Eric,

The first rule in repainting anything is make sure it is clean and clear of
everything but body filler.
Sand blast or wheel off all the old paint.
Make sure cleaned surface remains clean, not even a fingerprint, then Seal
cleaned surface with an Epoxy Enamel Paint Primer (to keep air from getting
to metal), thus reducing risk of oxidation and rust spread.
Choose a good quality auto paint, and seal with a clear coat.

You van, wheels etc. will look wonderful for many years into the future.

How do I know this... I'm not a painter, but became great friends with the
guy who restored my 84 Westy 6 years ago, and it still looks a good as the
day it was done.
Many of his clients have show cars, and have won awards in various classic
car shows.  He is an expert, who let me work with him while restoring my
van.

Best of luck on your project.

Jack R.
84 Westy Wolfie,
N. of Detroit

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Eric Caron
Sent: Thursday, March 06, 2014 8:29 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Paint questions

Hi Listers,

I will have my van painted either this year or in one year.  I'm still
deciding. I'm leading toward this year as the painter still has time for me.

So, I've stirred up some paint questions for you folks.  Remember, my
questions are unlike others in that not only do I not have a lot of paint
knowledge, but being blind I'm counting on the list for artistic suggestions
and tasteful ideas as well as practical advice.

Here is my first paint question.

I'm keeping my original steel wheels and plan to use the chrome hub caps.
The painter has offered to paint the wheels silver rather then the black
they are now.

So, What color looks best on a white Vanagon with chrome hubcaps and steel
wheels?

Currently wheels are rust free.

Help me out here.  I don't want to make a fashion blunder.

It might help if you can tell me what the original bus wheel color is.  I'm
guessing metal silver but have to ask to be sure!

More critical paint questions to follow.

Eric Caron
85 GL Auto Westfalia
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