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rust hunting and insulating

Posted: 23 Jun 2010, 13:48
by jamesandtheopenroad
Heidi-hi (VW) Campers

One of my first jobs I want to do to my new van is to insulate her/him (undecided on sex still - maybe a unisex name like Lee/Leigh or Lesley - another topic methinks). This will inevitably throw up a few rust issues - from what I can see through gaps, there aren't too many (fingers crossed).

So I wondered if it would be sensible to clear as much rust away as possible from the internal panels, coat thoroughly with Vactan (I've seen it's high on the members praise list) before applying the insulation? Should this be enough, or should a Vactan coat be followed by, say, a coating of Hammerite?

Also, I've seen from original VW info, that they put "condensation barriers" on the doors. Did these work, should they be reinstated, are they still available?

Any help/advice/persuasion would be gratefully appreciated.

J&H

p.s. C'Mon England!

Re: rust hunting and insulating

Posted: 23 Jun 2010, 13:56
by CovKid
Ok, I'll give it a go. Yes, deal with any rust before you start covering things up and filling cavities. Make sure any drain holes are kept clear too. The area you do need to look at (if you can gain access) is the panel opposite the sliding door as it can be a real water trap in there.

Condensation barriers just protect door cards from warping due to moisture mostly so again, keep drain holes clear.