Reason I ask is that when I wash and scrub the bug infested front grills after a Vanagon outing, I don't want the repair to break off (of course).� So durability is just as high a requirement as cosmetic appearance.� Then again...it's only when I get into one of my anal "Vanagon" moments...been chipped for 20 years now (before I bought it) and it doesn't bother me too much...but always creeping towards "perfection"!

My chip is about 1 inch x 3/8 inch...semi-circular shape.

Would assume that surface preparation (diligent scrubbing with rubbing alcohol or similar mild cleaning agent) would be the key to a lasting repair.

Rich
San Diego

--- On Fri, 6/18/10, Jim Felder <jim.felder@gmail.com> wrote:

From: Jim Felder <jim.felder@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: Tips on repairing chipped Vanagon grills
To: "Richard Koerner" <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Cc: "vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM" <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Date: Friday, June 18, 2010, 7:17 PM

The epoxy will fill the spaces much better than bondo, in my opinion

Jim

On Jun 18, 2010, at 8:14 PM, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET> wrote:

> I assume you guys use typical 5 minute epoxy glue, 2 part stuff, available from any hardware store....is that right?� I was going to do the repair using the same technique but Bondo instead...wonder which is going to be stronger?� I have both on the shelf....
> 
> Rich
> San Diego
> 
> --- On Fri, 6/18/10, Jack R. <jack007@COMCAST.NET> wrote:
> 
> From: Jack R. <jack007@COMCAST.NET>
> Subject: Re: Tips on repairing chipped Vanagon grills
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Date: Friday, June 18, 2010, 6:08 PM
> 
> Exactly how I did my grill!!!! Great tip, glad you shared it!
> 
> Look at the results... bet you can't find the chip!
> 
> this is the Original grill on my 84 Westy.
> http://www.flickr.com/photos/77623993@N00/2634100682/sizes/l/in/photostream/
> 
> Jack R.
> 84 Westy Wolfie
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Jim Felder
> Sent: Friday, June 18, 2010 8:38 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Tips on repairing chipped Vanagon grills
> 
> When the thin plastic blades of your Vanagon's grill become chipped,
> here's an easy way to make them look like new (requires respray).
> 
> The method takes advantage that the adhesive side of clear, heavy duty
> packing tape is also a good mold release for epoxy glue. Wherever you
> have a chip, tape over it gently from the front with clear tape. The
> tape will conform to the curve of the blades. Don't press too hard,
> you want the tape to curve to the roll of the blade, front to back,
> but also be even along the length of the blade so that the surface
> looks even when you are done.
> 
> Now turn the the grill face down and pour a dollop of epoxy behind
> each taped spot. When it is cured, the tape will pull off of the grill
> and also off of the epoxy. Take a wide file and file the filler
> exactly flush with the front edge of the blade at each patch. Paint
> satin black and you're done.
> 
> I have done this in five spots to an old grill, and I would have to
> take it off and turn it over to know where the repairs were made.
> 
> Jim
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