I've rehabbed my 84's body three times now, and last summer did a thorough
fill, tuck and lift job using the original metallic brown.  Saw no need to
go through a marital separation which I was assured might become necessary
if I was to go with my first choice, a deep, metallic and dark lavender with
a rising son and Gerry Garcia's face emerging from the sunrise ... The brown
looks great, she says!

SamC
----- Original Message -----
From: "Christopher Gronski" <gronski@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, April 09, 2007 10:07 AM
Subject: Re: Debate on Repainting

> Two years ago I had my van repainted from the original UPS Brown to VW
> Alpine White and I am very happy with the results. The van had damage
> from a collision with a deer and that was repaired at the same time,
> along with some minor seam rust.
>
> I'm sure a repaint effects the resale value but my van is so heavily
> modified no one would buy it if they were looking for a stock van so I
> was not worried. And like you, I never plan on selling it.
>
> The one drawback to white is that dirt and rust shows up more than it
> did on dark UPS brown. The seem rust is unfortunately back, but I've
> heard it is VERY difficult to get rid of permanently.
>
> Chris
>
> On 4/9/07, Jack R. <jack007@comcast.net> wrote:
>> As I am about to embark on a total body restoration of my 84 Westy
>> (Wolfie)
>> - two tone Brown bottom, tan top. I plan to have the entire exterior
>> stripped and then remove all window glass, prior to repainting.  I have
>> light rust, and one panel I plan to replace.
>>
>>
>>
>> The question is. since it is all somewhat original on the exterior, with
>> the
>> only modifications being the Bumper Hitch and Hella Fogs in front, should
>> I
>> repaint with the same colors or change to something more popular and what
>> does changing do to value? (Not that I ever plan on selling it!)
>>
>>
>>
>> What colors was the Wolfsburg edition - Full Camper - available in?
>>
>>
>>
>> What kind of paint is best, most durable?   The guy I used in 1993, who
>> did
>> the last, re-paint used an epoxy Enamel, if I recall.  I am thinking of
>> using the same guy again, as it did a fantastic job (but this time, I am
>> leaving the rust repair up to him this time).
>>
>>
>>
>> Thanks for any suggestions you may have.
>>
>>
>>
>> Jack Reynaert
>>
>> 84 Westy - owned since 87
>>
>> 181,000 miles on the body, less than 50k miles on the 2.1 motor.
>>
>> North of Detroit (3 miles from VW's US Head Quarters)
>>