I've got a similar hole in the arch right behind the driver.
I attribute it too the sunroof drain right there, and salt.
It's a big one though. I'll be fixing it soon I hope. Anyone have any donor
metal? : )

-Craig

On Sun, May 22, 2011 at 8:17 PM, John Meeks <vanagon@gmail.com> wrote:

> So... while prepping for a rear trailing arm rebushing project ( that's a
> whole other story, the moral of which is 'kids, don't try this at home if
> you drive in brine for part of the year.' ) I removed the fiberglass
> cladding just fore of the rear passenger side wheel. What I found was not a
> bit pretty. An 8" rustout of the outer sheet metal right above the trailing
> arm/jack point.
>
> https://picasaweb.google.com/112346123305551852781/SaltbeltRustyParts#5609690386532659922
> ( Warning!! Content is disturbing ).
>
> I've removed the cladding from both sides of the van between the wheels and
> they ain't going back on. I kinda like the retro late 80's look anyway. I'm
> doing the bottom rails including the jack points and trailing arm bolts in
>  Por-15 with a flat black topcoat.
>
> If anyone wants the panels I removed. just send me a pmail and I'll be
> happy
> to ship them to you. They are in fine condition. Pix on request.
>
> I'll post the bushing story after I have a pro alignment and drive a bit
> more. I used Powerflex bushes (thanks Chris (Loogy on theSamba) ) on the
> upper control and the rear trailing arms. First impressions: SWEET!!!
>
> John Meeks
> '91 Vanagon MultiVan
> Northern Michigan
>
> Vanagon Rescue Squad
> www.vanagonauts.com
>