After a painful learning experience with the 'Bash Beddie' i decided from the outset that this van would be Soda Blasted before anything else was done. Soda Blasting is a fantastic option as it allows you to:

1 See exactly what lay before you - naked!

2 Leave all the windows etc intact as it has no effect on rubber. (In fact it       cleans rubber up like new) 

3 It allows you to drive the van to the location, and drive it home

4 It does not generate heat so it will not distort your panels like sandblasting

5 It leaves a protective film which slows the surface rust allowing you time to do some repair work again, unlike sand blasting.

The Down Side:

You must and stress - MUST ensure every trace of soda is removed before attempting to paint or it will not adhere.

As you can see by the pictures below, when i was ready to put into epoxy primer, i washed the van down with soapy water, went over the entire surface with sanding disc and the washed down again with grease and wax remover.