The Experiment Stage

 June 4, 2011 

The day we purchased the Bug.

This was just after we took Maddie for her first drive.

June 5, 2011

Doug taking the Rhino Lining fender off so I can start

stripping it. 

We decided, as a start, to try painting one fender 

with the Rustoleum roller method of painting to see 

if it's worth trying to paint the Bug ourselves. 

If it works, the savings will be over $300.00 

 After reading on dozens of forums, I decided to attempt 

to salvage the fenders. New fenders would cost $90.00 each.

The remover and scraper was $33.00. If this works, it will save us

$327.00.

I wore thick dish washing gloves, and followed the directions 

on the can of Aircraft Remover.

5 minutes after applying the remover with a polyester 

paint brush, it begins to bubble and is ready to be scraped off.

For stubborn patches, I used a razor blade. 

The Aircraft Remover worked wonders.

Remember the gloves! It really stings if it comes

in contact with your flesh. Half way through the process,

I changed into long sleeves, pants, socks, and sneakers.

It takes time and elbow grease, but you will 

eventually be able to get all the Rhino Lining off.

It took about 2 hours, but I was able to save the fender.

I figure I payed myself $25.00 an hour by doing the 

work instead of buying a new fender.

The next step is to Bondo one small dent on the fender I stripped, then I will sand it. When Doug gets home tomorrow night, he will start the first step in a 4 day process of painting the fender. If all goes well, we will be repeating it on the entire Bug..... Exciting things to come!