I powder coated my propane tank and consider it a must. If I did not have
alloy wheels I'd powder coat the rims also.
You can see the powder coat effect on the last photo on this link:
http://members.home.net/holisticdream/vaninterior.htm
My color code for the off white is
Paint code L90D (Pep Boys Plasti-kote 5803 VW Alpine White)
but I am not sure it is the same as yours. Get a can of the paint at Pep
Boys and see if it is.

William

----- Original Message -----
From: "Ron Schlamp" <r.schlamp@SK.SYMPATICO.CA>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, December 03, 2001 8:29 PM
Subject: '81 Westy Rims / Poptop Color

> 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
>