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Rust/Paint Question

I'm working on the rust beneath/behind the rear side windows of my 73 Super Beetle. There are 8-10 spots on each side of the car that are rusted through and range in size from 1/8" to about 1". I have cleaned all that out. Behind is some kind of foam that I'm assuming has wicked some moisture from inside the body to the outside, causing the rust and paint bubbling.

My thought is to get as much of that foam out and replace it with some other substance that won't wick the moisture through again, then do a standard patch on the holes, print, re-paint, etc. I do NOT want to take the body apart and work on the panel from the inside at this time (this is a daily driver, not a show car).

Any thoughts on this method, and/or a recommendation on a substance with which to replace the foam?

Reply to
Birdlander
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just be carefull when you weld near the foam. It burns like...... i always have a waterhose near the car when i weld..... i safed me ones ...... bye.... MIC

Reply to
NJ

I safed me ones to. Keep the hose nearby and DON'T do the welding inside the garage! Ask me how I know!

I guess you'd have to look for a closed-cell foam. Don't have a product for you. It's a sound deadener; maybe omit it. On the driver side, there is the harness running thru the foam, careful not to damage that.

Instead of welding, I think I would use a fibeglass mat and glass over the area. Maybe you already thought of that.

Reply to
Speedy Jim

Hi, this is about the same type of foam as available in building-supply stores for insulation/filling cracks. You spray it in and it expands and sets up; that is the way it was put there originally.It was sound deadening, and to help keep engine noise from entering the passenger compartment through the hollow space in the rear body pillars. I dug mine out; you can probably melt it out with a strong solvent like lacquer thinner. I would put it back after repairs are made; just paint the area first if you fear rust.

Reply to
Buick8

it also collects moisture like crazy and promotes rusting. In the earlier models (ovals etc. ) it wasn't spray foam, it was something that was wrapped in a cloth bag.

IF you insist on using the spray foam, make sure it's "closed cell" type if it's available. "open cell" means it will suck in water.

Jan

Reply to
Jan Andersson

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