Date:         Sun, 13 Apr 2003 14:08:43 EDT
Reply-To:     Trvlr2001@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Carpenter <Trvlr2001@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Source for driver's side body repair panel?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

In a message dated 4/13/03 5:01:01 AM Mountain Daylight Time,
GlmceN@NETSCAPE.NET writes:

> Roger,
>
> I bought a '90 Westy with seam rust-through on the drivers side along the
> top of the rocker panel, I bought a replacement panel from California
> Imports that was essentially a rocker panel plus part of the panel above.
> Had it installed and I was quite plaeased with the results.
>
> I got the part within a week.
>
> Gary
>
>  Reynolds <Rogerspace2@AOL.COM> wrote:
>
> >Hi all,
> >
> >I'm looking for a replacement panel for the driver's side of my '89 Westy
> as
> >I took out  the cabinents and fridge today to check out the extent of the
> >seam rust problem on that side and can see that, besides the seam rust,
> the
> >panel had been dented and filled before I got the Van and the fiberglass
> >insulation was soaking wet at the bottom.  The rust is confined to just
> the
> >lower seam right now and I would like to stop it right there as the rest
> of
> >the body is in great shape.
> >
> >Is there an alturnative to the dealer for a new panel or should I stick
> with
> >genuine VW?
> >
> >Thanks,
> >Roger
> >
Hi All,
My concern with the partial side body panels,
(and maybe it`s unfounded)
Is the full width weld.
It has to be sealed & protected,
painted and most of all not show when you look down the side of the bus.
After looking intently at the side of my bus,
(for about 2 hours:)
I decided to cut the top of it
at about 3" above the bottom of the window,
after it straightens out.
This gives it small welds on a solid surface.
And more importantly, a small body repair area.
And I will cut the donor bus about 10"
(to the inside of the floor)
So that I will attach it at the bottom of the rocker panel.
Where no welds will show.
Then body sealer by 3M.
Zinc Chromate primer,
then, system primer & paint.
Also, I will not drill out the spot welds,
but will Sand off the unneeded adjacent metal
with die grinder & 1 1/2" 40 grit disc.
And keep All of the base metal.
For strength, better sealing & less future rust.
comments welcomed.
best of luck,
John C.
SLC, UT
85&91 Westys...

ps: future project;
      4.9 V-8 Caddy W/Caddy Trans...
                 in my 85...
                    keep the faith...
                      welcome home...
                         we love you !!!!