welders advice (now prep for paint!)

[barsocial]

Ok here we go..

I have decided to finally tackle the only leaky window on our 89 LHD. It's the window behind the sliding door. Having removed the Gaffa tape and the silicone seal (previous owners work) I have finally been able to see what on earth is going on behind. No surprises, it's as rotten as a fish. Here is a photo..



Any advise? Been looking at many posts and think the way forward it to cut out and weld a new piece. However, if my van was made of wood I could do a really good repair but as it is metal I am lost!

Is there anyone in Wales that can do this? Do I need a section cut out from a donor van and if so does anyone have this section? Would the cut need to be below the gutter part that hold the cover plate in place?

We are planning to paint the van with a roller after this is done so anyone's help would be much appreciated!!

ioan

[boatbuilder]

Its worth removing the panels on the inside and see what its all like further down....the water runs down and rusts out everything down as far as and including the wheel arch itself. If you get it grit blasted or at least wire-wheeled so you can see whats what, its probably worse than it looks and although you cannot see holes through some parts, when you grit blast it, pinholes with appear.

Ideally a section out of another van would be easiest, but it is possible to fabricate it from flat metal. The hardest bit would be making the swage line, but a joggler tool does that pretty well.

[barsocial]

Thanks for the reply.

Have had the panels off and had a good look further down and yes it has gone to the seam above the wheel arch. There are however some drill holes down there, I guess to let water out (again done by the prev owner?) It looks pretty dry down there, I guess with the aid of these drill holes. The panel below this from what I can see is OK apart from the seam. My worry is doing so much and not being able to continue.

Do you think I should take it to a body shop or is there someone on the club that could do it? I'd prefer the club route..

[jimpainter]

A panel cut would be best as said before. But getting a good cut could be a problem.
Are you sure everything is sound because it can be a bit misleading, what looks like surface rust could turn out worse.
Jim

[Plasticman]

cover retaining strip to remove then as said a cut let in, , join easy just under the roof and infront of rear seam , let it continue round door opening,
wood hmm devils metal that is
mike

[barsocial]

ok I going to get a more informed look behind there this evening. Will test any suspect areas - I'm in it now so I may as well go the whole way!
As for a donor van,, Anyone out there with a late LHD that they are cutting up and could help with this?

Jim got your PM will message this eve..

[jimpainter]

If your stuck for a body cut try volksmagic, or volkshaven. Both are really helpful and break t25.

[waltraud]

T25 direct on eBay(London) have a cut like that I think but as others have said it can be made up from sheet and welded in.

[barsocial]

ah, nothing currently for sale with t25direct guess they must have sold it..

Right I'm going to take some of the internal panels off now to have a better look. Only wish it would stop raining!

I am going to a local (as easier) garage/body shop on wednesday so I'll see what they can do,
if not I'll be in touch Jim

[waltraud]

Worth asking them and perhaps also vwemporium guys, good luck in any case.

[jimpainter]

Another is vwnorthwest. Obviously not close to you but may post stuff.

[weldore]

an add in the wanted section could be worth it

[Plasticman]

volksheaven always have them in and will cut and post no probs
mike

[Boulvilord]

Its worth removing the panels on the inside and see what its all like further down....the water runs down and rusts out everything down as far as and including the wheel arch itself. If you get it grit blasted or at least wire-wheeled so you can see whats what, its probably worse than it looks and although you cannot see holes through some parts, when you grit blast it, pinholes with appear.

Ideally a section out of another van would be easiest, but it is possible to fabricate it from flat metal. The hardest bit would be making the swage line, but a joggler tool does that pretty well.

If it is rusted out it would make a bad effect upon the functionality of the vehicle.. That is needed to be removed also, That would increase your car's efficiency and hopefully that would be working better after it too.

[barsocial]

update:

Took the van in for the weld, then my partner picked it up days later. When it was home I had a look at it and the cover plate is out of alignment to what it should be so it is going back after my demanding that this be done right. The body shop also managed to produce a slight crack in the plastic double glazed window which they are going to look into. Oh and they managed to do blim burns on the upholstery and the window leaks!

All in all bloody crap! If I produced work like that I'd be out of work in an area like I live. Word travels fast and you are only as good as the last job you did. Can I be done if I say that the Body shop in Tywyn, Mid Wales are beyond shocking/"pooh"/amateur?

Luckily it is my job to notice workmanship and I have no problems about demanding it be done right!!

Rant over!!

Right my question that sent me on a hour long search has proved fruitless - The Window!

It is a fixed non opening window with a rubber fit seal around it. It's a plastic bonded double glazed unit and it is smokey brown tint - a bit like sepia. ... See photo above ... Anyone know of anywhere these can be optained from? I know they don't look modern but they suit the van and the other windows and when you sit inside the whole world turns sepia!