In a message dated 1/17/2003 5:05:27 PM Eastern Standard Time, LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes: > Side body repair Michael, this is one of the most common problem with the Vanagon Westfalia body. The reason is due to the Fiberglas insulation used behind the fridge and cabinets. The insulation holds moisture created by the difference in temperature between the outside and inside. Also the moisture has no way of escaping and there are no drain holes on the floor and the insulation touches the floor. Remove the fridge and you'll see what I'm describing. To repair this area properly you will need to remove the sink/stove cabinet and fridge. See what damage there is behind there. The damage you see on the outside is certainly an indication that there is more extensive damage inside as this is were the rusting started. Now, the problem becomes to make sheet metal pieces to repair the inside also. As you have already found out the only off the shelf piece available is the outside rocker panel. This piece is just one small part of the puzzle. After you have repaired the metal work you need to protect it from future rusting with good rust preventative primers, paints and anti rust treatment. Do not replace the Fiberglas insulation. If you want insulation then use Styrofoam and do not bring it down to the floor level. I've been it here too many times and am going in there again on Chris' Syncro as it has this problem. In fact it's the only rusty place on the entire van. This is good an indication of what the problems are with cabinet side of the Vanagon Westfailia body. Good luck and do it right and you'll have a solid repair that will last many years. Cheers Frank Condelli Almonte, Ontario, Canada <A HREF="http://members.aol.com/BusFusion/bfhome.htm">BusFusion</A> a VW Camper camping event, Almonte, ON, June 12 ~ 15, 2003 '87 Westy & Lionel Trains Member: <A HREF="http://www.vanagon.com/">Vanagon List</A>, <A HREF="http://www.bcn.net/~limbo/">LiMBO</A>, <A HREF="http://www.westfalia.qc.ca/">IWCCC</A> & Capital City VW Club Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley <A HREF="http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/stebro.htm">STEBRO/Vanagon Stainless Steel Mufflers</A> <A HREF="http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/busindex.html">Frank Condelli & Associates</A> or http://frankcondelli.com
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