Date:         Sun, 22 May 2011 20:17:02 -0400
Reply-To:     John Meeks <vanagon@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Meeks <vanagon@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      So done with side cladding
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

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