With the seam rust as an issue for the vanagon this is a really good
question.

I would think bondo would not adhere to the body metal as well as the seam
sealer.  I have used the 3M stuff and its a really good product.

Keeping the moisture out is the key.

outside and inside.

Doug

----- Original Message -----
From: "Al and Sue Brase" <albeeee@MCHSI.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, September 18, 2004 9:03 PM
Subject: Re: Vanagon autobody question

>       Sorry, Eric, lead would be an incredible amount of work and it was
> usually used on lapped body seams, not butted ones.
>       I think VW's original plan to use body caulk to seal the seams is
> perfectly okay. but their application is spotty.
>        Of all 6 Vanagons I've had, the best for seam rust is the second
> oldest (1982), and this one also gets at least as much salt/ winter
> exposure as any of mine. Why is it so good? I think the person or people
> doing the underside sealing work just did a better job on this one.
> Maybe it was a better product, but I doubt it.The seams must be
> COMPLETELY sealed from the back, or water will get between the panels.
>        At every rusty seam on my 87 or 91, I can find missing seal on
> the back side.
>         Does anyone know what this stuff is? I'm guessing polyurethane,
> because it's so tough, and adheres so well. Does 3M make it? Or any
> German companies import it?
> Al Brase
> 69 doublecab, Vanagons
>
> Eric Zeno wrote:
>
> >You will find those seams make the vehicle ease to build, because the
> >panels the length of the vando not have to be perfectly straight.
> >Filling them in, you will end upwith body plastic 2 feet wide the get the
> >panel straight.  Forget it.
> >   I think that using lead on the seams may stop rust.  Any old time
> >lead body man out there careto comment?
> >
> >
> >
> >