Date:         Mon, 26 May 2008 13:27:29 -0600
Reply-To:     Paul Connelly <vanagonhummingbird@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Paul Connelly <vanagonhummingbird@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Westfalia Decal Sticking Problem
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Hey Guys,

Sorry for the cross post, but thought there might be unique wisdom on both
lists!

I just finished stripping the oxidization and resealing the entire poptop
and luggage rack using Go Westy's suggestions of Protect All Oxidation
Remover and 303 Aerospace Protectant and two rotary polishing pads (wax on,
wax off). The results were mediocre but a definite improvement. I suppose
its just unrealistic to hope to get back to that color on the back of the
luggage rack after 22 years in the sun!!! However the seals all came back to
life and look pretty good just with a couple of applications of the 303...
(Wish I'd seen the Penetrol thread before I started - I just consulted the
archives!)

Anyway. I also removed the tatty Westfalia stickers and applied new ones
(well they had been laying around the garage for a year or two), using the
Vanagon Archive method with the light soapy water spray etc. When I came to
peel off the backing paper the next day it was extremely difficult to get it
off without removing the stickers too. But I did finally manage. However
There are still a couple of parts that are not really adhering at all. Maybe
because of the "slick" finish of the 303.

I wondered if anyone had any experience/suggestions before I take her back
out on the road and have those pieces blow away in the wind?

Maybe a lacquer coat over the top? But then do you end up having to cover
everything in order to get it all back to even? I tried a heat gun, which
seemed to allow me to "Dab" each letter deeper into the texture, but if I
take a cloth across it the edges of each letter still peel up.

All suggestions greatly appreciated.


TIA,

Paul
1986 Syncro Westy - Hummingbird