T3: Re: Type 34 resto questions

[Big Al <awpresley@autographica.com>]

>Phil, you know how to jump in the deep end, don't you?
>
>First, let me say that decide if you want a long term project or not.  If
>you are married, make sure your wife understands that this will be a
>project for a matter of YEARS, not weekends or even months.  I have seen
>many projects go to the crusher because the significant other got fed up
>with the pile-o-%^&@$ in the garage.  I have personally witnessed 3 T-34's
>go bye-bye and become paperclips and there wasn't a thing I could do.  My
>limit of 2 other orphans maxed me out.
>
>Anyway I digress (or is that digest...), make sure BOTH of you are OK with
>a possible multi year project.  (This only applies to those of us who do
>not have disposable income to have it restored professionally within the
>month!)
>
>So, here goes my answers to your questions:
>
>>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?
>
>Not that much, some is available as reproduction, some you can even find
>NOS, but don't expect to find it at your local auto parts store.  You will
>have to serach.
>
>>
>>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.)
>
>Rule of thumb for T-34: Mechanical = T-3,  Body = T-34 only.
>Now, before the flames come in, let me explain the rule.  There are some
>parts on the body that are interchangeable with other T-3's and T-1 Bugs
>and Ghias, as well as mechanical parts that are T-34 only, but not many.
>Engine= entirely T-3, transaxles= T-3, front end= T-3 except one of the
>tie rod ends (but a T-3 end will work), brakes= T-3, pan=T-3 except the
>seat rails.  Body=T-34, sheetmetal= T-34, interior=T-34, guages= T-34,
>Electrical= T-34 but T-3 in the rear will work or same year, Glass=
>T-34,... you get the idea.
>
>
>>
>>3) Is there a workshop manual for the Type 34?
>
>Yes, check the big VW Show swapmeets.
>
>>
>>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.
>
>Disconnect engine electrical connections, gas hose, throttle cable, heater
>cables (depending on year) and heater hoses to the body. (label the
>connections so you know where they return to...)
>For IRS years, pull the motor completely.
>For swing years, disconnect the rear engine stabilizer (motor can stay in
>car!).
>Disconnect (if you are lucky enough to have it) A/C hoses from compressor
>or just pull the compressor if you want to save the charge.
>
>Drain and pull gas tank.
>Disconnect steering column at steering box. (under tank)
>Disconnect brake electrical. (under tank)
>Unbolt the two bolts that connect the body to the front end beam.
>
>Disconnect electrical connections under back seat. (most people forget this.)
>Disconnect Battery and the regulator, relays and anything else (on left side)!
>Unclip wiring from restraining clips under seat. (depending on year)
>
>Take out the carpeting or at least make sure carpets are not glued across
>body gasket.
>
>Unbolt the bolts under the door sill (on the pan) and all around the outer
>lip of the pan.
>From inside remove the two bolts in the big oval holes behind the back seat.
>DO NOT remove the plate (with 4 little bolts) under the pan in front of
>the nosecone of the tranny.
>
>Order about 4 pizzas and invite at least 4 other friends who can lift,
>have the local H.S. football team over....  At least one at each fender
>opening, and one to help the gasket release.  Don't hold the bumper...
>TWEEEAAAK!
>
>The gasket will not want to let go. Lift each corner at a time while the
>5th person stands on the rim of the wheel. after each corner is loose,
>lift it.
>
>This process will work for any aircooled VW except bus and pickup.
>
>
>
>The T-34's are worth rebuilding  if there is even what you would shy away
>from a Beetle restoration.  The places you describe are the common areas
>and others T-34's you would find will have the same areas of concern.
>
>I know of one that the entire lower 6 inches of the body was rusted away!
>And was returned to stock beauty!  I can put you in contact with the owner
>of this car if you need advise.
>
>Big Al