On Volkswagen Buses built between the 8th month of 1967 and the 7th month of 1972, there is a reinforcement beam behind the underside of the front panel. On Volkswagen Buses produced after the 8th month of 1972, this reinforcement is also present but located under the front panel.
This reinforcement plate is not considered as a part of the body but as a part of the chassis, that's why it is also called cross member.
The underside of many VW Buses needs to be restored, in many cases this cross member has to be replaced. You can weld a plate here and there, but don't forget that it is part of the chassis. If you want to do it right, replacement is the best solution.
Note for VW Bus from 8.1972: This part was originally intended for Brazilian VW Buses with slightly different contours than German VW Buses, you will have to make a small adjustment to get the right size. For this, the outer frame beams have to be shortened a little so that the inner frame beams also touch the crossbar.
Note: This cross member consists of two parts, until 7.1972 the beam is closed with a cover plate and for the construction years from 8.1972 with the reinforcement beam of the front bumper, take these additional parts if necessary (mentioned on the options of the tab).
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