Hot Rods 32 Roadster Body - a new approach. AKA Beetledeuce

It's thick enough to be as strong, if not stronger than a steel bead would be.

 

The bead is hollowed out, but plenty thick enough to be very strong.

 

I have no idea why. Try it that way and see what happens

 

Keep it up!

 

You've got my attention! Subscribed!

 

Part 2. The Doors.

Looking at the Beetle doors, what's required is to trim off the window frame and then to shorten it.

 

This was my first attempt at shortening, but it soon became clear that the door skin was beyond saving, so off it came, leaving the frame.

 

The bottom of the door frame needed repairing, but these repair panels are cheap as chips.

 

Heck of a job mate! This is truly what Hot Rodding is about!

 

A new door skin is relatively cheap and a lot easier than trying to repair a rusty one.
Laying on the skin and sliding it up to the front edge of the frame means you can trim off the area of the beetle door handle.

 

wow, cool idea and work...

 

I like this guy and the way he thinks!

 

You and me both Chuck. HRP

 

Next to close the top of the door.

 

This then leaves the area where the door meets the cowl.

 

:

 

awesome! following

 

This was the piece I shaped. First in Bondo, then, after making the mould, in pewter.

 

I blew the photos up,,too small to see. HRP

 

I then soldered the piece into place.

 

Man,this is getting good! HRP

 

This is how it looks with the cast bead soldered in place and the joints cleaned up.

 

Thank you HRP.

.

 

That pewter 'roll' was what I was referring to a few posts back.
Positively 'character defining'!

Just love this project...(I have VWs, got onto them in 1957) Hot rods & VWs.

 

I think you referred to them as 'gunwales' Mike, perhaps this is the correct name for this part of the door.

 

Yes, 'gunwales' is a term carried over from the Nautical days. (top of the side deck railing)
It refers to the tops of roadster/convertible doors from 'A' to 'B' pillars.

 

subscribed! no quitting allowed

 

The most innovative thread the Hamb has ever seen in my opinion... AWESOME!