Posted by: bigoval - 29 September 2013 16:47:18
One day I will remember to not poke Beetles! The spare wheel well has some patches in the corners... which have been plated straight over the top of the problem... As a result the corners have gone - as has the "lip" where the front valance meets the wheel well... It's all just a little crusty.... What are my options for sourcing replacements? Front valance from Auto Craft? - will they do me a USA spec one? Who does the wheel well panels? With wiring tabs and everything else as it should be?.. I thought I wouldn't have much to do to this one.... Ah well! (The left hand rear bumper hanger just fell off too..)

Posted by: Robb - 01 October 2013 08:44:20
i recently used an autocraft front valance. fit was spot on. and the spare wheel panel came from heritage- we just spent some time smoothing out the ripples!

Posted by: Lost64 - 01 October 2013 11:30:22
I agree with Robb about the Autocraft front panel. I used one on my Oval, and it's an excellent fit. I also replaced the spare wheel well with one from Wolfparts in Sweden. It's expensive, but is the best you'll get. It comes with the tags to secure the wiring loom. Check their website as they do different years. Best of luck! Gavin.

Posted by: pre67vw - 01 October 2013 12:24:21
I've often wondered about the tabs, with the cars painted before being wired - doesn't all the paint crack off the tabs when they're bent to hold the loom? or are they pretty much bent first and then painted? What do they do on show cars to make sure these tabs don't just crack and go rusty in 6 months?

Posted by: GKL 7 - 01 October 2013 20:58:43
[quote=pre67vw]or are they pretty much bent first and then painted? [/quote] This.

Posted by: bigoval - 02 October 2013 21:51:32
So I'm looking at this - [url=https://www.autocrafteng.co.uk/shop/beetle_63/panels_3/repair-panels_8/front-valance-four-finger-typ-1--60_172/]Front Valance[/url] Would they add the holes for USA spec bumpers? ...and this... [url=https://www.wolfparts.com/shop/product_info.php?currency=GBP&cPath=21&products_id=82&language=en]Wheel well[/url]

Posted by: Lost64 - 03 October 2013 12:01:40
Yes, those are the panels you need. I don't know if Autocraft would put the holes in the front valance for the support bars, you could always ask them. Alternatively, you could take measurements from your original valance, and put them in yourself. (Just remember, measure twice, cut once!) Gavin.

Posted by: heb623 - 03 October 2013 16:12:15
You better buy those parts to Wolfparts! Very nice!!!:thumbup: :twisted: ET