Drivers door problem sounds like it was parked frequently on a slope
(causing the water to pool at the corner instead of going down and out
the bottom weep holes)...and the weather stripping will need to be
replaced so as to mitigate further water intrusion. Pop the door panel
off and check the condition on the inside of the door to see if it is
widespread, or highly localized. With luck you can deal with it and
stop the problem (on my 86 I didn't do that, and so the metal is
peeling away.)

On Jul 29, 2009, at 2:56 PM, Alistair Bell wrote:

> Hi,
>
> some of you may know i had my '82 westy t-boned by excavator during
> snow storm last winter.  I kept the van, (boy its tough not driving
> it, really missed the old van) thinking I may find a passenger syncro
> and do the hellacious westy stuff swap.
>
> Well i did finally find one, '86 pas. syncro. if fair shape for age,
> rust in spots but curiously localised. Has a/c, webasto heater, a
> spare wasserboxer (!), upgraded lights, and good tires.
>
> doesn't have power locks or power windows.
>
> The price was right, and i fully expect to find some surprises. Right
> off the probs are:
>
> engine :)
> driveline vibe (that seemingly common fault)
> some rust that need prompt attention (nothing above belt line, very
> limited seam rush, no bottom edge of body rust, but a small but bad
> bit at corner of driver door)
> horn ring broken
> broken sway bar drop link
> a/c not charged
> webasto - unknown
>
>
> I might turn out to be a bag of hurt, but i had a good feeling about
> it and the owner and i did so much want one, really fed up with
> getting stuck on some logging roads etc.
>
>
> Coincidentally,  I found a great deal on a 1979 Taiwanese 10X24 metal
> working lathe and a bunch of accessories. I can't believe i have
> achieved 2 dreams in a single week :)
>
> hey, dreaming about a lathe may seem crazy but i dont care... and
> besides i might be able to make parts for the syncro :)
>
>
> Alistair
> now with:
>
> '72 westy
> '82 westy
> '86 syncro
> '95 Subaru Legacy AWD
> '84 Golf