Major the Westies rebuild project

Discussion in 'Restorations' started by MorkC68, Sep 26, 2016.

  1. MorkC68

    MorkC68 Administrator

    Thanks James :)
     
  2. Looking good:thumbsup:and you could eat your dinner of that;):D
     
    MorkC68 likes this.
  3. MorkC68

    MorkC68 Administrator

    The moral of the story is do not poke :eek:

    We knew there would be some rot hidden behind the corner panel where it meets the rear valance

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    So whilst I was at it, I prodded and poked the rear valance, again I wished I'd left well alone but we might as well do a thorough job!
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jul 5, 2017
    paradox, Coco, JamesLey and 2 others like this.
  4. MorkC68

    MorkC68 Administrator

    Well the outer rear valance has been removed to find the inner is as solid as a rock, nothing to worry about with that panel. Its now been Vactan'd, had a liberal coat of red oxide and a coat of black rustoleum. Will waxoyl etc when the time is right :)
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    The rusty metal has also been cut out and new welded in, later this week, the repair on the outer body skin and the new outer valance can be welded up.
     
    Last edited: Jul 5, 2017
    nicktuft, vinnyboy, paradox and 3 others like this.
  5. Lazy Andy

    Lazy Andy Supporter

    Lovely curtain in your engine bay... I can see that trend catching on!
     
    MorkC68 likes this.
  6. MorkC68

    MorkC68 Administrator

    the finest Axminster carpet money can buy :D
     
    Lazy Andy and JamesLey like this.
  7. MorkC68

    MorkC68 Administrator

    Another job ticked off, rear valance fitted and welded up nicely. Needs the welds grinding back where the engine lid seal fits, skim of filler on the left hand repair section, a blast of etch primer and done.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Next on the list, replacement front panel :thumbsup:
     
    Last edited: Jul 5, 2017
    foe, scrooge95, cunny44 and 10 others like this.
  8. Not bad rot at all compared to most busses mark
     
    MorkC68 likes this.
  9. MorkC68

    MorkC68 Administrator

    Its surprisingly better than we expected to be honest..which is good :)
     
    Faust likes this.
  10. Faust

    Faust Supporter

    Coming on now mark ...looking good ...am following with interest :thumbsup:
     
  11. MorkC68

    MorkC68 Administrator

    cheers Ewan, you'll have to pop over :)
     
    Faust likes this.
  12. Faust

    Faust Supporter

    Will do Mark ...Light as hell in evenings now ...might get over some time next week may be .
     
  13. MorkC68

    MorkC68 Administrator

    Ill drop you a txt later this week n we can sort summat :)
     
    Faust likes this.
  14. MorkC68

    MorkC68 Administrator

    So, the rear valance is done for now having been treated to a coat of etch primer and a couple of coats of high build, just to protect the metal till the time comes to respray the body. it looks good!
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Time to strip the front panel down for removal.
    [​IMG]

    it quickly became apparent that some work had been done. the airbox had three layers of bubble wrap type insulating material gaffa taped in which revealed poor repairs to the airbox itself.
    Its had some form of sealant applied to the joins, the top has got a big split in the join and to top it off, the bottom lip on the front panel, which is a reproduction one anyway, looks to have part of an older panel still in place!
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    I do wonder what will be revealed when we start to remove the old metalwork? :)
     
    Last edited: Jul 5, 2017
    Valveandy, matty, JamesLey and 2 others like this.
  15. MorkC68

    MorkC68 Administrator

    Well, we found out why the air vents on the front panel was gummed up with seam sealant and three layers of bubble wrap. The so called front panel is in actual fact held on by very little, the airbox looks to have been shunted back by 1/2" as shown in the gap at the top. Again filled in by seam sealant.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Down on the bottom, the lip of the front panel was again gummed up with seam sealant and the panel behind the deformation panel is crusty rotten. Thankfully the deformation panel itself is okay.
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jul 5, 2017
    Flakey likes this.
  16. MorkC68

    MorkC68 Administrator

    The front panel is off, what a bloomin mess :(
    [​IMG]

    Its been badly repaired from a front end shunt, the airbox is dented beyond pulling out, the top part of the airbox was non existent and the side vents seam sealed.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    the plinth which the front panel sits on has rotted away
    [​IMG]

    The right hand door pillar is good and the left hand one is dented but retains its overall shape where it matters. Both have surface rust.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    We do have a genuine VW inner repair panel to replace the existing one as well as a new front panel. We're not yet sure how to tackle the airbox assembly, that will take some doing.
    I am tempted to get a new inner deformation panel and replace that, for peace of mind sake.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jul 5, 2017
    JamesLey likes this.
  17. I know your feeling knocked back after finding that mark
    However it's not all that bad compared to a lot of restorations and be rectified
    The airbox can be pulled out with a bit of time and a slide hammer
     
    MorkC68 likes this.
  18. MorkC68

    MorkC68 Administrator

    I'm not overly worried @paradox - it can be repaired and will be! Some time and deep thinking will prevail :D (and a few beers too)!
     
  19. well I'm not surprised it looks a mess...................................................using a Stanley knife to chop that out what do you expect;)
     
    MorkC68 likes this.
  20. MorkC68

    MorkC68 Administrator

    :lol: :D
     

Share This Page