JBugs - 1971 VW Super Beetle - Heater Channel Installation

[@trevcessna1723]

Best video describing removal and install on KZbin!! Your video series is excellent!! I think I might have added a brace diagonally in doorway but the “A” frame is really good! Thanks!

[@davidbumpus3457]

Good work guys. I wouldn't have thought to compare the measurements and use ratchet straps to make them match.

[@chaseroe2395]

My heater channels are contacting the jack point and not laying flat on the pans, looks like yours may have been doing the same. Did you have to make modifications to fix this issue?

[@Sam_Mebane]

It is common for the jack points to get bent up and contact the body (at the heater channel) which is why I don't typically install the jack points. If you aren't replacing your floor pans, you can pry and bend the jack support down and away from the body. Afterwards, don't use that jack point, as it is most likely just going to bend out of shape again.

[@chaseroe2395]

Thanks!

[@musicman1685]

Can’t get a soul here where i live to help with my heater channels.. any suggestions for S Central Pa.??

[@Sam_Mebane]

We're on the opposite end of the country so it's really hard to say. We always start by recommending finding a local VW club and going from there. Good luck!

[@SteveBlack-kj3pm]

Exelente

[@randyochoa1757]

What were the measurements on the door frames? A frame to end of door and top to bottom?

[@Sam_Mebane]

Front to back at the outer ledge the opening is 36 1/4". Top (at the roof, just above the headliner grippers) to the outer ledge is 40 7/8". Either way, before fully welding the seams, test fit the door and make sure the opening fits correctly and that the body lines and door gaps are lined up and even.

[@teamnumbskull2846]

You guys show sell or show a tutorial on how to make that tool you use to hold the body together

[@Sam_Mebane]

We do not offer either, short of what is shown in this video and here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/roPblWWda7KIn5I It was just some scrap pieces of steel, nothing particularly fancy.

[@beefsoda1]

How do we use the jbugs heater channel mounting kit?

[@Sam_Mebane]

If you're referring to these - www.jbugs.com/product/3359.html They are welded to J-tubes so that the heater channels have some support like they do with heater boxes - as we show here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6e5d3qJibWtncU

[@Justakidthatrantsisapimp]

Hey! Can 1965 fenders fit onto a 1970 bug?

[@Sam_Mebane]

Absolutely, just keep in mind that along with different lights, the cars also had different bumpers. So you’ll have to address that if you swap.

[@Justakidthatrantsisapimp]

@@Sam_Mebane Thanks! Do you know about a 74?

[@Sam_Mebane]

@@Justakidthatrantsisapimp I do, the bumpers on the 74 aren't really desirable. The holes in the fenders for the bumpers are large. The tail lights and the turn signals aren't usually what people want to use either, but the fenders of a 74 Standard Beetle will fit the 65. The front fenders won't fit IF the 74 is a Super Beetle.

[@firesquirrel646]

Another thing too is having the door on helps can’t always trust the opposite side. I get it works most cases. But why would you go threw all that welding without installing the old door, don’t recommend welding support bracket at door keep them inside. Great video but the average person doing this needs to check with door before complete welding

[@Sam_Mebane]

Absolutely, test fitting the door is always the best.

[@ciaramcsherry1513]

@Sal Spencer i cant even hang my door its that rusted :(

[@garypannone7755]

I am sure you know this. Your heater Channels do not line up. The two holes that bolt in at the Napoleon Hat are in the wrong place. These are your best heater channels. Why do you keep selling them like this? Why does the manufacturer not correct this? Why do you not warn your customers of this problem so they do not spend extra time screwing around trying to get things to line up. The Napoleons Hat is a major line up point.

[@Sam_Mebane]

They aren't ours and we do not have direct contact with the manufacturer. We sell them along with many other suppliers and while they aren't perfect they can be used. I installed and showed how this heater channel had to be modified not to highlight how great they are but to illustrate how they must be modified to work, like any and all sheet metal repair pieces.

[@garypannone7755]

I am not trying to be overly critical. Just wish I would have known and not had to spend the time figuring out where the problem was. Good thing I bolted everything up to the factory floor and found the problem before welding the channel in. Side #2 should go a lot quicker knowing where the problem may be. Thanks for the reply. Hopefully no hard feelings. Just hoping I could save someone else the time.@@Sam_Mebane