In a message dated 1/17/2003 5:05:27 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:

> Side body repair

       Michael, this is one of the most common problem with the Vanagon 
Westfalia body.  The reason is due to the Fiberglas insulation used behind 
the fridge and cabinets.  The insulation holds moisture created by the 
difference in temperature between the outside and inside.  Also the moisture 
has no way of escaping and there are no drain holes on the floor and the 
insulation touches the floor.  Remove the fridge and you'll see what I'm 
describing.  To repair this area properly you will need to remove the 
sink/stove cabinet and fridge.  See what damage there is behind there.  The 
damage you see on the outside is certainly an indication that there is more 
extensive damage inside as this is were the rusting started.  Now, the 
problem becomes to make sheet metal pieces to repair the inside also.  As you 
have already found out the only off the shelf piece available is the outside 
rocker panel.  This piece is just one small part of the puzzle.  After you 
have repaired the metal work you need to protect it from future rusting with 
good rust preventative primers, paints and anti rust treatment.  Do not 
replace the Fiberglas insulation.  If you want insulation then use Styrofoam 
and do not bring it down to the floor level.  I've been it here too many 
times and am going in there again on Chris' Syncro as it has this problem.  
In fact it's the only rusty place on the entire van.  This is good an 
indication of what the problems are with cabinet side of the Vanagon 
Westfailia body.  Good luck and do it right and you'll have a solid repair 
that will last many years.

Cheers��

Frank Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
<A HREF="http://members.aol.com/BusFusion/bfhome.htm">BusFusion</A> a VW Camper camping event, Almonte, ON, June 12 ~ 15, 2003
'87 Westy & Lionel Trains
Member: <A HREF="http://www.vanagon.com/">Vanagon List</A>, <A HREF="http://www.bcn.net/~limbo/">LiMBO</A>, <A HREF="http://www.westfalia.qc.ca/">IWCCC</A> & Capital City VW Club 
Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley
<A HREF="http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/stebro.htm">STEBRO/Vanagon Stainless Steel Mufflers</A> �
<A HREF="http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/busindex.html">Frank Condelli & Associates</A> or http://frankcondelli.com