JBugs Video Series

1971 VW Super Beetle - Body Molding Hole Repair:

Body

Video Overview:

Whether you are building a Cal Look Beetle, a German/Euro look VW like we are, or you just want to eliminate the body molding holes which can lead to rust, welding up the body molding holes on your Classic Volkswagen is a common modification. We show how to fill the holes simply and quickly with nothing needed but a few tools. Follow along with our tech as he shows how quick and easy the job can be.

Vehicle prep: 0:44
Body molding hole repair: 1:20


Video Tips:

Tools used in this video:

Air Powered Angle Grinder with Sanding Disc
MIG Welder
Brass Block

Video Transcript:

Hello! Sam here with JBugs.com
We're borrowing a friend of mine's shop so you can see all the repairs we are doing on our 1971 Super Beetle restoration. 
We still have some more big patches to address but for this video, 
we're going to cover a quick and simple modification. We're going to weld up all the body molding holes.
Before we start, we'll make sure to say, wear appropriate protective gear. 
Work in a safe and well-ventilated environment, and only perform work that is well within your capabilities. Cutting, grinding, and welding, can all be dangerous so make sure you use the necessary precautions.
Since we're doing a Euro or German look restoration, we're going to be eliminating 
most all the chrome and decorative trim from our Beetle. Most of this is as simple as removing or painting pieces. However, when you pull the body molding, you wind up with a bunch of holes in your body.
So, we start with an air-powered angle grinder and a sanding disc 
and remove the paint around the body molding holes. Now we can get to welding up the holes. A trick I like to use is to cover the backside of the hole with a brass block. The trick is, that the brass will conduct electricity but the weld won't stick to the brass. 
So, while holding the brass in place behind the hole, 
we weld the hole up, then come back with our sanding disc and smooth out the panel.
On the rear quarter panel, backing the hole isn't totally necessary 
but at the front quarter panel, the brass block means that on the inside of the panel there's minimal grinding required to have a smooth finished surface. 
There isn't any backing plate welded in place, and we don't have any body-filler oozing through the hole. 
We've got a few more holes to weld up and once their filled, 
we'll get onto some of the other rust repairs we have to do.
Thanks for watching! 
Make sure to hit the like button below, hit subscribe if you haven't already, 
and when you need parts for your vintage VW, head over to JBugs.com