Date:         Tue, 15 Jun 1999 12:02:20 -0600
Reply-To:     Gary Shea <shea@GTSDESIGN.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Gary Shea <shea@GTSDESIGN.COM>
Subject:      Re: Body Seam Rust (long)
Comments: To: Stuart MacMillan <stuart@COBALTGROUP.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <37668F1B.3A458BE0@cobaltgroup.com>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

I buy the panel warping concern, although MIG is pretty cool as welding
goes.  I'm curious about your mention of "etching or epoxy" primer.  I
remember that the zinc chromate (?) primers were called "etching", but
they're not available any more as far as I can tell.  Are there others?
And is an "epoxy" primer the same as a "catalyzed primer"?  I have been
using the Western catalyzed primer with good results, but have never
heard of "epoxy" primers.  Then again, I'm a rank amateur!

        Gary

On Tue, 15 Jun 1999, Stuart MacMillan wrote:
> Welding the seams is definitely a bad idea.  First, you will warp all
> the flat panels, second, it will take a lot of grinding and filling to
> make it smooth, and last, you will make any future repairs where panel
> replacement is required nearly impossible.
>
> Sand blast, treat with a chemical rust killer, prime with etching or
> epoxy primer, and fill partially with a professional type body seam
> sealer for looks before painting if you like.