Step by step with 1983 VW Vanagon

[KristianS]

Hi guys!

Just joined the forum today after some lurking.
I'm a active member over on Audizine and have the pleasure of looking after two brilliant black Audi's beside my newly acquired VW Vanagon.

The Vanagon needs a bit of help and that's why I'm here.
As you can tell there some rust spots but overall in very good condition.
I just yesterday scooped a Griots Garage 6' DA and was hoping to use it sometime soon.

So how should I approach this project? I've added a few pictures but it's hard really to tell but I think you get the picture.

Thanks in advance,

Kristian

[Jay's 128i]

If I were to detail this- these would be the steps I do.
1) test to see if this paint is single stage or not
2) wash van using 2 bucket method
3) clay entire vehicle (wheels- paint- glass)
4) iron x entire vehicle
5) knowing whether paint is one stage or not will determine paint correction method: if one stage- I would use some megs #7 and then HD Speed. Clear coated paint- I've been loving the Boss creams
6) for long lasting protection I've been using PBL
7) tires and wheels- look into McKee's 37 products

I'm sure others will chime in. If you have any questions feel free to ask.

[GSKR]

Looks like ss.Take a cloth with some polish on it and see if you get paint transfer,or rub your fingers over the hood and see if color is on your fingers.Then go from there as far as a process.

[KristianS]

Thanks guys! The paint is transferring off when I rub my fingers over the paint.

[dcjredline]

Yep, pick your poison as far as name brand of product but Jay's process is the same as I would do.

[KristianS]

Clay before Iron X? Not the other way around?

[GSKR]

Clay before Iron X? Not the other way around?

Iron x first.I would use 151 by meguairs on that.using any compound on that old finish will thin it even more.your goal here is to make it shine.I would top that with hi temp wax very durable stuff.

[scuff]

Should any special precautions be taken with Iron X around the rusty chips in the first photo?

Kristian, I don't know your plans for the van, but being white paint, you might be able to have that repainted with good results, especially if it's a smaller panel.

[GSKR]

Actually the ironx x will make that rust bleed out then you can touch it up.

[KristianS]

Thanks again guys

I wasn't planning on doing much with the rust for now. Its minimal and only a couple of spots. Maybe a touch up would be a good idea.

For now the main focus is on getting all the contaminants off and make it shine again