Mk 5 rear door repairs and a blow job!

[martyn_jp]

Hi all,

My Smiley's rear doors have finally given up the ghost and are dropping large lumps of the nasty red stuff on the drive! So, I've ordered some inside and outside repair panels for both doors and am wondering if anyone has any advice on how to go about fitting them or knows of a local (to Bristol) welder that would stick them on in exchange for some drinking vouchers?

Also, when the doors get repaired, I will need to paint them and am thinking of going all over the old lady as I've been grinding out and filling the numerous rust spots so would appreciate any advice on this. I have a spray gun and I'm not too fussed if it doesn't look like a showroom job when I've finished but need to understand what type of paint I might need (I've read something about cellulose paint having been banned?) and how much it would take to do the whole van? Also any other relevant advice would be greatly appreciated as I'm a real novice at this!

I feel I owe it to the van to keep her going as she really is a classic and it would be an injustice to send her to the scrap yard and get a newer model!

Cheers, Martyn.

[GSXR]

Hi as long as you do not want a perfect job it is a DIY project.

Just remove all rust and other imperfections as good as you want it. Clean it, and I mean clean it lol ... All dust must be gone or the finish will be naff.

If indoors its easier as you can use tack cloths etc. Remove what you can like side repeaters lights etc etc Mask up vehicle.

Need a decent primer and thinners if buying from suppliers then they will give you compatible products.

If you have never sprayed before there are many sites and videos to help.

If a novice GO SLOW and do not try to get too much paint on be patient and do many coats rather than fewer thick coats.

A litre of topcoat will be plenty and they do a one coat gloss/lacquer aswell which isn't too bad. Two pack is the best and the hardest finish but you need specialist equipment as it is not healthy without breathing apparatus .

I use this place so hopefully you have similar where you live ...

http://www.charlescalverandsons.co.uk/w ... -supplies/