We didn't really get that option, neither of the donor roofs came with much in the way of pillars. Also the window frames on the first bus were amongst the very few parts of it we haven't had to replace, would have been a real shame to chop them out.
Funny really - the roof was probably cut from a van that was in far better condition than the one you're restoring (before you started) but the crazy EEEnglish must have their parts.
I can't imagine I'd could have been rustier than this one was. My guess is it had no title/logbook. You probably already know you can't export them out the states in one piece without one.
@zedders (@Beaver) funnily enough I had already asked Beaver for an estimate that I received last Thursday. The garage photos look familiar.... I'm a fan of their work on facebook. Replacing the roof has always been a possibility (and still is)......if I mess it up or get fed up. However I purchased the repair panels a week and a bit ago and thought what the hell.....basically. It may be a huge pain in the a, but sectionalised repairs work well for me with the lack of garage..... on top of the cost for the job. I got the time and because Im keeping the viking roof, the gutters need only to be functional, slight imperfections I can tolerate, I think, because it will be hidden. (@Beaver apologies for not replying but facebook thought it was some kind of spam message and now I cant find it. I got the gist though, so thank you. I may come back to you)
Think so. It's on max. I maybe a bit far from the arc and the power needs a notch up. Also changing to argon/co2 mix also.
Whilst I wait for the weekend to cut my next set of repair pieces. Lying in the rain, I've started on the underseal. I'm actually really impressed with what I'm uncovering.
When applied to a sound surface wax based under seal works very well It's the bodgers that slap it over rot and bad repairs that give it a poor name
I started with white spirit and paint thinner, but my stuff is really old and dry. Didn't work. After googling I tried my little hand held butane gas cooking torch. That failed after a 10 minutes. But it did work. So I borrowed my brothers plumbing gas torch (below). Works a treat. What I think is really dry and crusty suddenly melts and I get to wipe away. It's a horrid job. I'd be tempted just to melt the old stuff and then apply a new coat, but I want to see all the warts and all underneath.
After a delay on getting my drill repaired I have continued with the roof gutter repairs. I've removed the rotted section of the roof strengthener. Loads of spot welds. Think I'll only fill maybe 6 or 8 of the original window panel spot welds. I've cut a lower strengthener repair piece (not welder yet), then put on top the angled strengthener piece, then then fix the window panel, then the gutter. More photos to follow as it progresses.
Still working in the inner roof structure. Doing bits when I can. As a first pass I'm happy with the result. Will clean up the spot welds and some of the butt welds, then re-bonda and epoxy mastic.
Moving towards to the windscreen whilst working the gutters I decided to remove the windscreen. Top half is bummed but the lower seems bubble free. ...... I'm so glad this van keeps giving.
