Club 80-90 Forums

Hi All!

I have had my T25 hi top for 2 years now and am looking to get it resprayed. It is structurally sound but has rust in all the usual places, seams, wheel arches etc.
I have had a few quotes and it comes down to 2 - this is where I need some experienced advice.

Both bodyshops are quoting about £4K which seems about right.
Bodyshop A: Are keen to keep existing panels and grind/ cut out rust. They are also suggesting keeping windows in place to help keep costs down and because new seals would never be as good a fit as the factory fit.
Bodyshop B: Replace panels with new, taking out windows and so needing new seals.

Both VW specialists with a good range of completed/ semi-complete work to have a look at.

So my question is which do you think is the best option? (I tried to put photos on but I need to shrink them at work tomorrow)
Thanks in advance for your help!

No brainer.Bodyshop B..

as rob said, on the facts you say, but if you put photos up it will help. Sometimes it would be best to cut a small section of rust out than to replace with a cheap panel. But wouldnt agree with leaving windows in at all. Who are the vw experts you have had quotes off?

im doing a complete body resto on my <80 t25 , all welding ha been done new panels plus cutting out rust and plating .
windows were removed as was all seats trim etc . there is to be a colour change , and this is the only way to go . anything less would be half a job to my mind .

I'd definitely recommend taking the windows out, water gets behind the seals and rots the steel, you don't see how bad it is until you look.
As Hilift says, you need to spray behind the seals too.

Thanks all!

I was surprised when they suggested keeping all the panels as I'm not sure there would be too much left on a couple of the wheel arches once the rust is removed, esp around the fuel cap. (Technology is refusing to behave so photos not forthcoming!) There is definitely rust around the front windscreen so that really should come out to deal with it.
I think once writing it down I knew bodyshop B was the right one! Just means I have to be more patient as they have a waiting list.... (which I suppose is also a sign that they are probably the better one)