Picked up this Kombi campervan a few months ago discovered last night when I joined KC it's a Sopru conversion, I thought it was a backyard conversion & they used an axe to cut out the hole in the roof Roof and gutters are in a bad way but we have started on rust repairs in the roof and once all that is completed will get on to the few minor bits on rest of bodywork
Stripped out interior as it was all mould and wood was rotten and removed the pop top to access the damage....it wasn't pretty
To start with fitted some box section from front to rear cross braces to square up and brace the roof before I started cutting out all the rust and then braced the A & B pillars Then for extra strength & a more simple repair I decided use that box section and make a different inner roof structure which will be "boxed in to inner structure and new panels fitted at top of sides (if that makes sense ) it will all be hidden behind the new gutter and roof sections so will not be seen but I'm hoping it will be stronger than how it was left after the original middle cross brace was removed as I plan to fit 2 more box sections from one side to other at front and rear of roof
Rear and left side to B pillar complete then onto the sections I wasn't looking forward to the roof structure between top of A & B pillars Only the one section available as spare the rest will have to be folded The roof gutter section is available from DAS resto and I folded the middle section with my very basic bender which is installed on one side I've managed to get a place to make the lower section after I gave them a template so hopefully will have 2 pieces next week so I can get the full left side completed
As Barry posted in your intro thread (in case you haven't seen it) There is a thread on here where @@rstucke does a cracking job of putting a square frame on the roof and getting rid of the bottom rust trap have a look here http://forums.kombiclub.com/threads/pop-top-conversion.57346/
Another good parts shop is Mick Motors - https://www.mickmotors.com.au/search_results.aspx?search=roof There is also Heritage Parts (just be sure to check freight as shipments come from UK but delivery is usually quick) - https://www.heritagepartscentre.com/au/volkswagen/type-2-bay/body-panels/roof-panels.html
The rust in that one looks pretty bad, your game to even tackle such a job, Most wouldn't, credit to you.
Hi @BrianT . Welcome to the Kombi Club. Thanks for the thread & pics. Owwww! You must be bold to take on that one but looks like you know what you're into. @rstucke thread worth a look. He's got a roll bar in the roof to fix the sopru resto tin opener approach. Keep posting pics as you go. What year model & month? I'm guessing after 12/76. Cheers
Had a few hours spare today in the workshop & managed to get another bit done just waiting on one more folded section and need to finish front section of gutter but the left side is slowly getting there For those who asked I got sidetracked at roof & forgot to check data stickers for manufacturer date will check tomorrow
Front left section of roof is complete just a little more rusty repair on inner over rear side window and it's onto the right hand side
David, There must be a flaw in that 1976 rust logic? This one slipped through. I might need to go check my month of manufacture again @BrianT - outstanding work.
Either flawed, or if the myth has any merit about the 76 being more rust resistant due to better quality materials................imagine how much more rust this bus would have if it was different year of production? Love the way @BrianT is going about the repairs - excellent stuff!
So I'm the 3rd owner and original owner had it under a tarp for 15--20 years the guy I bought it off only kept it for a few weeks as he decided it was too much work The rest of the Kombi is in really good condition rust wise just a few small bits but I think the poor sealing of the roof and being under a tarp probably made the rust in roof area a lot worse than it would usually be. When I got the roof off I was thinking it was beyond repair but have wanted a Kombi for as long as I can remember so decided to dive straight in and hope for the best
