Should I cut, weld and bend this really nice period VW Rack?
 

So, I picked this up really cool rack up on eBay with plans to modify it to fit my '68 Hot Rod Rat project. I think it would be really awesome on my '68 Rat build and it is impossible to duplcate this cool patina.

I'm not sure if modify that I could manage to preserve the patina. ...not sure how that will work yet with cutting and welding.

My dilemma is that this is a true period piece with VW stampings and labels on it. I'm sure some beetle guy would love to have this piece. It's bad ass!

so... I don't own a beetle so I'm very tempted to bend, cut and weld. I thought I'd throw some pics for opinions.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1537541179.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1537541179.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1537541179.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1537541179.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1537541179.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1537541179.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1537541179.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1537541179.jpg

If you think you can make it work, I would. Its just a rack and its yours to do with what you like.
Not the only rack in the sea for VW owners.

I am not a purist, and am always on board with modifications and personalizations to our cars. That said, the rack seems like a really nice piece with the original markings etc. and perhaps it is better used by a person who IS a VW purist. I suspect it would be highly valued, and you could replace it with another rack that isn't so special. Welding or heating to bend the tubing will destroy the patina in those areas. It will be very apparent.
The rack is very cool, I can see why you want to use it on your car.

Tough call. I am VW and Porsche guy. I have 61 Spilt window bus. I know this is crazy way to think of it and disclaimer just food for thought. If a vw bug guy had a 911 rack and chopped it up to fit his beetle Porsche guys would more than likely crucify that person. Now, I understand that is not the same thing and such but something to think about. Again as others said its yours and you can do with it what you please. But, if were me I wouldn't mod that piece. I find something a little less special to cut up.

that would be a shame to cut it up.

I say no. Its too tall and too narrow. You might as well start from scratch. I built one for my mini it was not too difficult
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1537547698.JPG

I think by the time you 'make it work' it still won't look all that good on the car. It seems to sit way too high for your roof.

I say keep it as inspiration/pattern and make your own from metal EMT conduit.

I'd suggest that you sell it to someone with a VW that would love it and apply that cash to a new retro rack. There's a guy here on Pelican that is making them now, using Pedro's pattern. Then take that rack and artificially age the hell out of it to get your patina.

https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-used-parts-sale-wanted/994432-aircooled-911-912-roof-racks.html

https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/1007491-vw-roof-rack.html


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1524744834.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1524489479.JPG

List it on TheSamba for sale & let a VW guy use it on his/her Beetle....
I don't see any others for sale there right now, so I think it would sell quickly.

Any idea of the value?

"I'd suggest that you sell it to someone with a VW that would love it and apply that cash to a new retro rack. There's a guy here on Pelican that is making them now, using Pedro's pattern. Then take that rack and artificially age the hell out of it to get your patina."

https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-used-parts-sale-wanted/994432-aircooled-911-912-roof-racks.html

https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/1007491-vw-roof-rack.html

What Kevin posted.
Order unfinished and patina it. Shame to chop it.

Jay it's nice to see you have a heart , a good heart , your inner voice is right
sell it to a vw nut, take the money and do the retro rack
the real deal can bring over a grand sometimes . have patience
how did the boys do with the sailing?
ian , on my way to vancouver and then rensport

Get a Pedro rack from Ryan. He's remaking them. Someone with a VW will want yours.. Kinda makes me want to find the right VW just to have it.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1537584709.jpg

Once I get done on my huge project journey (probably somewhere in 2025) I’ve been thinking of using this design as the basis for a 911 roof rack.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1537615139.jpg
https://vwparts.aircooled.net/Vintage-Speed-Roof-Rack-Karmann-Ghia-155-393-01588-p/155-393-01588.htm
Okay, so I admit it’s more for the look than serious function, and would also add some patina to it.
I would also be making it myself, so would turn the pole orientation around from front to back, to side to side. Either that or laminate the wood to follow the curve and contour of the side.
It would be a shame to chop he VW one up, but then again, it’s in your garage and if you did chop it, it makes everyone else’s worth just that little bit more... ;)

Good to hear from you. I will be out at Rennsport as well. I will be sending the blue car out to enjoy while there and participate in that road to rennsport rally.

Jury is still out on the rack. I’m not in a hurry to decide.

Well this project sure is getting drawn out... almost 2 years ago when I posted this thread. Lots done but most cannot be seen in the below photos.

Well the rack has been cut, bent and welded. (Sorry VW guys). I like the way it turned out and suits this silly little project.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1594746709.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1594746739.jpg

The Rack
 

This one is cool too. I used these pictures to make mine (last pic). As stated earlier there isn't much to these racks. (He asks "What's in all these, they're heavy?" She says "Booz silly!)

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1594763953.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1594763953.jpghttp://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1594764079.jpg

^
She say's.... "Just a few things I'm smuggling for a friend"

It's funny that she went from a "lush" to an international smuggler....probably a fugitive already too...So is he dropping her off, or picking her up?

Congratulations, following in the fine steps of Ferdinand himself, you are modifying VW parts to make it go faster. That's the Porsche way!!