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Post by wagendragon on May 7, 2007 22:03:48 GMT -5
After a small break from working on Mater, I've finally got him unloaded again. Recently moved and needed to use the SC as a trailer. Gently filled him up, hooked on the tow bar and relocated to new house/shop. He's no longer auxilary storage. Back to working on the bed.
Had original slats which acted as sponges over the last 30yrs and completely rusted out bed, I've located a doner bus (thanks Ken) and need some advice on how to remove and re-install bed panels. Advice on un-crimping edge without destroying them.
Plus any hints on the gate hinge screws which have no intent on comming loose.
Thanks
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Post by wagendragon on May 11, 2007 22:30:22 GMT -5
Hmmm, no takers huh.
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Post by commercialair on May 12, 2007 9:41:26 GMT -5
How the heck did I miss this post???
Anyway, uncrimping the edge is going to be a tough job, but not impossible. You will have to drill out the tiny spot welds underneath the lip first and then work your way around the edge with a prying tool of some sort. Bent screwdriver??
The flat spot that runs the outermost edge is also spot welded from the top, about 1/2" from the edge, at varying spacing around the entire bed.
Then you can tackle the spot welds that run the cross members (about 90 of them). VW spot welded the bed to the cross members underneath the bed slats. If you wire brush those areas first you can find the small dimples that mark the welds and drill them out.
Pick up lots of 1/4" drill bits and let her rip! Also, before you start welding the new bed on Mater, straighten the donor bed as much as possible. VW used a high carbon steel for that panel and it's next to impossible to pull dents once it's installed. You can hammer the dents out with the bed sections laid flat on the floor and save hours of work later on.
Gate screws can be removed with the usual heat/cool method, lots of rust breaker, and an impact screwdriver.
Any other questions, just ask. I'll let you know all I can about the process. Good Luck! and take lots of pics!
Chris
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Post by dpeters81westy on May 13, 2007 0:16:15 GMT -5
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Post by wagendragon on May 13, 2007 7:23:33 GMT -5
Looks Good, thanks for the tips. I guess I can "practice" on the one I'm taking off Mater. It's real unfortunate the rust got him, cause the bed is in immaculate shape, not a dent any where, paint's not even scratched on the back of the cab.
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