JBugs Video Series

1971 VW Super Beetle - Fender Nut Repair:

Body

Video Overview:

Often times when pulling fenders off a VW Beetle, the fender nuts that are attached to the body end up coming loose or had already come loose and been replaced with a standard nut and washer. Our 1971 Super Beetle had both cases so for the one that came loose, we show how to reinstall the factory nut and for the one that was missing, we cover installing a weld in fender nut. Follow along and see how it’s done.

Vehicle prep: 0:45
Fender nut replacement (Factory press in): 1:11
Fender nut replacement (Factory weld in): 1:30


Video Tips:

Tools used in this video:

Angle Grinder
Wire Wheel
Flap Disc Sanding Disc
Body Work Hammer
Chisel
Drill
Unibit
MIG Welder

Video Transcript:

Hello! Sam here with JBugs.com
We're just about done with the welding repairs on our 1971 Super Beetle 
and the last thing we'll do is repair some of the fender nuts for the front left fender. 
So, while we still have the use of my friend's shop, 
we'll get wrapped up here with one last video.
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 all the necessary precautions.
When we pulled off the front left fender, we had one of the fender nuts twist out during removal. 
This is fairly common and fortunately, we still have the nut. 
Also, the body isn't too damaged. 
So, we thread a bolt into the nut and we tap it back into place into the body. Then, we use a hammer and a chisel. We punch in all four sides of the sheet metal into the groove and nut. Easily enough, this nut is ready to go.
At the bottom side of the apron though, the original nut is long gone 
and we don't have an original nut to put back in its place. 
So, after cleaning up the surface rust on the edge of the body, 
we drill out the hole with a unibit, so we can attach a weld-in nut on the backside.
We start by threading a stud into the nut to protect the threads from weld. 
Then, we center the nut into the hole 
and we weld the nut in place on the body. 
The stud is unthreaded, we smooth out the welds with a flap wheel disc on a grinder, 
and spray a rust converter onto the bare metal to protect it until we get the bodywork done.
We hope you've enjoyed all of the various repairs we've done in my friend's shop. 
We're going to get back to work on our chassis and get it ready for reassembly. While we're doing that, we'll also be doing bodywork and getting the body ready for paint.
Thanks for watching! Make sure to click 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