Hi David,

I went through a similar exercise with my 1984 Vanagon in April 2003.  The
choice of body shop to do the work is most important.  Ask around.  The shop
should be well known for the high quality of its work.  Check references if
any doubt.

Second, make sure you have all windows and body rubber removed prior to
stripping of the old finish.  The shop should use all new body rubber when
reinstalling the windows and weather-stripping the doors.

Third, do not rush the shop.  Top quality work takes time.  My van was in
the shop for about nine weeks.  Original estimate was four weeks.  Shop
owner kept to her original price, however,  I got all my body rubber from
The Bus Depot.

After nine weeks, my Van came out looking as new as it did when it was made
in 1984.

Please let me know if you need more information.

John

----- Original Message -----
From: "David Marshall" <mailinglist@FASTFORWARD.CA>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, October 11, 2005 6:44 PM
Subject: What is the "end all and be all" answer to rust?

> I'm getting my 1986 Syncro Westfalia painted next month.  There is some
> seam
> rust on the driver side seam next to the water cabinet that does need some
> attention.  The goal is to make it so the van doesn't need paint for the
> next 20 years... yeah right!  Anyhow... what is the end all and be all
> answer for combating seam rust?  The underside of the van is fine, there
> are
> some nose chips that need some work and around the window needs some work.
> Looking forward to the answers!
> David Marshall
>
> Fast Forward Automotive Inc.
> 4356 Quesnel-Hixon Road
> Quesnel BC Canada  V2J 6Z3
>
> Internet: www.fastforward.ca   Email: sales@fastforward.ca
> Phone: (250) 992 7775
>
> - Vanagon Engine Conversions and Accessories
> - Vanagon, Transporter and Iltis Sales and Importation
> - Electrical harness fabrication and customization
>
> Due to the large volume of email we receive,  PLEASE  include  previous
> emails when responding.
> This will allow us to read the complete dialogue in one message and will
> result in quicker and more  accurate responses.
>