumper lines up with the slotted fender , does it ?

Tom, she put a new fender on... Notice the first pics its rusty, white, and busted up.

Later, its grey and has the earlier (pre 74) bumper brackets

are they really that hard to get off?

dubstar wrote:are they really that hard to get off?

they can be if they havent been removed in 30+ years. Worse case, you use some lube, and some heat... u'll be fine

dubstar wrote:are they really that hard to get off?

these came off like "butta" The bolts were not a problem and the holes are solid on the old fender as well as the front lid. You looking do to the same, John?

AoT wrote:

dubstar wrote:are they really that hard to get off?

these came off like "butta" The bolts were not a problem and the holes are solid on the old fender as well as the front lid. You looking do to the same, John?

That's why we told you to keep the car.

Many times on rusty cars the nutsert in the body just rips loose and then you have a hole in the body.

AoT wrote:

dubstar wrote:are they really that hard to get off?

these came off like "butta" The bolts were not a problem and the holes are solid on the old fender as well as the front lid. You looking do to the same, John?

yes, the front fenders on mine are rusted around the headlight assemblies...the actual car is pretty solid (I think) and I believe these fenders were off about 10 years ago, so I hope it's an easy removal...otherwise I have to do some crummy fiberglass / bond0 repair...

The nutserts on alot of cars go...

That blue bug still around???????????????

EDNCAROL wrote:That blue bug still around???????????????

Yes it is... i've seen it. (under a inch of dust)

ObnoxiousBlue wrote:The nutserts on alot of cars go...

This is my new favorite word!

Glad I didn't know of this condition before I started. Two of the four are solid so hopefully the right side will hold true.

AoT wrote:

ObnoxiousBlue wrote:The nutserts on alot of cars go...

This is my new favorite word!

I thought it was nipple.

Glenn wrote:

AoT wrote:

ObnoxiousBlue wrote:The nutserts on alot of cars go...

This is my new favorite word!

I thought it was nipple.

Nutserts is a "new" word in my vocabulary,(never heard the word until you posted), but you are correct and nothing could compare to (.)(.) being my "favorite" word. I just love the way it rolls off my tongue!! Delicious is also high on the list.

If I was on the tv show 'Actors Studio' with James Lipton that would be my answer to that question. We should play that game sometime!!

AoT wrote: I just love the way it rolls off my tongue!!

Thanks for the visual.

So?????

Glenn wrote:So?????

Tonight was the night. The white wonder made its maiden voyage under its own power. GA got the rear brakes on and we bled them out. GA slapped the wheels back on and I took her for a cruise around the block. Did you hear me? It was a hoot.

Got a few things to tweak but it's ready to roll!! Next stop is the DMV!!

Thanks GA for giving up a meeting and going the extra effort.

nice jobs guys.

No problem audrey. I'm glad to help out when I find the time and it's fun to watch sand and spray parts. It took a little time but now You have a nice little driver on Your hands. Once We teach You to drive stick I'm sure You'll have alot of fun with it
JK AoT needs to pull that shifter out and turn the reverse lockout plate around. It was difficult to to shift as is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geG04R1hkFg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCIFZnopSW0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pT3cnDTmvc

I'm going to sleep now!

Sweeter than sweet.... which is SWEET.

It's not done yet, but it's a driver.

Glenn A wrote:AoT needs to pull that shifter out and turn the reverse lockout plate around. It was difficult to shift as is.

Will take a pic of the lockout plate to see if it is positioned correctly. Got two other shifters that I will clean up a bit to see if they are an option. Other than the shaky shifting and the clutch needing a tweak it was a great feeling to get behind the wheel and take it for a spin. I finally got a big hug from this labor of love!!