Vincent's Makeover Restoration/Re-Paint

[InitialWesty]

My van was gathering a few heavy rust spots so its time to repaint. Since I planned to pull the interior for sound deadening it seemed like as good as time as ever to also swap the color. I'll keep the color announcement a surprise for future posts.

My van is in pretty sound shape with limited dents and clean interior especially for 250k. While everything is out I'll be adding some new features including hot water shower, remove swivel seat, etc.

Where I need help is around selecting new headliner and vinyl materials. Looking to do something unique but I am certainly more of a mechanic than a interior designer.

Tips and comments welcome, I'll be keeping this updated with new photos.

As he sits before the strip

Bumper rust

Bubbles at the hookups

Empty face

No need for this hole

Fronts out

End of Day One

[jimf909]

Ooh, this is going to be fun!

Headliner? I'm selecting a headliner material for my high-top. One material near the top of my list is Veltex. It's a display fabric made by Velcro and it's designed to receive Velcro hook material. I've attached a 2' strip of Velcro hook and ripped it off many times and the material doesn't show any wear. Seattle Fabrics has used it as a display material and moved signs on it for years and it still looks reasonably good.

I don't have any experience of it in use as an actual headliner but I thought I'd mention it.

Scroll down to Velcro laminates...
http://www.velcro.com/business/products/converted-and-fabricated-products
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- Jim

[InitialWesty]

This is a crafty idea mate!

[InitialWesty]

Day 2: Cabinets are out

Almost an empty shell. Looks like this thing is going to the junkyard more than a paint job

Cut out the panel with a dremel under passenger seat for storage

Removed driver side swivel base, opening up more room for my aux battery accessories.

[InitialWesty]

Got the Van dropped off at AJ Auto body in Emeryville, CA.

Day 2 the antenna hole is filled and front is sanded.

[ledogboy]

Anxious to see how this turns out for you! I am in Oakland and will be needing some body/paint work done this winter and have been needing to start looking for a shop. Are you planning to still use your radio? If so, what are you doing for an antennae?
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1986 Westy Weekender
Now a full camper
1.8t Syncro conversion
Some people call him Maurice...

[bluebus86]

the problem with paint used in Oakland and other nearby areas is that the laws have banned the good paints. Now you get water color paints with a clear coat, expect the clear coat to peel off shortly. Id drive the van to a place that uses the good stuff. probably better in the long run environmentally to have the good paint as it will last longer, negating the need for a future repaint.

good luck


PS I had to drive to Santa Cruz County to purchase good paint for a door repaint, they could not sell the good stuff in San Mateo, Santa Clara nor Alameda counties , Didn't even bother to check with San Francisco county.
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Help Prevent VW Engine Fires, see this link.....Engine safety wire information

Stop introducing dirt into your oil when adjusting valves ... https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=683022

[tangojeff]

I wish good luck w this shop. I thought I had them interested in repairing some seam rust by the wheel well and repainting a sliding door to replace a bashed one.
"We'll get back to you by email w/ an estimate", I was promised After three unreturned phone calls, I gave up on them. Too bad as they had two We$tys that looked like they were getting thorough re-paint jobs

[InitialWesty]

Sides are almost done. Filled the exhaust hole for the old fridge. After long debate kept the hookup doors. Almost removed to reduce moisture from getting in but the ability to hookup in the future seemed likely.

[InitialWesty]

[InitialWesty]

Sunday I recieved 1/8th ABS plastic from TAPS plastics to redo all door cards/panels. Flattened the old fiberboard cards and traced it out. Will be cutting with jigsaw and wrapping in new vinyl. Spent the night watching videos to do high/low vinyl designs and will be giving it a shot once the fabric is selected.

[wynnep]

Van looks good for repaint. One stupid remark be careful when you cut your door panels. Make the line disappear. If you leave the line or part of the line the panel will be to big. I have done this when using a piece of metal as a template resulting in the cut piece being larger than the template. Hope you thought of this and I am just wasting words.

[InitialWesty]

[bluebus86]

[InitialWesty]

Exhaust Vent filled. Hookup areas repaired.

The van only had one spot rusted through, working on cutting it out now

Next is to remove all the seem sealer and replace

[InitialWesty]

If anyone has a small cabinet door grey, please let me know.

I was able to find a brown one, which I can refinish with grey handle and laminate but I have been unable to find the surrounding seals. Anyone know?

[pathao]

[bobbyblack]

I was wondering how long the "windshield is being left in?" issue was yet to be mentioned, too. I didn't see any specific rust in the pix, but if you are going to the extent you are, and not removing the windshield, there must be some reason you have not yet mentioned. Could be the first place you will see a blemish or bubble after you spend all that effort this time around. If it were me, that would be heartbreak.

[InitialWesty]

Windshield has been left in to minimize dust inside the cabin. It will be pulled out soon. I also expect to find some rust underneath the seal.

[jimf909]