To Replace Heater Channels or NOT to Replace? - That is the Classic VW BuGs Question

Hey Volks,
Just a short video showing 1964 VW Bug project we are working on, the client wants to know if we should replace the heater channels or not. This VW Beetle is gutted down, so I can show you where problem areas are on the channel, and to see if it is worth changing the channel or not based on the severity of the rust.
Here is a BLOW OUT of the sheet metal parts you can buy to patch your channels, or just buy the whole thing. www.wolfsburgw...
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#VWheaterchannels #heaterchannelreplacement #VWrockers #vwbeetlerockers #classicvwbugs #classicvwbeetle

[@classicvwbugs]

Hey Volks, Just a short video showing 1964 VW Bug project we are working on, the client wants to know if we should replace the heater channels or not. This VW Beetle is gutted down, so I can show you where problem areas are on the channel, and to see if it is worth changing the channel or not based on the severity of the rust. Here is a BLOW OUT of the sheet metal parts you can buy to patch your channels, or just buy the whole thing. www.wolfsburgwest.com/wolfsburg_new/body_sheet_metal/bug_sheet_metal/bug_body_sheet_metal.cfm?type=1

[@dubworldvwadventures]

Thanks for sharing. I always try to buy VWs with great heater channels because of the issues you mentioned.

[@classicvwbugs]

excellent!

[@nomadadventures5267]

The condition of the heater channels in my '66 sedan are very similar to this. Looking into it, I wasn't thrilled by the thinner, cheaper quality metal and the high price of entire channel replacements. For the most part, the channels are strong, only the rear outward facing sides are spent. Considering patching it up with that piece you mentioned rather than an entire replacement.

[@johnwerner7194]

Just really like your straight up videos Chris.

[@classicvwbugs]

Hey thanks man.

[@steveafanador6441]

I would do it myself if I had too. Watch some KZbin videos and give it a try. That's how I learned

[@seanthebaptist4030]

Currently restoring a 66 Beetle. The only place with on my heater channels was the bottom on the driver side, but I chose just to replace both since I was doing a body off resto and didn’t want to risk em rusting out years down the road. On top of that since I live in a hot area (Texas) I’m just not gonna connect em to the engine so I’m not to worried about the new ones starting to rusting especially since the car will be garage kept from here on out.

[@JohnSmith-ot4ww]

Good info Chris. Some day could you cover how to repair/replace the pan to body nut plate IN the heater channels? Have one with a snapped bolt, will drill that one and another that's broken loose in the channel. Thanks for taking the time to produce these vid, much appreciated!

[@douglasbarnhart3324]

Thanks for the video Chris.

[@geofferyc4080]

😊👍🏾 straight to the point👍🏾

[@johnmartin5153]

Very cool ! Thanks Chris

[@backyardkombi5466]

Thanks Chris.

[@classicvwbugs]

Thank you for watching!

[@bluebug66]

Bug Me Videos has a great video on heater channel replacement in case anyone wants to tackle the job. Do it wrong and the car will never fit back together correctly. Same way with the frame head (Napoleon's Hat). Takes skill and careful measurements.

[@classicvwbugs]

excellent "how to" I learned from those DVDs.

[@jimstewart6145]

nice job.

[@dog01b52]

How about replacing the duct from the heater channel to the window defroster opening. It looks like that is a paper material and would be hard to connect to the heater channel at the floor.

[@jnwhrt13]

Great video , my 64 beetle needs them - what’s an average for full both side replacement - I know this is a tough question , average just heater channels

[@ubacow7109]

What actually is the purpose of heater channels and what causes the rust? Werent they only used to heat up the interior of the car on a winter day using engine heat?

[@classicvwbugs]

Structural support as well for the bug. Condensation would build up in them and start the rusting, plus if you lived in an area that used salt on the roads during winter, this over time ate away the channels.

[@ubacow7109]

@@classicvwbugs Did they also vent some portion of engine fumes into the cabin?

[@classicvwbugs]

@@ubacow7109 technically no it wasn't supposed to, but if things like fresh air hoses and seals not installed right or were corroded, then yeah you could get a whiff for sure.

[@mondospeedy3089]

Can you do a new video on the cost of this kind of fix? And a update on restoring a bug, the first time I asked, you said the average was $25k some years later, you said it was about $65K what is it now?

[@gregkarlstrum6970]

$85K

[@classicvwbugs]

Cool, I will chat about it n another video for sure, maybe a drive in a bug, my next VLOG!

[@robertsupriano1969]

Sorry for the total novice question but in this case if the heater channels are good, you would just cut and weld floor pans without new channels?

[@internetkilledthevideostar]

Chris…I have a ‘68 (I know, I know), with a pretty cool back story, and in what appears to be in REALLY good shape. After sitting in climate controlled areas and not being driven much, between the previous owner and I, she could use a good look through/some replacement fuel systems parts, etc. There’s WAY more to this story, but I’d rather call/email you about it. What’s the best contact(s) for you/your team?

[@anangelshero0410]

So on a scale of 1 to 10 how would you rate the structure of this car? I ask because when we get to this point in our restoration project I'd like to have a reference.

[@classicvwbugs]

Its probably like mid range, I won't know ultimately till it is blasted.

[@Kikinahm]

Glad my heater channels aren't krap!😂

[@Jake-ix1od]

Mix it it up! Do a fiat 500