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Note this response is kinda long.
Arron wrote:
>I was just curious how many (if any) people on the list only got into
welding and/or >auto restoration in general AFTER they got their VWs,
specifically so they could do >restoration work on their cars?
I started working and welding on domestic cars (USA), using gas welding
equipment in the early/mid 80's before I bought my first VW. I could never
afford to pay anyone to do what I needed, so I had to learn to do it myself.
My first restoration was a 70 type3 Fasty that my wife owns, and it was
started in 1991 and finished in 1995 ( paint 1st, then interior, then custom
wheels then engine as I was on a budget). A friend of mine helped me with the
bodywork by answering my many questions at the time. I was a little
apprehensive about doing the body work myself, and just took my time doing it
and didn't get in any hurry. At the time I didn't have an air compressor, or
a lot of specialized tools, but I did have determination, and an idea of what
I wanted for a final result. I kept working on it and driving the car and
ordering parts (while they were still available) and got it finished. At the
time I didn't have this list around to help me out, so I had to learn to fix
and reset stuff via the Bentley manual, as that was all I really had for
information on a type3. In my part of the country there aren't too many
type3s left, let alone in good condition as rust and road salt got most of
them.
>Do people need to have been into bodywork/engineering for years before
taking on >things like this or is study, practice and TLC enough?
Arron, it certainly helps to have a lot of practice doing bodywork, as it
has a slight black magic/art to it. But its not really all that hard to do as
it just takes time and patience. In the last 10 years, I've gotten better and
learned a lot about bodywork and know more about it now than I did 10 years
ago. And now I'm not skeered to take on any kind of project ( it helps to
have confidence). I did a body off on my 65 Notch 2 years ago, that car got
nicknamed Krusty for all the rust that was in it, and now there is very
little rust in that car even though it took me about 3 months ( lots of long
weekends and late nights) of cutting, welding and grinding to get it that
way. About 8 months after I got the car I was driving it, and showing it.
I've helped a few of my friends do some of their cars too, and have replaced
floor pans for others also. My son and I have been working on a custom
project this summer using mostly rusty old type3 parts and pieces, its turned
out quite well for what we have into it. Jim A. has the right Idea though,
start out small and work your way up. Take it in smaller chunks so you will
finish it, instead of tearing everything apart and scattering it everywhere.
With it all apart it will/can over welm you ( I've seen it happen) and you
might not finish it. I hope this helps you out.
Bob 65 Notch S w/ Sunroof
69 Squareback-AT
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