I replaced that whole panel, between the 2 side seams and from the
windshield down to the radiator grill edge.

By first cutting the one from the junker I learned enough about what was
behind there and so on that I became confident I could do it before I
cut into mine.

Mine was badly rusted just below the windshield and even worse in the
area hidden by the seal. Yours could be straightened by a body shop but
mine was too far gone. I would recommend that instead.

Mark

David Hines wrote:
> Mark,
>
> Did you replace the whole panel or just part of it?
> I can get a new panel for $122 but needs paint, I also can get one off a
> parts van I have but differen't color.
> Here is a picture of what I need to fix
> http://www.flickr.com/photos/subyvanagon/2230655489/
>
> Did you weld in the new panel or glue it?
>
>  > Date: Thu, 31 Jan 2008 13:36:59 -0800
>  > From: drillock@EARTHLINK.NET
>  > Subject: Re: Replacing front upper body panel?
>  > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>  >
>  > 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?
>  > >
>  > >.....................