Was under the van yesterday installing a new tie rod and noticed some
rusting brackets up front near the spare tire compartment.  So, I open up the
spare tire compartment and get the spare outta there to have a look see.
Something that I have not done for a while obviously, as there is a big mess
up in there.  First off, the rad fan shroud is rusting away, perforated all
along the bottom edge.  Secondly, the two brackets that hold the rad in place
are also rusting away.  Thirdly, most of the body seams, that had factory
seam sealer on them, around the shifter box, are rusting.  Fourthly, the two
metal rods that hold the spate tire compartment door are rusting badly.  And
fifthly, the two hydraulic lines coming from the master cylinder are rusted
pretty badly where they are being held in a plastic bracket.  So, I spent the
better part of yesterday cleaning up this mess as best I could and getting
some rust paint on the pieces. I think most will be fine 'cept for the rad
fan shroud.  I need a new one so if any of you have an idea where I could
find one in good shape, I'm lookin'.  I guess I'll call the dealer today to
get his "shock valued price".  Maybe, it could be removed, sandblasted and
fiberglassed but probably would rust again eventually.  Best solution would
be to get a good or new one and paint protect it properly and install that
one.
    The moral of this story is go check out what's happening up in around
that spare tire compartment of yours before it's too late.  My Westy had been
undercoated and rust protected from new but seems like this area never did
get any attention.

Cheers & Happy Holidays

Frank Condelli
'87 westy
Almonte, On.
Visit me on the web......> <A
HREF="http://members.aol.com/RAlanen/index.html">Frank, Rita & April's Website
</A>