New Panel! Should I strip it?

1) self etching primer is for bare metal...it contains acid that "etches" the metal to give it some bite....if you don't strip the panel you don't need self etching....you would need to properly sand the "primer" that is on the panel and paint over it....HOWEVER the primer that comes on those panels is more for protecting from surface rust during transport and storage than for life long use....i strip every replacement panel i install.... 2) don't re-invent the wheel....the panels should be replaced the way the factory did it....of course there are many ways to skin a cat, so to speak....it's your bus, so you should do what is best for it and you....i personally like to reconstruct them the way they came....most unibody vehicles are constructed in a certain order and fashion for rigidity and long term strength...

Thanks for the advice.

Yes I agree with that, but was wondering do you think VW changed the design for rigidity reasons or speed/simplicity of construction. I mean 68'ish was when all the fuss was being made over safety with collapsible columns and seat belts etc etc. And safety has to be my first consideration.

this i don't know....they changed things for a reason, but that was probably reasons that the common folks don't know...could have been safer, faster assembly, or just because they wanted to...i'm not sure there...maybe since

68 was the first bays, they modified and improved as they went....not sure on this one...but Speedy Jim is a bus dude too...he'll be here any minute...3-2-1-

I agree with that paint not being meant to be permanent: When some of the paint scratched off my replacements, was surprised to find a thin layer of rust under it. It comes off pretty easily with a wire wheel anyway - I'd reprimer it so you know what you have.

Remco