I suggest that you find indoor storage with climate control or at least an
outlet to plug a dehumidifier into. Northern New England's climate is brutal
even when the vehicle is not driven in the winter.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Michael Snow" <slowmachine82@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, August 10, 2008 3:22 PM
Subject: Seeking advice for fixing many small rust spots

> Vanagonauts,
>
> My trusty '82 Westy is suffering from cancer in small spots all over
> the van.  In the desert, where I currently live, it will take many
> more years to do any real damage to the van.  However, I'm moving to
> New Hampshire next spring.  I worry for the van.  I have already
> arranged indoor storage, but I know that the rust will accellerate in
> the humid climate.
>
> Photos here <http://picasaweb.google.com/slowmachine82/VanRust>
>
> I greatly admire the restoration work that is being done by some of
> our list members, but I think the cost is beyond my budget.  I'm
> looking for recommended strategy and techniques for dealing with this
> myself.  Stripping the van and paying a professional body shop is not
> an option, at least not in the next 12 months.  I'd like to be able to
> do small areas on the weekends.  I'm more concerned with corrosion
> control than cosmetics, but I'd like the van to remain all-white while
> I do spot repairs.  Precise color-matching of the spot repairs is not
> important to me.
>
> In the past, I have attempted rust repair on other vehicles by
> sanding, rust converter spray, prime and paint.  The rust returned
> every time.  I have a compressor that is too small for full-on
> sand/media blasting, but it may be enough for one of Eastwood's
> spot-blasters.
>
> I don't want this to get out of control and destroy this wonderful
> van.  Please point me in the right direction.
>
> --
> Michael Snow
> 1982 Westfalia 1.9TD
> http://slowmachine82.blogspot.com/