Date:         Wed, 3 Jul 2013 05:39:26 -0400
Reply-To:     Frank Condelli <RAlanen@AOL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Frank Condelli <RAlanen@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Seam rust on Vanagon I'm looking to buy
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

        Jason, first and foremost finding a ZERO rust, 30 year old vehicle is pretty much next to impossible.  They are ALL rusting somewhere, somehow.  The metal was never well protected EVERYWHERE.  VW did not plan for these vans to outlast the test of time !  OK, now that we all know that, that van with that rust is not so bad.  As has already been pointed out if dealt with properly that rust can be stopped pretty well, not easy, but doable.  All depends on what you pay for this gem and how much you want to put into it.  The real way to deal with this is from behind as that's where that rust is originating.  The wheel wells are coated with thick seam sealer/undercoating that has become unattached from the body and moisture has penetrated behind it and that's how the rusting started.  So, to fix this little problem ALL that seam sealer/undercoating must be removed, no easy task, then the rusting metal treated and top coated.  I prefer POR-15 and you need to get it on ALL the affected surfaces and get the metal encapsulated or it will never work.  The worst part is the panels are spot welded together and you cannot in anyway get in and around the spot weld to clean and coat with any kind of stop rust protection.  If the oxidation has any opportunity to progress due to exposure to the atmosphere the rust will continue to develop UNDER the POR-15 coating.  OK, now I hope that clears up a lot for you.

        Regarding that van on Kijiji Ottawa, it's at Ed's Salvage up on Dwyer Hill Road near Arnprior.  My buddy John went to look at it last week and I made an offer of $1000 which was turned down.  He was ready to let it go for $1500 but I said NO.  It's a rust bucket and good for parts only unless you're a masochist for fixing rust !


On 2013-07-02, at 11:16 PM, Automatic digest processor <LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> wrote: 

> I'm not sure if you thought that was funny or not.  :)
> 
> I know it's minor but it's a West Coast vehicle and I was hoping for =

> zero rust.  Don't have the Vanagon experience to know what "tip of the =
> iceburg" looks like so thought I would run it by the experts.
> 
> A deal has been made, it's coming to Ontario to get prepped for a 5 week =
> trip west and south.
> 
> Thanks to everyone for the feedback.
> 
> Anyone have a top 10 list of first things to do/buy with a new (to you) =
> Westfalia?  I have searched around a bit but any input is appreciated.  =
> Fuel lines first.
> 
> Also this is on kijiji in Ottawa, Not mine and don'y know owner.  Might =
> make a good parts bus or really ambitious project.  I have pictures of =
> the rust if anyone would like them.
> =
> http://ontario.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-RVs-campers-trailers-RVs-motorhom=
> es-Vanagon-gl-160000-Kms-auto-look-at-pics-W0QQAdIdZ498751355



Cheers,    

Frank Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
'87 VW Westy, '00 Kawasaki 250 Sherpa, "98 Ducati 750 Monster & Lionel Trains (Collection for sale)
Frank Condelli & Associates - Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley
BusFusion a VW Camper camping event, Almonte, ON, June 06 ~ 09, 2013