1965 VW Beetle Restoration - Metal Work A-Pillar

[@paulbaker3632]

best vidio so far it shows when things dont co right firdt time !

[@dwainedhotmandevilliers2128]

As someone who has done VW beetle restoration, I made a template with door hinges which I bolted in place before welding the pieces back in and that made sure the door fitted, good job you learning as I did along the way!

[@serranoalb]

Wow!! Good idea!!

[@mancaveproductions00]

Yes, that's a great idea..

[@Vavelor]

Man your videos are literally treasure. Visualisation of the process makes a huge difference when one's going for such an endeavour! Thank you for the knowledge man!

[@CTmoog]

Thanks man! I try to capture as much as possible. I hope it helps! =)

[@Vavelor]

@@CTmoog It does, looking forward to seeing your bug complete!

[@type2ryder417]

Hate to be an armchair coach so I appoligize for doing it. Before taking anything apart put your bracing in the interior to stabilize the body and leave it in place until all work is done. Any work around doors do it with the door in place, thats what you did on the drivers side. When parts are tacked in then remove the door. Excellent frame of mind CT you are moving ahead in leaps and bounds. Cheers.

[@housepumpinpc3983]

That's what I thought as well. I can't lie CT is really doing well for a beginner. Definitely better than me.

[@novavolks9652]

What type of welding do you recommend? MIG or TIG

[@jimsmitn7569]

It’s armchair quarterback. But..just an observation. Carry on😆

[@type2ryder417]

@@novavolks9652 I use gas for pannels and mig for structural. Have not tried tig yet. I like gas for cut and but because it leaves the metal pliable, tig should as well.

[@type2ryder417]

@@jimsmitn7569 Never did play football, in our day girls didn't so glad times have changed.

[@buggarden6813]

This video gives me hope. I have 6 beetles. I used to think 2 were beyond repair. This was enjoyable, thank you.

[@jeremyduree8749]

Really enjoy this rebuild series I have been scared to buy a bug with rust but watch you I believe I can do it your not rhe only one learning from your mistakes

[@django1364]

always remember to measure twice and cut once, a next thing when you offer up the doors make sure the car is sitting on its own weight and not being jacked up that will throw the measurements off when you cut and paste...love the channel keep it up.

[@jimdandy2275]

^^^^ This. Measure, measure, measure and make notes. And use a straight edge where you can on flat surfaces such as the vertical hinge panel to keep the panels straight. True, you do not jack up a corner of the car to help aligning and welding in panels. It needs to be sitting level on all fours to get an accurate fit with the body shell at rest. Welding in the hinge panel on the left side with the floor jacked up most likely lead to the door being too low once the jack was removed. Just helpful tips here.

[@NwoRun]

Good Job Fixing the problem!

[@mikelove9832]

Just like Life ! If its not working ! Fix it ! You said you took your time and look at the first door ! Thats what happens when you get old you take your time ! Thanks CT Straight Ahead ! ✌😎

[@caseyspirit9385]

Great job on pushing through and adapting to the situation of the metal work! Love seeing u dig in and get it done. Can’t wait to see the Porsche get done as well. Enjoy your thanksgiving!

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

For all the amount of metal work you’ve done, I think you’re doing great! I’m amazed how the doors seems to close well, and that’s without even finishing the whole metal work on the back portion of the car!👌😎👍

[@johanlemmens528]

Learning more each episode I watch

[@ericlunn5323]

I admire your patience.

[@fredsons]

CT, what I find interesting about your channel is that it’s not an “instruction”. But rather an “adventure”. Would hardly be the same if you were an expert. You pay the rent, buy the cars, the tools and share the struggle! I look forward to many more rough rides….

[@SkaterStimm]

Yep, it is nice to see other DIY people figuring things out and making mistakes (and fixing them). CT is very humble.

[@pedrokd5439]

Have now watched every episode up to this one. I greatly admire your steady progress. Speach is clear and concise, just at the right speed.🎉 i recently compleated my restoration of a Morris minor convertible, and I had the same problems that you are finding. It's an enormous learning curve, and it took 2 years. Did part-time courses at the local tec, to learn techniques, well worth the time spent. 🎉🎉🎉 i had to buy very thin shims to get door adjustments, correct.

[@tomdale1313]

"TEXAS", you getting some time /hands on experience but keep it real you got less than 40 hours welding...fearless keeps welding...tanks for sharing

[@CTmoog]

Thank you! =)

[@nicklomas1044]

love the way you have grown with time,great work

[@michaelcaradonna9347]

It takes a team to do it right. We are all in this together. I have been working on a type 181 for almost eight years so close. With very little help. Go for it CT ! Learn as we all do.

[@elaineferreira2980]

I really like watching your videos. you are very persistent. is doing a great job. congratulations

[@ericcainer7755]

Well done CT excellent recovery. Looking forward to more Videos. One can tell by the sounds from the doors closing the project sounds VW.

[@stevewoodw]

Great to see again. I'd be tempted to repair the base of the original door for the better fit. Good luck with it whatever you do!

[@greened57]

The best part of doing restoration is learning how to do it. It’s difficult. That’s why we do it To conquer the challenges. Well done CT !

[@CTmoog]

Thanks Ed! =)

[@vanrebel9605]

Repairing the original door is another challenge. But in my opinion it would be right decision Great work man, keep it up!

[@CTmoog]

Thanks Van!

[@rustybum2]

I have to say CT that looking back to when I first started looking at your videos, the 1962 VW van (Rusty?),you have made SUPERB progress and your skill now is beyond what most DIY car owners possess. Well done young feller, thanks for sharing and best regards from Ireland.

[@sergioreyes5678]

Messing up is part of the learning process. I am working on installing a fuel level sender and fuel gauge in my '59 bug and I ruined the 1st tank. I drilled the hole in the shallow part of the tank and now the sender doesn't fit. I'm not sour about it but it was all due to doing things the lazy way. Oh well. I'm already on my second tank. Waiting for the self drilling screws. Best of luck. I love these videos.

[@CTmoog]

Thank you! =)

[@lucienmoschinger4196]

😂 From Svizerland 🇨🇭 you are a welding artist, well don, i have enjoi the chassis monting becose i never see, you also well don this, thanks

[@deanedgar3022]

We all have fun days like this. Watch out with rear quarter panel patch i had trouble fitting up the running boards. But we all live and learn. Nothing ventured nothing gained. Measure twice cut once. Enjoying watching your chanel Thanks.

[@Charris4358]

I watch so much car content on KZbin where the only issues that rise up seem to be manufactured. I could feel your frustration after fitting the door the second time and still not being successful. Like most of us even remotely brave enough to try this as amatures would. You are way better than me but you give me hope that my skills will eventually get me to where I need to be.

[@Volkswagen01]

Greatly admire your work and persistence. This is my favourite vehicle project on YT.

[@CTmoog]

Thank you very much! =)

[@housepumpinpc3983]

Wow... you live and learn. I've jacked that up ONCE. Then I got someone smarter than me to do it. Good work trying to fix your mistake.

[@terrybotts2109]

Looking great brother.

[@DanTheManIOM]

wow, maybe this is why my 62 fought me, I had a different p side door, damn.... I feel this helps me be better prepared when I get to my 65.

[@markandrews7043]

Well done for your persistence, I suppose that is what real life is about. We are faced with so many challenges in life. But we need to be persistent and not to give up. Life is not easy but we need to make it work.......

[@vwcoco]

Keep going CT you got this !!

[@alleyoop4465]

I like it when somebody is willing to show the mistakes right in the video because that's exactly what I'd be up against if it were me. Would have been so easy to cut to a polished repair and keep moving like crap like that don't happen.

[@billhouchens7439]

I’m really worried, REALLY worried, that you’re going to think that A pillar is good to go. My friend, it is not. That is a structural connection, and the critical interface is a series of butt-welds that can’t be sound enough to keep the car together. Someone else has mentioned using stiffeners. Doublers, stiffeners, back-side patches…whatever you call it, it needs to be used to ensure your Bug will hold together. Please weld in additional plates to make that A pillar stronger than original.

[@CTmoog]

That's a great idea Bill. I will do that today.

[@billhouchens7439]

@@CTmoog thank you!!! I really enjoy watching you learn as you go! I was truly worried, though, that you’d made a decision that might’ve put your butt in danger my friend. Can I also suggest you gets some 20 or 30 thousandths skin and practice your butt welds. Please keep in mind that just because you can buttweld skins together, you can’t necessarily return a patched area to the rigidity and strength of the original formed, solid areas like the A pillar foot on the tunnel. Stay patient, my friend!

[@TantoVa]

This is the best comment ever. I don't know anything about restoration, but when I saw that the welds (in one case two slightly separated) on the structural post without any reinforcement I thought that I don't buy or drive this car... :9 I said it with a better vibe ;), bro !!!!

[@georgeclements2742]

Admire the work that you're doing, but this comment is dead right. The A Post is a vital structural component in the event of a collision and any reduction in its integrity could make the difference between surviving or not.

[@marcelobraz4259]

Congrats for sharing with us candid learning process. If I were there, I’d suggest: keep a welded bar holding body wide near B column; use the jack to hold/lift the door to screw/adjust; use vise grips holding new insert to car, chek exact position several times and cut simultaneously new and old part in a single cut. Remove excess and weld definitive and precisely at the single cut. Advising is easy…make it happen is for the heroes! Best regards from Brazil.

[@surindersandhi3924]

Hi My Dear Friend Very Very Good Job ❤❤❤❤❤

[@bvalt1]

I hate it when I try to put the horse before the cart, drives me nuts, and all because I was thinking 4 steps ahead before making sure what I was doing was right. But that's how you learn, by making your own mistakes the having to fix them. Nice job in the end you got where it was supposed to be, and that's all that counts!!

[@georgelewis8904]

Thanks for your video, as I have seen other sites that are perfect, not realistic, would rather watch the mistakes, the process, and still getting job done we all. make mistakes.

[@CTmoog]

Thanks George!

[@vayabroder729]

This is fantastic, sir! You are turning into an expert right before our very eyes. You are taking the time to measure and are doing excellent work. The content of your videos has improved EXPONENTIALLY since you started really getting into it. You have a great attitude that will prove invaluable and you’ll gain the confidence to tackle more and more complex projects. Re the alignment of the passenger door; remember you are still missing the metal panel inside the wheel well that will reinforce the area.

[@usaeatt2]

I would have dropped at least one screw into the a-pillar! Use pieces of the donor door to patch up the bottom of the original door and keep that awesome patina! Great watching as always! Keep up the good work and attitude!

[@mikeg8828]

My vote is repair the OG door and keep most of the patina, they sell lower outer door skin and the inner structural piece as well.

[@CTmoog]

Thanks Mike! I might do that.

[@ineverhadthemoney7857]

nothing better then a nice new paint job on a old Beetle to look sweet , new paint

[@jimpuff8409]

It’s looking good 😊👍

[@cpaleolo]

Mate. You are inspiring me to start my 57 build … love your patience and how you recovered ..

[@CTmoog]

Thanks Chris! You can do it! =)

[@cpaleolo]

@@CTmoog love to chat with you one day. I’m setting up my garage at home now. I’ll send you a couple of photos of what I’m starting with.

[@mancaveproductions00]

Mistakes are when you actually learn something, I always get worried when stuff goes to well..live real.

[@henryliraepinoza2691]

Le está quedando biensísimo su RECONSTRUCCIÓN DE SU AÑORADO "VOCHO" SE NOTA QUE LO ESTÁ HACIENDO CON EMPEÑO, MUCHO SACRIFICIO Y SOBRE TODO CON AMOR ¡BUENA SUERTE

[@agee8322]

Good video! Good on you for showing your journey on this - "metal is clay" add to that "measure twice, cut once" ;-) Keep your original doors and fix them up - you have the skills, you can do it 🤜

[@tomasgilhernandez]

friend now if this side gave you a lot of work, I think it is better to repair the lower part of that door, and so this project continues with most of its original parts, dude, you have already come a long way with this project and you are excellently very advance, have a little faith in how you are doing it, and don't let rust win you over. big hug from the southeast of Mexico. Blessings.

[@andycecil5213]

Great work just keep moving forward you will get there eventually

[@thermalreboot]

Many people like to talk about the 1967 as a one year car, but nearly every year of Beetle was a one year car. VW made incremental improvements of the Beetle every year, some years the differences are obvious like the 1967 some years are more subtle, then you have the half year improvements, where they added a feature for 1965 near the end of the 1964 model run. So, that door could be a 65, or not depending whether VW was introducing an improvement.

[@CTmoog]

Good point!

[@GeeenJ]

ct when you do those repairs use part of the old pillar to sleeve inside trim the edges till it slides inside then tack weld it to hold it it will make it a stronger repair rather than butt weld as they tend to crack in areas like that under stress because you had nothing attached to the heater channel it allowed it to move up on you first attempt

[@study650]

Good job and good video.

[@luiscmedeiros]

Tenho um VW 74. Gostaria de ter sua coragem de colocar a mão na massa como o senhor. Admiro sua persistência para fazer este trabalho só e ainda nos proporcionar este aprendizado e divertimento. Parabéns e obrigado.

[@digolider]

Parabens Muito bom, gosto muito de acompanhar a Restauraçao do Fusca (Beetle).👏👏

[@adambassador7727]

Way to persevere! Maybe trying to fix the rusted-out original door is worth pondering? I don't know, just a thought.

[@CTmoog]

Thank you! Yes, I'm going to try and save the original door.

[@saadghunaimat2161]

Finally you got a good results

[@dickdegraaff5452]

Hi Ct, As always you know how to fix the metal parts of a rusty car. Wish you lots of success with the rest of the 1965 VW Beetle

[@CTmoog]

Thanks buddy! =)

[@CJLeTeff]

Amazing work! I could only wish that I could do such an awesome job! 👍👍🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🤘🏻🤘🏻 Thanks for showing your mistakes as well and not editing them out.

[@CTmoog]

Thank you so much 😀

[@richardbriansmith8562]

Awesome Video CT

[@leonardo57]

Maybe replce the botten of the door from the new one

[@monkynuts1261]

I did exactly the same thing and forgot to put the door on but luckily it fit

[@antoniorivera6187]

Nice job I see that this side was a bit more difficult take your time buddy it will come out good 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@halvardollikainen3999]

Wow! I appreciate to watch your efforts. 😅😊

[@dave4803]

Why don't you cut the good part off the new door and stitch it to the bottom of the original door like a repair panel? You would have the same good fit and most of the patina that way.

[@maryroberts651]

The old saying, "measure twice and cut once" comes to mind.

[@samgarcia5284]

Excellent Job! CJ

[@CTmoog]

Thanks Sam!

[@zetor2K]

In my opinion, it would be nice to have the original passenger door in place. It is a hard task to save it, but the original rusted paint would give it an excellent look and feel, and this door is the original. Every beetle likes its original parts. :) And after the restoration of the body there would not have to paint.

[@Esther-ff7zk]

Ffggcc

[@lennym1636]

You need to remove those welds at the bottom of the post and move it to the back of the car, that way it will lift the back of the door...

[@Mr.-Wint]

One should think that messuring the correct distance between the A and B post would be the first thing to figure out..

[@lennym1636]

@@Mr.-Wint But most don't lol.

[@vajasdilazlo2644]

Nagyon jó vagy barátom!

[@vollkrassmann858]

Congrats: All the sh't happens - und CT is staying in rather fine mood. My own patience would not be enough for such incidents 😭... Keep welding and have a good success and make the whole project perfect sooner or later

[@CTmoog]

Thanks may friend! =)

[@vayabroder729]

It’s a great attitude and he’s doing a beautiful job. He’s turning into an expert right before our eyes and it’s a great thing to see.

[@renefabiancostillaarellano781]

Excelentes videos ,pero ojalá hubiera más avance ,,saludos desde Monterrey,México , excelente trabajo

[@amcargltd9784]

This one was a doozy. Keep up the good work!! 👍

[@aleister4778]

i love these metal work !

[@ArvelioAP23]

I'm watching this for the first time!!

[@erwinjansen2885]

That was a tough one to deal with!

[@Mikefngarage]

I think you will need to cut the bottom of the a pillar back off and put a jack under the door then tack it in the a pillar is just a little too far forward to the front of the car.

[@petewilliams5517]

Mate I told you when you did other side use your trolly jack to hold your door up instead of struggling to hold door and try to fit a screw its not hard work smart not hard you will get it and try practicing on your bench to tack two peices of metal play with setting wire speed and heat you will get there great video 👍👍

[@cyrilstrain2387]

So long as you are learning good luck

[@goodtimefolkrock]

Somebody's having a bad day....somedays ya just gotta take a break and have a few 🍻

[@Mikefngarage]

Sometimes it just does not go easy.

[@PapiDoesIt]

One thing I absolutely hate is aligning doors! It's so frustrating.

[@CTmoog]

oh man...it's no fun... =)

[@greened57]

By putting the jack under where you were cutting out the rusted pieces you lost 1/2” or more under the pillar

[@robertnauss4815]

Keep on keeping on son learning by mistakes...

[@RESTORATIONRESCUE]

I would save the door. It wouldn't take to much and with how well you are doing it will not be really tough for you.

[@snowdogs59]

If it was me I’d stick with the original door and repair it the best you can. That patina is amazing and it looks so much better. You can’t recreate that.

[@CTmoog]

I agree! =) Thanks 👍

[@glennreach6930]

Years ago I had a boss that told me "If you're not making mistakes, you're not working hard enough!" Darned if he wasn't right. LOL

[@adonf75]

Good job 😉

[@robertjean659]

Taking the brace out at the start maybe not a good idea. Measure many times cut once. You should use clamps and a straight edge to make sure everything is square. 🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@ShawnSmith-uy3zr]

Great job 👍👍👍👍

[@guzmangil5476]

At that point another new part would have been the best. Putting the whole door, shimming it and tack pointing the part, somehow, somewhere. You could even brace the new part to whatever accesible and weldable section of the body. But as you said, it's a learning process. Hard to be in your shoes.

[@dave4059]

CT...you should really finish welding in fully all the other bits that you have tacked in before moving along to the other side..there can't be much strength in that shell to be fair...Slow down a bit but keep going mate..👍

[@CTmoog]

Thanks Dave! I'm doing that today. =)

[@dave4059]

@@CTmoog Good man,took me 25 year to get to where I'm at and I'm still learning...Next project for me is a 73 VW 412 Variant Wagon..👍

[@djohh3057]

Fella, make your life easier - go and buy some magnets, it makes positioning much, much easier and saves roasting your fingers.

[@MichaelWilliams-vy7gt]

Goog job my youth

[@lindley345]

They do sell replacement panels for the bottom of the doors. Like the whole section, so maybe it's worth a shot to try and fix them.

[@ricardobarbosa5322]

Que legal amigo parabens adorei o trabalho. tenho um fuscao 79 prescisando de uma boa reforma no assoalho e na porta,.sucesso

[@markjennings8380]

Weld the original door back together it fits way better than when you bought

[@philipsdefreville6138]

Can you somehow repair and use the original door. That original patina?

[@CTmoog]

I think we can! I will keep you updated.

[@matthewharrison9112]

You should of removed the brace and placed it higher between the middle pillar and the door pillar otherwise your geometry 📐 will be out. (So you’ve gathered) 😂 Also whenever you are replacing a rusty part. Place the new panel over the top using vice grips or clamps then cut once. You’ll then have the perfect cut for the replacement panel. The door pillar is a structural area so you should use a piece of the old panel behind the new and old to bond them together thus making that area stronger. I hope you listen to everybody’s advice and continue to make this build great 👍🏻