Removing Mk1 seat rails FAQ

Discussion in 'Track Prep & Tech' started by A.N. Other, Feb 27, 2008.

  1. A.N. Other Banned after significant club disruption Dec 5th 2

    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2003
    Likes Received:
    447
    Quickly pulling various info together out of the tubular seat rails thread and my Mk1 thread.

    1) Start with a wipe of the inner rail area with thinners, to remove grease and reveal the dimples in the metalwork from the spot welds.

    There are 6 or so spot welds per side (visible on inspection), plus 4 Migd bits, top & bottom, at each end. The front parts need angle grinding, and can be trimmed back with a belt sander later (below).

    [​IMG]

    2) Centre punch, and then start with the spot weld cutter. Careful not to drill for too long, or youll create holes (and may as well be using a normal drill).

    Frosts spot weld drill recommended - ~ 12 - also sold by LB Restorations as seen at various shows (Beaulieu, NEC Classic). Machine Mart ones are no good do not bother.

    Pic here, from 16valver:


    [​IMG]

    Tips

    • A trick is to start at one end, and hammer a screwdriver down the back, to get tension between the metal parts. Once the spotweld drill gets through the first half, it should ping apart.

    • Due to the stiffness of a seat rail, you cant rely on this though, and need to keep checking. Otherwise youll be MIG-ing up holes afterwards.

    • Also recommend one of these belt sanders, rather than the sledge-hammer/nut angle grinder, except for where necessary.

      Black & Decker belt sander / power file. Great bits of kit.

      From B&Q - linky

      [​IMG]

    Takes a while to get these out as it is, and patience is needed to avoid hole through the floor/tunnel! Estimate 2-3 hours to carefully remove your first one.

    End result:

    [​IMG]

    Estimated 1.3 kgs/pair.

    HTH :)
     
    Last edited: Jul 9, 2014
    Rapid_Gav likes this.
  2. fthaimike Forum Addict

    Joined:
    Oct 27, 2003
    Likes Received:
    12
    Cheers Chris
     
  3. andyneedham2 Forum Member

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2010
    Likes Received:
    4
    Location:
    Manchester
    OK guys,

    So I ballsed up a bit and made a mess of removing the rail on the exhaust tunnel and went right through. Is this just a single skin or is there more to it? I'm thinking of cutting out a strip and welding in a new piece, prob 1mil thickness.

    Any help is much appreciated.

    Andy
     
  4. vw_singh Events Team Paid Member

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2003
    Likes Received:
    793
    Location:
    United Kingdom
    Yea just single skin. Tack a strip over it.

    Gurds
     
  5. andyneedham2 Forum Member

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2010
    Likes Received:
    4
    Location:
    Manchester
    Gurds, that was exactly the answer I wanted! I'll tack a strip over and then waxoyl the underside.

    Can't wait to see this turbo project unfold!

    Cheers,

    Andy
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice