DavidEJM
Free Member
Over the past 12 months or so the stripe on the side of our Compass Drifter has started to bubble in places. Now usually (in my experience with old cars) this points to rust, but of course the side of the van is aluminium.
I have peeled the sticker back and sure enough there is a dry powder (oxidisation) behind and a small hole in each instance through which I can see the insulating foam.
Anyone have any thoughts on the cause? (not there when we bought the van and the stripe appears to be original) and what is the best way to repair?
I'm reasonably competant having worked on car bodywork up to the point of restoring and respraying cars, but never with aluminium. I know of products that you can use to effectively weld ali (blow torch on screwdriver blade, 'tin' the screwdriver with product and wipe over hole..........one of those things you see at shows, get home and find that it takes years of practice to use effectively) and I might take this route. Or does someone have a better (for which read simpler) idea?
And finally...... what is the thought on striping? keep it original or do your own thing? Will this have any effect on resale values (keeping things looking original)
Well hope that makes sense and thanks in advance.
I have peeled the sticker back and sure enough there is a dry powder (oxidisation) behind and a small hole in each instance through which I can see the insulating foam.
Anyone have any thoughts on the cause? (not there when we bought the van and the stripe appears to be original) and what is the best way to repair?
I'm reasonably competant having worked on car bodywork up to the point of restoring and respraying cars, but never with aluminium. I know of products that you can use to effectively weld ali (blow torch on screwdriver blade, 'tin' the screwdriver with product and wipe over hole..........one of those things you see at shows, get home and find that it takes years of practice to use effectively) and I might take this route. Or does someone have a better (for which read simpler) idea?
And finally...... what is the thought on striping? keep it original or do your own thing? Will this have any effect on resale values (keeping things looking original)
Well hope that makes sense and thanks in advance.