Does anyone have a color code for the 81 vanagon rims.  I believe they were
originally grey/silverish.  My autobody suggested to have these painted the
same color as the pop top.  However, I am not sure I want to do this, anyone
else done this- pictures.  Also if anyone has the color code for the
offwhite they used on the pop top in the '81 model I would appreciate it.
Also debating if it is worth powder coating the rims and propane tank.  It
seems that I ask a lot of questions and never have much to offer the rest of
the listees.  I sure appreciate all the info.  If all goes well on this my
first Vanagon restoration project hopefully I will be able to submit useful
info for others.
    In case you are interested.  I spent the last two weekends
    - ripping out all of the interior camper stuff,
    - hooking up an aux battery with a relay to isolate it as well as
installing a trickle charger which will automatically charge the aux
whenever the van is plugged in, as well as using another isolator and a
three way switch to be able to use the stereo without the ignition turned on
from either my aux battery or the AC power which is charging the aux battery
all the while not taking any power from the starting battery;
    - installing Q-pads on the inside of  all the metal panels, then
covering with Bondo undercoating, insulating and putting vapour barrier over
cavities which I can isolate w/o humidity.
    - ripping off every possible external component for the autobody dude so
that I can save myself some money
    Right now I am working on refacing all the interior panel with vinyl /
wall fabric, painting the interior of the cabinets with malamine paint,
doing a lot of research.  I took the van to the shop yesterday for the
mechanic to drop the engine before I tow it to the outobody shop.
    Spring sure seems a long way away.

Ron Schlamp
r.schlamp@sk.sympatico.ca