T3: Type 34 resto questions

[Philip Stevens <pstevens@cats.ucsc.edu>]

Howdy.

I've found a couple of Type 34s that I'm considering buying, but I have a
few basic questions that I hope I can get answers to before I jump in.

1) Both cars that I'm looking at have substantial rust on the rockers and
wheel wells.  Would it be worthwhile trying to have a body shop fix it (I
don't have a clue about welding, although I suppose I could learn), or
should I just keep looking for a car without the rust?  Does anyone know if
replacement sheet metal is available?

2) I gather that the Type 34 uses a standard Type III engine, but what
other parts (body, mechanical, interior) does it share with other Type IIIs
(or any other VW)?  (I'm assuming not very much.)

3) Is there a workshop manual for the Type 34?

4) Anyone have any experience taking the body off a Type 34?  I've never
done anything like a body-off resto before, so any pointers would be
appreciated.


Thanks in advance.

Phil Stevens