>I have a '65 split window, original paint, original interior (excpt >uplstry), only a little rust (under the battery), with a '71 1600 SP, >original leaking trans, original leaking weather stripping. It sounds >pretty desperate but it runs well and looks pretty nice too. > My wife and >I are planning to move from Western Colorado (Dry) to the Twin Cities (Wet). >I am continually wrestling with the idea (and the cost) of a complete >restoration, but sometimes I feel that it is necessary in order to keep >this 30 yr. old vehicle on the road. I stand by a product sold as "Rust Check", you can buy spray tins or get the franchise to spray you, for $100 or so. First time around, let them do it, as they really soak the vehicle, in cavities, underside etc. Powerwash your van underneath thoroughly, say the day after a long drive in the rain to loosen the dirt up first. Once the RC has set up, say a week, spray the wheel wells inside with underbody coating, lots of it, 4-6 tins. Spray the crossbeams where they show gravel rash etc. Under the battery tray, corners. This will keep the underside intact for 2 bad winters, ie sand/salt/slush, then re-spray the undercoating. Buy the biggest ugliest mudflaps you can find for the front wheels, this takes a load off the underside. Keeping the body OK is harder, wax well and try to rinse off the surface crud periodically when you get a warmish winter day. Good luck on the preservation trail. tim s.
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