Austin wrote:

> At 02:01 AM 4/11/98 -0400, you wrote:
> >
> >I just can't stand it without a reply....  My 84 leaked when I bought it with
> >109,000 on it.  I am fully capable of welding and refinishing the surface
> but I
> >like to have a life too and didn't want to go through the hassle.  Before
> I even
> >knew about the web group I decided to try J B Weld.  IF you prepare the
> surface
> >and get the existing corrosion out, the repair seems to last indefinitely.
>
> Out of curiosity, Mark, did you 'jbweld' (new Vanagon Verb) only the
> pits/holes, or did you leave a thin/flat skin over the whole surface?
>
> Austin

  When I performed the JBWeld surgery, I didn't have convenient access to a
sandblaster so I dug out all of the corrosion with a dental pick and generally
gave the surface a "tooth" with a ScotchBrite pad.  After I had completely cleaned
each head with solvent, I applied the epoxy to the entire water surface and
smoothed it and waited for it to cure.  I have heard others mention that they used
cellophane to do this but I did not. After a couple of days of cure time, I
attacked them with a file for the corse removal and then when I saw that I was
getting close to the original metal, I used a flat surface (a pane of glass works
in a pinch) and wet sanded with ~ 220 grit sandpaper.  I quit when all that was
left was the epoxy filling the voids. I did use the approved sealant that came
with the gasket set and have yet to see a problem.  Hope this helps.
Mark