Over the past 3 weeks I ended up having the body resprayed by a welder / auto body guy who helped me blitz the welding as I prepared to leave the UK 2 years ago. He now has his own little workshop locally so thought I might as well take the hit than having to prep and Rustolium when I get back and he gave a very fair price. I opted for the original VW colour (L90D) to be matched so hopefully wont make things too sill around doors / engine etc. These are the pics but unfortunately I didn't get to see the final coat myself as I had to get back to Thailand.
This now means body wise I just have the pop top to prep and spray and all the grills. wipers, jets etc. replaced or cleaned up.
Pics:
After welding 2 years ago and covered
Spray work this summer
And that was the last I saw before heading back, but hopefully family will send some when it gets dropped off later in week. Although I have not seen it after final flat back and fixings put back on I am happy with the work as it sounds like it was a nightmare getting all the slapped on roller paint a previous owner put on without keying in. any filler was falling off so they had to get it all off, shape the van as best as possible, prime and repaint. If anyone is in the Poole, Dorset area and looking for a good welder / bodywork man let me know and I will pass on his details.
So Next years planning begins.
Some Questions if I may:
1) - Can anyone identify the type of lamp I need to replace as the middle 2 are cloudy I would like to clean up and keep the 4 lamp grill as I think it looks pretty good but assume the lights need replacing. What dimensions will the lights be? And where is the best place to source new ones?
2) - The handles around the van rattle a bit and are stiff and I think I have about 3 keys for the various locks. Is it possible/worth replacing them all to use 1 key and work better? Repairable?
I am sure I will be back more as I start to plan reupholstering the Autosleeper seats, fixing Audi Seats, redoing interior wall carpet, insulating, wiring leisure battery, fixing Propex heater, fixing alarm system, MOT.
(albeit over the next few years)
Cheers
