If you can do a Subaru conversion, then you can do the body repair yourself
too.  And better than anyone.  And in the same spirit, you can change the
rings and liners and the pistons in your engine, and the head can be done at
a shop.  Assembly is done by you and nobody would do a better job.  Takes a
few days I know but tons of money saved.  And with the system I use to take
the engine out and install, it is a piece of cake.
Zoltan

----- Original Message -----
From: "Richards, Andrew" <Andrew.Richards@NIKE.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, March 10, 2008 2:15 PM
Subject: body work vs. mechanical work

My vanagon is nearing a crossroads in its life.  With 160K on the
original engine and transmission, I'm starting to think hard about its
future.  Its body is pretty darn straight, but seam rust is creeping
along and a body shop just quoted me $1500 to fix all the rust
(windshield too) and parking lot dents.

What should come first?  Body or mechanical issues?  I've always
understood it's best to attack rust ASAP because it'll only get more
expensive to fix.  On the other hand, dropping a large chunk of $$$ into
body work on a van who's guts are getting on in years may be futile for
a guy who's pockets aren't that deep.  What would you do?  I'm also
considering a do-it-yourself Subaru conversion, which could save me 1-2K
compared to a pro WBX rebuild.

Thanks,

Andrew

'87 GL

Portland, OR

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