Hi all

This is another question from a new westy owner.

My 1981 van has a little bit of rust on the junction of the side body
panels over the propane gaz tank and over the rear wheel (conductor
side). The guy at the body shop said that he could fix it but the
paint would start to bubble again in 4-5 years because it is a design
problem. He propose to sand blast it to clean the rust as far as
possible and then paint it.

Is this a well known problem on Vanagons?

(Yes, definitely.)

Is there anybody around
Vancouver B.C. that you would  recommend to do that kind of job?

(I would think any reputable body/paint shop (other than a chain store)
could do it.)

The
guy is asking quite a lot to do it (between 600-1000$ CAN... well to
me it's a lot!) but he offers a one year warranty. I want to have it
fixed since this van is the realization of a old dream (like most of
you guys I guess!) and I don't want to let it go.

(I don't think it's a lot if he does the entire panels.)

Also I found a guy that is specialized in boat restoration. This
weekend he will restore the inside of my van (all the crappy kind of
wallpaper that is ripping apart the walls and of the roof over the
front seats). I have seen the replacement material and some pictures
of the sailboats he has done. From his opinion the van interior will
look brand new after a day of work... I believe him. Anyway I will
post my comments on the job and maybe some pictures as soon as it is
done.

That is really interesting to me. Please do post pictures of it - (before
and after), post the shops address and contact info, too!

(Marshall Ruskin, 84 Westy)

Thank's for the help

Fran�ois
Fran�ois V�zina M.Sc.

Department of Biological Sciences
Simon Fraser University
8888 University Drive
Burnaby BC.
V5A 1S6

Voice: (604) 291-5422
Fax: (604) 291-3496