Front lower panel rust repair
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- AIR_CHILLED
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Front lower panel rust repair
I have noticed significant rust at the lower edge of the front panel where it joins to the top of the deformation panel.
Generally what is the best method of repair, is it to replace the complete lower front panel?
For the top of the deformation panel, if rust has gone all the way through, would fabricating sections to replacing the top area considered a good repair.
Help would be much appreciated and with reference pictures if you have some.
For reference, here is the only picture I have of the van without the front bumper
Thanks,
Mike
Generally what is the best method of repair, is it to replace the complete lower front panel?
For the top of the deformation panel, if rust has gone all the way through, would fabricating sections to replacing the top area considered a good repair.
Help would be much appreciated and with reference pictures if you have some.
For reference, here is the only picture I have of the van without the front bumper
Thanks,
Mike
1988 Vanagon GL Westfalia Syncro (2wd to 4wd conversion)
1992 Golf II Syncro Country
1992 Golf II Syncro Country
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Re: Front lower panel rust repair
Complete new panel is the best , easiest and quickest way , the deformation is pretty thick though I think they are unavailable so patching is or good used are your options
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Re: Front lower panel rust repair
Thanks for your reply David.
I will have cut the left and right side seam joint with an angle grinder but how would I rejoin the new panel there?
I am assuming it was spot welded from the inside at factory?
I will have cut the left and right side seam joint with an angle grinder but how would I rejoin the new panel there?
I am assuming it was spot welded from the inside at factory?
1988 Vanagon GL Westfalia Syncro (2wd to 4wd conversion)
1992 Golf II Syncro Country
1992 Golf II Syncro Country
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Re: Front lower panel rust repair
AIR_CHILLED wrote: ↑26 Jul 2023, 20:16 Thanks for your reply David.
I will have cut the left and right side seam joint with an angle grinder but how would I rejoin the new panel there?
I am assuming it was spot welded from the inside at factory?
You can plug weld through the indicator hole
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Re: Front lower panel rust repair
Ah right, that makes sense. Thanks for your help.
1988 Vanagon GL Westfalia Syncro (2wd to 4wd conversion)
1992 Golf II Syncro Country
1992 Golf II Syncro Country
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Re: Front lower panel rust repair
Most weve done even after blasting the defo panals are still suspect so we cut the tops out and let new 2.5-3mm steel back in then bond the lower panals too it
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mm
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Re: Front lower panel rust repair
Thanks for your reply plasticman.
When you say bond do you mean panel bond?
How are they originally joined at the bottom?
When you say bond do you mean panel bond?
How are they originally joined at the bottom?
1988 Vanagon GL Westfalia Syncro (2wd to 4wd conversion)
1992 Golf II Syncro Country
1992 Golf II Syncro Country
Re: Front lower panel rust repair
Lots of spot welds and there is the same again directly behind the lower edge so even more.
1992 red lle 2.2 subaru 1990 rhd caravelle 2.2 subaru 1986 california import vanagon
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Re: Front lower panel rust repair
I don't have a spot welder so that's lots of puddle welds for me then!
1988 Vanagon GL Westfalia Syncro (2wd to 4wd conversion)
1992 Golf II Syncro Country
1992 Golf II Syncro Country
Re: Front lower panel rust repair
You could save a lot of effort by bonding the lower edges as recommended by plasticman, weld the sides from behind.
1992 red lle 2.2 subaru 1990 rhd caravelle 2.2 subaru 1986 california import vanagon
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Re: Front lower panel rust repair
Hi Multisi, I thought that is what Plasticman was suggesting.
What product do you recommend?
What product do you recommend?
1988 Vanagon GL Westfalia Syncro (2wd to 4wd conversion)
1992 Golf II Syncro Country
1992 Golf II Syncro Country
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Re: Front lower panel rust repair
Purflex.keep it of skin .it takes some shifting
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Re: Front lower panel rust repair
Thanks for sharing.
1988 Vanagon GL Westfalia Syncro (2wd to 4wd conversion)
1992 Golf II Syncro Country
1992 Golf II Syncro Country
- scotttie
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Re: Front lower panel rust repair
I've got this job coming up and I like the suggestion of bonding the join to the deformation panel. Out of interest, do you think there would be any compromise in strength by bonding over spot/plug welding?
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2.1DJ Syncro Reimo hightop
2.1DJ Syncro Reimo hightop
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Re: Front lower panel rust repair
Bond it.easier and better solution.it has little to do with strutural integrity.
mm
mm