VW Bug Frame Head Repair - SICKXTY - Volksrod - Baja / Franken Beetle Build 34

[@zimms-world]

Thanks for kicking it in high gear and providing motivation for everyone to work on their projects

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank you for being here and helping keep me motivated!!

[@atomicmellon1712]

Got to love the freedom that comes when you decide it doesn't have to look or be stock/factory/correct. Limitless possibilities! The mods you made turned out great! Keep the push going!

[@VWJawbreaker]

Yea sir, I couldn’t agree more! So many people are so worried about it looking like factory but some of us that’s not really an option.

[@DuckmanCycles]

On the side of the tunnel, the flange where the pans sits, that section that you cut out there, it looks to be about 16 inches long, I've cut that out and weeded in angle iron and trimmed it to length on the Thing pan I did some years ago. Came out good. Just another method.

[@VWJawbreaker]

I considered that but ended up bending some plate to make the repairs…. It’s all the same really.

[@DuckmanCycles]

@@VWJawbreaker Well, sorta! 😀

[@eduardorodriguez3262]

You're welcome for our support and sticking around and Thank you for taking us on the journey👍 That's one killer frame head

[@VWJawbreaker]

I sure think it’ll be strong enough to do what I need it to do!

[@SladesVWBeetle]

Very well done and strong! There never will be a worry about strength with that! Keep up the good work

[@VWJawbreaker]

You know me, overdue it’s and not worry about it! I still won’t beat on it too hard, I want to enjoy it for a long while.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

@@VWJawbreaker Always better to overdue it! I knew you would make it strong!

[@edwardmartinez9477]

Thank you so much for your extremely informative videos. I plan on raising my frame head a few inches on my bug and you showing all the inner details really helps me out.

[@VWJawbreaker]

I’m glad the video was able to help you out

[@jimlester5003]

Good morning Gary. Looks like you are getting a dose of New England weather this winter. Everything is looking good and solid. Sounds like your energy is back. Great video. Can't wait to see the videos along the build trip. Enjoy! Jim

[@VWJawbreaker]

Good morning Jim! Weather has been all over the place, upper 80’s close to 90 for almost 4 days now. I’m not ready for that heat lol Energy is mostly back, still have some days once in a while but that’s just life and getting older I guess. Appreciate you always being here my friend. Hope you have a great rest of the day!

[@martinharris5017]

Frame head gets my nod of approval. With that extension you're adding for the beam it makes sense to strengthen the supporting material. This should stand up to some off-road antics!

[@VWJawbreaker]

Great minds think alike once again! With the beam extension I feel this will be plenty strong to hold up to some abuse here and there. Nothing radical though as I won’t beat it too hard off road…. Too much time and money has gone into this damn thing lol

[@ChipsAndSparksGarage]

I really like the way you repaired the frame head, Gary. You’re sure getting some good welding practice!👍

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank you sir, I appreciate that! One more thing checked off of the task list.

[@percarlson927]

I have a 70' Dune buggy on a 1959 pan, thank your for the perfect view in the beginning of your video, it shows exactly where my frame is bend. I was going to cut is off and re-weld a new frame part on to it, but now I see that I have to find another way around it. It is almost bend so that is looks factory made, but now is see it's not. new approach needed now. Thanks again for your video and the motivation to get me going again.

[@VWJawbreaker]

I’m glad the video was able to help you out with your issue. Cutting off the frame head and welding a new one on is an option and depending on how bad yours is, it may be the way to go. Lots of measurements are needed, possibly even making a jig to help ensure the new one goes on straight. Keep us posted on your progress!

[@flat4ification]

Hi VWJ, Mike here again. I like what you've done so far and considering what you're working with it's probably worth an award based on that alone. Sometimes it's about using what you've got to get what you want. I don't think you mentioned it but I saw the way you did some rust prevention on the inside there. That was good to see. I was going to ask in an earlier video if you had plans to do that but didn't want to be 'that guy'. I enjoyed the class (Overkill 101). I do that all the time with any project. The ramp I made for my son's $1300 Losi RC car is basically indestructible. It had to be because of who it was for and not because of its intended use. He likes to test limits. By the way, I have made some progress on '70 sedan. Nothing visual just some major decisions. I had my hot rod consultant come over and he gave me some much needed help and advice. I have made some major decisions because of it as well. For me, those decisions are huge milestones. I don't want to go the wrong way and end up regretting. I don't want to just settle for something either. Anyway, just thought I'd drop a line. Take ease! I'd like to make one-line comments. I never have done it, but I'd like to!

[@VWJawbreaker]

Hey Mike. I enjoy your comments, regardless of the length! I am trying to use what’s at hand for the most part but that doesn’t always work when you’re dealing with something that needs so much work. I feel the frame head will be strong enough for what I’m wanting out of the car. I’m glad you were able to make some decisions, that’s a huge accomplishment really. Now you’re able to take that vision and get a game plan together so you can move forward. Happy for you!

[@LAGuitarnetwork]

Wow I just binged these videos from the beginning and subscribed - awesome job.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank you for being here! Lots more to go!

[@richpeacock5768]

Good job Gary. Looks good and strong, I would jump it when it's done with confidence😁

[@VWJawbreaker]

So much work has gone into this, I’m not sure I want to beat on it too hard when it’s done lol

[@whitebeardadventures9208]

Gary, I am truly jealous of the plasma cutter, another good video...Dave

[@VWJawbreaker]

It’s a cheap Amazon special that usually works ok lol Thank you sir, should be strong enough for what I need.

[@robertlambert5299]

Gary. Please make sure the inside of the clutch tube is clean. If it’s rusty it will destroy the cable after some use. ALSO please cut the tunnel open on the right side in 2 or 3 places to Re-weld the support tabs that hold the clutch tube. They break loose, tube rises making it longer, making the cable longer and creating a problem adjusting the clutch cable. Check the samba for pics on where to exactly cut the access holes. Hard to explain where. Obviously one is at the front right side. The tube is welded to a plate in there. Ol well crap!!!!Guess I should have waited til the end of the vid. Hahaha. BUT I would have still do it anyway.

[@VWJawbreaker]

I appreciate you looking out for me and taking the time to type that all out. It sure is nice having us all look out for one another instead of the way most people tear one another now days. I didn’t do it on video but I ran some cleaner and the old clutch cable through the tube and it was pretty clean. I did forget to do the throttle tube though, that’ll happen soon! Thank you again and I hope you have a wonderful day.

[@robertlambert5299]

@@VWJawbreaker no problem. Been there with the tube problems. You can also run a small wire through the tubes and attach the appropriate size rope to the end and pull it through with some cleaner in the tube to help clean them out. Just recently did a bus and you wouldn’t believe the nasty inside.

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@robertlambert5299 I’ll probably do the clutch tube a win but I’ll definitely do that in the throttle tube!

[@royworks28]

Man good solid repairs, looks much stronger than stock.nice work.

[@VWJawbreaker]

I hope it’s stronger than stick anyway lol Thank you sir.

[@HubertusSchaper]

Hi, Garry here you did some nice work so it looks very stable and solid👍🏻 keep up the good work🍀.Greetings.Hubertus.🇳🇴

[@VWJawbreaker]

Hi Hubertus, I fell it’ll be strong enough to do what I need it to. Thanks so much and hope you’re doing well.

[@HubertusSchaper]

@@VWJawbreaker Thanks Garry I`m doing well.

[@douglasbarnhart3324]

Looks great Gary thanks for the video. See ya on the next one.😁😁

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank you sir and thanks for always being here!

[@DuckmanCycles]

The same weather up here, but not quite that warm.

[@VWJawbreaker]

I’d love for the cool weather to return… it’s hot as crap this week!

[@DuckmanCycles]

@@VWJawbreaker yeah it's cool here today, but sticky... a sign of things to come lol

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@DuckmanCycles man it’s like 900 degrees here 😞

[@matthewchilders5263]

Love it! Any progress is great progress!

[@VWJawbreaker]

Yes sir! Next week is floor pans!!

[@vayabroder729]

Welds are looking good and strong; this one is coming along great! Floorpans next!!

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank you for that! And yes, floor pans next!!

[@TimsWorkshopTJY]

Hi Gary, The sound-a-like Napoleon Dynomight music is different for sure. haha. The welding is really coming along. floor pans will be cool

[@VWJawbreaker]

I’m trying to find music that fits but it’s such a struggle for me. We’re pushing right along, next week we’re doing floor pans.

[@mikehammer4546]

Looking good Gary 👍👍, I’m thinking U-Pol Raper liner for the pan.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank you sir! I was thinking about it but everything is so expensive…. I came up with a different solution, video soon!!

[@jimmywilkinson9190]

Gary ! Here in Corpus yesterday it was 89 degrees and a little south 98 . It is still Feb.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Well, this video was recorded a few weeks back…. It was 87 here today and I’m wishing for that cooler weather once again lol

[@a080867]

Great job. Makes me want to go to the shop, and work on my 65. But man, it’s cold in KY.

[@VWJawbreaker]

I think it’ll be plenty solid for what I’m doing. Get out there and work, put a jacket on!

[@deanrobinson3717]

Nice one Gary, coming on a treat now,

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank you sir, I’m pushing hard to get this going!!

[@deanrobinson3717]

@@VWJawbreaker great job with the pans in as well, won’t be too long and you will have the body back on then

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@deanrobinson3717 sure hoping so, have a few things left to do before the body work will be done but this change of pace sure is helping me get motivated again.

[@kevinhamling1963]

Hey man, She's looking gooood you'll be driven her to work next week. 😁. Seriously I like. One thing weld the top side of the frame head where you stiched it because all sorts of crap will take up residence in their. Anyhoo keep plugin. ✌🏻 Peace.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Man I sure wish I could be driving it next week! Definitely pushing hard to get it done and making serious progress! Hope all is well with you my friend!

[@backyardkombi5466]

Great Gary Wednesdays should come twice a week.

[@VWJawbreaker]

I can only deal with one Wednesday per week lol

[@Paulman50]

Looks stronger than standard, good ideas.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Well I hope so at least lol

[@DuckmanCycles]

If I had to do that much work to the frame head I might have considered raising it... maybe my next poo poo pan. Always wanted to! 😁👍🏻

[@VWJawbreaker]

I thought about that honestly but with the swing axle rear I’m limited on how high I can make it without getting too crazy. It’ll level off nicely the way it is.

[@DuckmanCycles]

@@VWJawbreaker Not really limited! You can raise the engine and transmission, too! Especially for the kind of build you're putting together here, wouldn't recommend that for something full-bodied, though. Even on a full-body sometimes people can raise them about an inch and a half and things still fit OK.

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@DuckmanCycles true but it’s a bit late for that now lol

[@DuckmanCycles]

@@VWJawbreaker There's always room for Jello! All you need is the right transmission mounts and you're gold, no mods needed! :)

[@VWBEETLEOVAL1955]

that will be a tough chassis to bend at the head. will you do a Sahara trip? man that's solid now. well done and looking forward to the next video. keep them coming.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank you sir, I appreciate that. It should be plenty strong for anything that I’d want to do.

[@juniorclassicvwbugs924]

Nice DIY repair, I have to do the same with Frankenstein head

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank you, I appreciate it. To be honest, I would have rather replaced the frame head if I could have found one in stock.

[@juniorclassicvwbugs924]

Sometimes you got to do what you have got to do with whatever supplies we can find. I still think you did good

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@juniorclassicvwbugs924 very true! appreciate it 🤙

[@VWRICH23]

MAKING AWESOME PROGRESS !!

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thanks man!!

[@DuckmanCycles]

Too bad you weren't down here, I had one of them bottom plates I would have given you!

[@DuckmanCycles]

But it wouldn't have been as fun of a video without you making one from scratch! 😁👍🏻

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thanks buddy but it was fun to make this one and get it on there.

[@daveayres950]

Good clean work there top man

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank you sir, I’m pretty pleased with how it turned out.

[@williamtanner1372]

Very solid indeed! Are you thinking about putting in carpet in a baja?

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank ya sir! Not sure what I’m doing for the interior just yet besides front seats.

[@sohailkhan-vh2fc]

Good job,

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thanks!

[@vintage76vipergreenBeetle]

Looks good.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank ya sir. I feel it’ll be strong enough and I won’t have to worry about running external bracing.

[@nicklietz4743]

Have you ever swapped a ball joint beam for a link pin beam? I installed a link pin beam using a adapter and im looking for ideas on how to hook steering up, any info would help

[@VWJawbreaker]

I wasn’t aware there’s an adapter to put a link beam on a ball joint front end. Steering should be the same between the two, utilizing the stock steering box from the link pin beam.

[@nicklietz4743]

What i ran into is by installing the saco adapter it pushed the beam forward like 2 inches and im unable to hook passenger tierod to pitman arm. Driver side is fine due to no hump from the beetle frame. Its looking like ill have to do some notching in order to get the steering hooked up. Thank you for your response

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@nicklietz4743 not being familiar with the adapter, what you’re describing makes sense. Other option would be to install a rack and pinion for steering.

[@nicklietz4743]

@@VWJawbreaker that was my second idea

[@TalonsKrafts]

Look at you showing off some video editing special FX! Did you get that Mac you wanted?

[@VWJawbreaker]

I sure did, taking quite a while to get use to not using such basic editing software lol

[@TalonsKrafts]

@@VWJawbreaker the change shows and the special touches you’re making really pop! Keep up the great work!

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@TalonsKrafts thank you! I’m glad someone is noticing 😂👍

[@duane4516]

love the channel and love that you list other vdub tubers. check out Demop garage, a great channel on the other side of the world doing just what you're doing resurrecting old vdubs

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank you, I try to list others as well that are good to follow. I just found Demop recently, seems like a cool bunch!