Since this wasn't a high impact crash it sounds more as described ..........
just that the metal is stretched and will require a little more body filler
than a lesser depression.
I'd let the pros handle the body work and just try to get the backside of
any welded or cut areas properly finished off with rust proofing base before
it gets painted.
Your paint code is imbedded in the VIN number ............. ? Am I right on
this? or is it down near the fuse panel on that placard?
---------------------------
http://gerry.vanagon.com/cgi-bin/wa.exe?A2=ind9703&L=vanagon&P=R6247
Seems the paint code sticker is in the smugglers box under the drivers seat.
--------------------------
If everything else fails go to the archives:
http://gerry.vanagon.com/archives/

Stan Wilder
Engine Ceramics
214-352-4931
www.engineceramics.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jonathan Poole" <jfpoolio@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, April 15, 2005 4:57 PM
Subject: Re: vanagon Digest - 14 Apr 2005 to 15 Apr 2005 - Special issue
(#2005-308)

Howdy List,

A few days ago my buddy backed into the front of my van.  It just so
happens that his girlfriend is an autobody woman and that she is in
business with her father etc.  I have agreed to let them fix the dent
and respray the front of the bus.  I have a few questions for you
experts out there though.

Today when dent expert spent a half hour or so trying to smooth the
dent out.  He got it fairly close but explained that due to stretching
it will be impossible to get the panel smoothed out again.  Is this
true?  Is there a way to avoid filling in the depressions with body
filler?  At this point it will need a decent amount of filling which I
am not happy about.

Do any of you have the paint codes from '82?  It is a brown 82 westy,,
Assuan Brown may be the name of the color..  Anyway it is the really
common early eighties brown.

Do any of you have any advice on getting this panel right again (in
between the front bumper and the grill,, aircooled so no lower grill)?
 I really hate the idea of having a permanently devalued camper..

Thanks,
Jonathan Poole
'82 AC Westy

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