Yes, I have done this. Not easy. I found one the same color at a
junkyard, cut it off, then at home trimmed it to just the part I wanted.

Then I cut off less than I wanted to replace from my body and spent a
good while slowly trimming more until the only part missing was the
piece I prepared from the donor.

I did not remove the dash entirely. I did unbolt it and slide it back
from the windshield to allow room. That piece you want to replace forms
part of the edge that the lower windshield seal sandwiches over.

Mark

David Hines wrote:
> Has anyone replaced the front upper body panel on a vanagon?  The one between the upper grill and lower windshield.
>
> I need to replace one and was wondering how difficult it is.  I assume the windshield will have to be removed, anything else?  What about the dash?
>
> Here is a link to a diagram:
> https://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=getLocator&siteid=214128&chapter=EEA9201&appSectionid=8601&groupid=30730&subgroupid=4676&componentid=0&make=35&model=Vanagon&year=1985&graphicID=921030%20&callout=2&catalogid=2
> _________________________________________________________________
> Need to know the score, the latest news, or you need your Hotmail�-get your "fix".
> http://www.msnmobilefix.com/Default.aspx