Hi,

First thanks to all for the good advice. I had a detailed look at the damage
today.

As you could see in the photo (link in orig mail) the impact was pretty high
up.
However, the lower part of the front pillar (where the door hinges are
attached)
is at least a little bent back. One can see a small comression fold about
midway
of the pillar (where the upper pillar part is spot welded to the lower
pillar), and lifting the carpet,
also a little comression behind the driver side step. Pillar behind the
driver
side door is completely straight though, and I think in total the amount the
front
pillar is bent back might only be a few mm.

It seems to me that a real repair would require a front clip or a 1/4 clip
as suggested
by many.

A "cheap" repair might try to replace just the twisted panel and door, but
then the
frame would remain a bit twisted. Migth be hard to fit the windshield and
new door
right.

Can a good collisiton shop pull such a distorsion out good enough?

Anyhow, in summary the verdict doesn't look so good. Being in a new country
it would be a  lot ow work to find a both good and reasonably prized body
shop
to deal with this. I guess I'm likely to pass on this one.

Again, thanks for your advice.

Martin J

Martin Jagersand wrote:
>
> > Hi
> >
> > I'm in Munchen for my sabbatical. Naturally I'm hoping to pick up
> > a VW camper to go exploring in Europe. Turns out finding T3's in
> > good shape is not so easy here. Most have been used as daily drivers,
> > and are worn out inside and out plus rusted out by the road salt.
> >
> > One of the better ones (ie nice inside, no rust, all new engine,
> > tranny, brakes etc) happens to have a collision damage. I'm
> > a bit leery of getting into repairs, but seem to have no choice
> > (others I have looked at have also needed work).
> >
> > Please take a look at the damage and say what you think:
> >
> > www.cs.ualberta.ca/~jag/rec/buss/BesVW_sm.jpg
> >
> > Is it likely that the frame is twisted?
> >
> > How does one repair this? Changing panels?
> > Or since the front windshield "pillar" took a hit
> > hit, is it better to cut out a clip from a junker
> > and weld in?
> >
> > Any other ideas?
> >
> > Also if someone has any tips of local repairs shops
> > here please let me know. (I'm in the western Munich area)
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Martin
> >
>
>