Date: Thu, 7 May 2009 08:39:02 -0700
Reply-To: Zoltan <thewestyman@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Zoltan <thewestyman@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Replacing Rocker Panel
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I have replaced a few Rocker Panels now. These Campers are getting old and behind the fridge there is a large amount of rust that is working it's way to the outside. That is what's visible under the hook-up inlets along the long seem. Some of them can be saved, some has to be cut out completely and a new piece of rocker panel to be welded. I am busy now with two that had to be cut out and two that can be saved. The fiber glass insulation is holding onto water forever, keeping the inside of the seem wet that will eventually rot out the whole floor also, and sometimes the panel so badly that it leaves a couple of feet long gap. Come and see it.
Sure, it is a lot of work to remove the kitchen unit, cut out the cancer, replace and weld the new one in, cut new piece to restore the floor, treat against future rust, paint with POR15 and get it ready for painting, then install the kitchen and make it look like nothing happened. But it's worth it because this is probably the only greates enemy of these wonderful friends of ours.
The other place where commonly rust develops is, the Right Rear panel where the washer bottle resides behind it. As the bottle was filled and water spilled, the insulation holds onto it and keeps the inside wet and rusty almost indefinitely. That's why those vans that have rear window wipers have rust outside of that seem. The longer it's left that way the thinner the panel gets.
Now, more and more of these will come to me to repaire or replace. This year I had to fix more than I fixed until now.
So, if any of you is ready to get rid of this curse and wants me to do it this season, should contact me to for an appointment. I understand, that you want to go on vacation or you may use it as a daily driver. I may lend my Golf in emergency if necessary if you can put it on your insurance for that time.
So, that's the story of the long rusty seem of the Rocker Panel.
Looking forward to a great season.
Cheers, Zoltan
425 773 4646
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