i recently had an accident where a piece of metal was dragged down the side of the body cutting the metal exterior and exposing the wood. the insurance have said to scrap it! as the cut is only about 4 inches long i am reluctant to. any idea's on how to repair it?

John, November 2009

One thing I hope the insurance paid you and let you buy back the van if they said scrap it. You don't pay insurance for them to say scrap it and not pay you anything.

bob, November 2009

If it not a wide split just a long one. two different ways to deal.

1. Seal off the split and cover with plastic vent.
OR
2. White trim strip as used around pvc windows all the way from front to back shape ends to look as though its purpose made. Coat back of strip with mastic [ two persons job] one holds strip to wall the other screws it to the wall ensure its level, use screw caps to cover the screw heads. I did my last c/van and it looked quite smart when done. Ensure you seal off the split before applying the strip.

Bob, November 2009