Beetle split window template request

[VWannaB]

Is there anyone who would do me a huge favour? I am making a Beetle split rear window and require a template of the shape and size of the openings, as well as the profile from the pinch weld up to the roof line. I have an oval clip as a basis for this. I know the outer shape of the oval is different than the split and it's not just the addition of the center post. I have comprehensive experience with metal shaping and I think I can modify the oval's outer shape to be the same as the split. After that I can create the center post section. What would be ideal for me is to get to a split window Beetle and physically measure things. I promise to be careful and there's a case of beer involved in my offer! I live in Vancouver, so a car on the mainland would be even better. Thanks. Randy Schultz 604 721 0872ß

[silas]

sounds like an interesting project, unfortunately i have no info or assistance to lend but keep us posted on the progress, good luck, and have fun with it!!

[Russ]

i posted a link on where to buy one in your other thread if you didn't see it

[VWannaB]

Thanks, but the fun for me is designing and making, not buying.

[Jeremy]

Bump for a good guy with an interesting project in the works. Hopefully someone can help him out.

[josh]

That sounds like a fun project, I love metal work! Gotta give you props for jumping into the "shark tank" of the split window forum on the samba......those guys have shit ready to fling if you even hint at trying something different haha

[VWannaB]

That sounds like a fun project, I love metal work! Gotta give you props for jumping into the "shark tank" of the split window forum on the samba......those guys have shit ready to fling if you even hint at trying something different haha

Yeah... I kinda got that vibe... However a nice guy in Finland provided a template from the Samba site, so that's a good start. I made hardboard templates today and positioned them in the oval opening. I think I will be able to modify the existing opening to match the contour of the split. I will separate the inner body pressing from the outer roof skin at the pinch weld first to free things up. I'll cut the roof skin where I need to to be able to re-shape the curve to match the template. Once that's done I'll in-fill the missing material in the roof by flush-fitting extra material and gas hammer-welding it in. Once this is done I can fabricate and graft in the centre post. Next I'll re-work the inner body pressing to match the revised roof skin. Once the two are re-spot-welded I'll work the new pinch weld until it represents a flat plane, as I think the glass in a split is flat. I could photo-document all this, but I don't think anyone out there would see the value in doing this work...

[notchback]

Try pm'ing Gavin Lee , he's the only owner of a split I know

[Bruce]

I don't think anyone with a nice paint job would be too eager to subject their car for even a remote chance of damage. 

Gavin's car might be in hibernation offsite.

Bruce, haven't you met Jason?  He's got TWO splits.  Personally, I think that should be illegal.

[silas]

...I could photo-document all this, but I don't think anyone out there would see the value in doing this work...

quite the contrary, imho! regardless of what kind of job it is (big or small) it's always cool to see what people are making/fabricating/building!! it's also a great way to archive your work, share your project with the local community and inspire others!!

maintaining a build thread can be time consuming, but even a pic & quick description every once & awhile would be cool! consider starting a thread in the asf members projects forum...

http://www.airspeedparts.com/forums/index.php?board=21.0