TheSamba.com :: View topic

Mon Jan 05, 2004 8:59 am

Hi,
I'm in the proces of removing the old paint from my '70 Ghia Convertible.
On the driver's side rocker (in front) there are a few rust holes (4) the largest is about 1/4 inch in diameter. The holes face the side and are not on the underside.
How do I go about fixing this?
Slapping bondo on it will just result in more holes later. I don't want to replace the entire heater channel either.

So, I was wondering if I can cut out a piece of the top of the channel (under the running board) to obtain access to the inside of the channel so I can treat the rust there. Is this possible? Has anyone done that? Would that significantly weaken the structural strength of a convertible body?

Any other ideas?

Thanks

Tue Jan 06, 2004 10:11 am

From your description, I can't tell. Are the holes on the heater tube itself or on the outer skin? Take a look here, and tell us exactly where the holes are.
http://www.karmannghia.com/articles/rockers.html

Tue Jan 06, 2004 11:59 am

It seems to be the skin. I've got a picture of it, but I don't know how to post pictures here.

Thanks.[/img]

Tue Jan 06, 2004 1:16 pm

OK I've uploaded the picture in the gallery under "Ghia convertible" pics. So if the link below does not work you can find it by browsing the gallery. It was uploaded today (1/6/04)

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/135365.jpg

I'm not sure if this will work.

Thanks

Fri Jan 09, 2004 12:25 pm

Well, you know the proper way tofix that would be cut it out and weld in a patch.
But for such small holes, I'd either:
A: Clean them as much as possible w/ a round file. Punch 'em in a little, then weld them shut. Just like welding up trim holes.

B:Clean as much as possible, then fill w/ POR-15 putty & maybe a little fiberglass cloth.

With either method, I'd clean the backside as much as possible using small wire brushes, sandpaper on a stick, or whatever means I could. Finally I'd treat the backside w/ something like POR-15 or RustBullet.

Fri Jan 09, 2004 3:05 pm

I figured that I have to treat the back side, but the question was how to get to it. Also, where did the water come from that caused this rust?
If I cut out the rusted area I'll have to buy a matching part to patch it. If I cut out a "window" under the aluminum running board I can weld in a flat piece of sheet metal or even the part I cut out, or nothing at all.. Is it worth it?

Fri Jan 09, 2004 10:24 pm

Deutsch: Since the entire top of the rocker is hidden by the sill plate trim piece you can drill access holes all along the top. Then after you paint or treat for rust get some of the flat plastic plugs the rustproofers guys use to plug the holes. The sill plate will hide them nicely.

I like Waxoyl as a rust treatment, but it is pretty old fashioned-- there was a long thread in the bay bus forum about Waxoyl and other rustproofing that was very good. Do a search for Waxoyl.