So... while prepping for a rear trailing arm rebushing project ( that's a whole other story, the moral of which is 'kids, don't try this at home if you drive in brine for part of the year.' ) I removed the fiberglass cladding just fore of the rear passenger side wheel. What I found was not a bit pretty. An 8" rustout of the outer sheet metal right above the trailing arm/jack point. https://picasaweb.google.com/112346123305551852781/SaltbeltRustyParts#5609690386532659922 ( Warning!! Content is disturbing ). I've removed the cladding from both sides of the van between the wheels and they ain't going back on. I kinda like the retro late 80's look anyway. I'm doing the bottom rails including the jack points and trailing arm bolts in Por-15 with a flat black topcoat. If anyone wants the panels I removed. just send me a pmail and I'll be happy to ship them to you. They are in fine condition. Pix on request. I'll post the bushing story after I have a pro alignment and drive a bit more. I used Powerflex bushes (thanks Chris (Loogy on theSamba) ) on the upper control and the rear trailing arms. First impressions: SWEET!!! John Meeks '91 Vanagon MultiVan Northern Michigan Vanagon Rescue Squad www.vanagonauts.com |
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