Markus Benne wrote:
>
> I've got a few areas that have minor body seam rust and two areas that
> have significant body seam rust.
>
> Where the rust is minor, it appears that that the filler or caulk that
> is between the body panels hardened and became brittle, cracking the
> paint and allowing water in.
>
> Where the rust is more advanced (the seams under both front doors) I
> think the paint merely cracked sooner.
>
> Does anyone have successful experience treating this type of rust at the
> seam?  This doesn't seem like a good candidate for cut'n'patch.
>
> I have electronic pictures of the rust if that'll help.
>
> Thanks,
> ...Markus
>
> engineless '87 Syncro

Markus,

My name is John and it seems that this "seam corrosion" is the bane of
all Vanagon owners eventually. I deal with mine with a product called
"OXISOLV". This stuff comes in a large spray bottle and claims to end
rust.............. This liquid turns rust chemically into zinc phosphate
(dull silver finish) and can then be painted.

I spray my affected body seams about once a year and leave it at that !
Since my '86 Syncro is silver the zinc phosphate finish looks fine. I
think manufacturer intended for this stuff to be used prior to
refinishing the seam with paint but just coating the surface rust works
ok for me.

one caution is that this spray is highly acidic(and probably must be to
penetrate the rusty seam)so the ajoining painted finish where OXISOLV
was oversprayed must be washed down with soapy water within 5 minutes !

I purchased a 20 oz spray bottle from some mail order outlet(can't
remember the name)but the following label info might help you find
some....................

                        OXISOLV Inc.
                        Taylor MI 48180
                        800 594 9028

Good luck I hope this is a solution for you,       JP