Removing the Chassis

We took the unusual step of completely removing the chassis from the van. Whilst this is not an easy step, we decided that it was the only way to ensure we get the high level of detail we want from the restoration. Carl very carefully cut away the chassis from the van leaving it easy to detect how VW had originally assembled the chassis so we can reproduce it spot-weld by spot-weld

In this picture, you can see where the last cross beam has been cut, but left on the chassis so we can see where VW welded it on so that we can do the exact same:

The rear heater tube has been cut leaving part of the floor on it - again, the heater tube welds to the floor. This can now be repaired properly then when the floor goes on, welded to it the same way it was in the factory:

The chassis removed in its entirety. Most of the front section is wrong for a '52 model, so will be replaced with correct pattern panels:

The front of the chassis had a horrible home made box section for the front cross-member - obviously that is going!!!

The rear part of the chassis is not in too bad repair. There is a split on the nearside rear chassis leg that needs repairing and the gearbox mount wants tidying up where a later box has been fitted

Here Carl is measuing the datum points in the chassis to take measurements to get all the new chassis pieces in the exact postion. Otherwise the body won't fit back on properly!!!!

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