I have also been looking for a new front section to repair my single cab and
I have struck out with locating "NEW" panels.  The body shop that I am
working with has also used their professional network in an attempt to find
new and they also have found nothing.

I definitely need the panels so I bought the entire nose of a Vanagon from
Absolute German in Seattle.  The body shop plans to harvest what is needed
from it plus it will provide them with an opportunity to learn first hand
just exactly how it is assembled BEFORE cutting into my "Precious".  A dry
run if you will...

Because of the way our vans (and other uni-body vehicles) are put together,
they will actually need more than just one donor vehicle to end up with
enough good panels to reassemble/repair my truck correctly.  With that in
mind, I recently purchased a complete parts van (that had an engine fire) to
provide whatever they cannot get from the first donor.

My point is that correctly repairing the damage to my Transporter is not
quite a simple as I'd hoped it would be.  The body shop I'm planning to use
has been very open about the process and estimated that just rebuilding the
front of the van will take about 40 man hours (this number was also quoted
by another more Vanagon savvy repair shop).  The 40 hrs does NOT include my
time to strip down the body (remove bumpers, lights, radiator, dash, etc) or
any real paint work except priming/sealing/painting behind the panels as
needed.

Wow! The collision that caused this damage was NOT my fault but it has given
me an incredible education!

As a side note, I would encourage everyone who has more than "blue book
value" invested in their vehicle to get it professionally appraised AND
carry an "agreed value" insurance policy.

And regularly check/change your fuel hoses!  The burnt parts van I bought
was a clean, low mileage and rust free passenger van that died a horrible
death way, way too soon.  Don't assume that they are OK because the PO or a
mechanic said they were...  Learn how and check them yourself!  I know I'm
preaching to the choir here on this forum but I'm amazed by the number of
vans I come across that still have their original fuel hoses.

Andrew
Bainbridge Island WA

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of A
PETER MARSH
Sent: Saturday, December 04, 2010 6:38 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Front panel availablity

Morning All,

Due to the lack of response to yesterdays  probe below - do I take it that
THERE ARE NO NEW BODY PANELS for the front of our old beasties?

Looking for the lower front panel for 91 Vanagon.

PM