Bad Rust problem
Posted: 25 Apr 2011, 15:43
I have just taken the interior out of my 1983 converted panel van to find a few real worrying areas of rust.
1.
The whole of that indented part is like crumbly paper, The outside wing is in a similar state and the window frame is bubly and basically not there anymore under the paint and filler that has been used
The inner wheel arches have all but crumbled to dust, the nearside window frame is in a similar condition to the offside , as is the middle offside panel window.
More worrying are the holes in the floor
Are these holes just in an area that can be cut out and patched? They are right by the edge of the sill but don't appear, at first look, to extend over the sill.
Also , when replacing a complete rear panel, how do you spot weld the edge by the middle panel with the middle panel in situ. Will this become obvious as I cut out the old panel.
One odd thing, The person who converted this panel van has riveted a fibreglass or pvc, not sure which, inner window frame into the van. Has anyone seen this done before?
One more thing. While investigating the rust extent at the botton of the rear offside arch panel, putting my hand down the inside of the van, I have discovered the bottom of the post the panels join to has 'an amount' of corrosion, i.e I pushed my finger through it when feeling around the very bottom of the wing panel. Obviously I can't see the extent of this rust until I get the panel off , but is this a common and simple repair, or is it something structural and difficult for a newbie to tackle?
When I discovered thiese areas this morning I was on the verge of saying ' sod it, scrap it' , but after some thought I think I may persevere, for the experience if nothing else. Any opinions and advice welcome. Anyone experienced living near Southampton who wants to take a look is more than welcome and will be kept in Tea/coffee/whatever while they are here.
Cheers in advance for any help or advice.
1.
The whole of that indented part is like crumbly paper, The outside wing is in a similar state and the window frame is bubly and basically not there anymore under the paint and filler that has been used
The inner wheel arches have all but crumbled to dust, the nearside window frame is in a similar condition to the offside , as is the middle offside panel window.
More worrying are the holes in the floor
Are these holes just in an area that can be cut out and patched? They are right by the edge of the sill but don't appear, at first look, to extend over the sill.
Also , when replacing a complete rear panel, how do you spot weld the edge by the middle panel with the middle panel in situ. Will this become obvious as I cut out the old panel.
One odd thing, The person who converted this panel van has riveted a fibreglass or pvc, not sure which, inner window frame into the van. Has anyone seen this done before?
One more thing. While investigating the rust extent at the botton of the rear offside arch panel, putting my hand down the inside of the van, I have discovered the bottom of the post the panels join to has 'an amount' of corrosion, i.e I pushed my finger through it when feeling around the very bottom of the wing panel. Obviously I can't see the extent of this rust until I get the panel off , but is this a common and simple repair, or is it something structural and difficult for a newbie to tackle?
When I discovered thiese areas this morning I was on the verge of saying ' sod it, scrap it' , but after some thought I think I may persevere, for the experience if nothing else. Any opinions and advice welcome. Anyone experienced living near Southampton who wants to take a look is more than welcome and will be kept in Tea/coffee/whatever while they are here.
Cheers in advance for any help or advice.
