VW California T5 ONLY Roof Corrosion - General Discussion

[Jabberwocky]

Best get the VWCS number in your phone then!

Snowy, Did you ever own a FIAT? Personally I never have, but my missus? Now that's another story!!

 

[ArunAlec]

Would this work? Strip the roof paint to bare aluminium, call it the VW California Airstream XSE (extra special edition). No paint bubbles, polish the aluminium from time to time to remove oxide and a two-tone California!


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Good idea, make feature of it! Bet VW would put it on the options list and charge.

 

[thehorse]

Don't know why they don't do as BillyCasper suggests.

Relatives have an unpainted aluminium canoe that is around 40 years old that is absolutely fine.

 

[BillyCasper]

Don't know why they don't do as BillyCasper suggests.

Relatives have an unpainted aluminium canoe that is around 40 years old that is absolutely fine.

I also have an aluminium canoe, a Swedish Linder, I think that it's a lovely looking thing.

http://linder.se/en/products/canoes/inkas-465-latt


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[Colinclared]

I would query as to who exactly carried out the work. If I am correct any further work on the repair is the responsibility of that body shop and not VW themselves. As this seems to be a very poor example of repair I would demand full disclosure if it were my van.

Thanks. I looked at my contract for the work and it's with VW. They may sub it out, but that's not my problem, that's between them and the body shop they contracted with. I will claim from VW and they can claim from the body shop if they want to. Given the timescale and scope of issue it's not a warranty claim as such it's a not fit for purpose claim.

Will let you all know how I get on!

 

[Colinclared]

Yes the new cap is plastic.
Most of the original aluminium fixed front section is cut off leaving the the rear most part to mastic bond the new plastic cap onto (that is why it stands proud ). The rest of the new cap is bonded directly on to the steel roof above the windscreen.

Thanks. That makes sense.

 

[2into1]

Yes the new cap is plastic.
Most of the original aluminium fixed front section is cut off leaving the the rear most part to mastic bond the new plastic cap onto (that is why it stands proud ). The rest of the new cap is bonded directly on to the steel roof above the windscreen.

It therefore makes you wonder why the front section was aluminium in the first place (if you can cut most of it out and replace with plastic without detriment). Much has been made if the strength of the Cali roof vs. the grp competition.

 

[raynormor]

Hi Snowy
It looks as though both covers and the gasket have been replaced, neat installation, original bellows and roof lining.
The gap between the windscreen and front roof cover is narrower (and neater as it is filled with a black gasket/filler) the fixings for the main cover are new.
I'm glad they re used the bellows because the springs in this one actual work (fold inwards without fail on lowering)
I hope when I wash it the paint doesn't come off!!!!
Repaired at H&L Motors Twickenham

 

[ArunAlec]

I also have an aluminium canoe, a Swedish Linder, I think that it's a lovely looking thing.

http://linder.se/en/products/canoes/inkas-465-latt


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I had a Grumman for my first canoe. Heavy but practical and very robust.

 

[owen_h]

The front section also extends back along both sides to around the B pillar forming a U section. This U is what puts back the stiffness lost when the big hole was cut in the roof.
I'm guessing that the new procedure isn't cutting into the 'legs' of the U and is still leaving a beam across the cab.
The GRP competition such as Reimo or SCA have a steel frame round the whole roof aperture to replace the lost stiffness.

 

[Martin]

Another image to add to the collection, this is from a member with a 2012 SE, due to go into Heritage in two weeks,

 

[gear box oil]

I have a 2014 beach I removed the roof seal today to find corrosion all round the roof edge.

 

[alstevens]

Having a few warranty things done on the (2014) van and asked the mechanics to check the roof while in and yes there is the inevitable bubbling so off we go with photos to VW and the much trodden path so many have been exploring / are still trudging down. One question though, what would eventually happen if the bubbling was simply ignored ? A bald patch or rust through meltdown ????

 

[Martin]

Having a few warranty things done on the (2014) van and asked the mechanics to check the roof while in and yes there is the inevitable bubbling so off we go with photos to VW and the much trodden path so many have been exploring / are still trudging down. One question though, what would eventually happen if the bubbling was simply ignored ? A bald patch or rust through meltdown ????

It would just eat away until it is down to bare metal, we have seen a few front panels that have no paint left on them at all!

If the bubbling is on the main elevating roof it slowly rises above the seal and will start to flake off.

 

[alstevens]

so just cosmetic really ? maybe go for the 'been round the world in dangerous places ' look ?

 

[T6 CFO]

Having a few warranty things done on the (2014) van and asked the mechanics to check the roof while in and yes there is the inevitable bubbling so off we go with photos to VW and the much trodden path so many have been exploring / are still trudging down. One question though, what would eventually happen if the bubbling was simply ignored ? A bald patch or rust through meltdown ????

Good you got it checked. Good luck with the process

Mike

 

[jts46]

It is aluminium so won't corrode

 

[RichardP]

It is aluminium so won't corrode

It's Aluminium so it won't RUST, it will continue to corrode just as it is doing under the blistering paint.

 

[Bearreds]

So why won't Vw get shot of this crap roof and put a fibreglass or carbon fibre roof on !
Makes no Sense .
I should be looking forward taking delivery of my beach but all this sh-t is making me want to cancel it .

 

[gear box oil]

Hi Bearreds,

For me the pleasure of owning and using the California totally out weighs the issue of the corrosion on the roof panel.
So don't be put off. yes its a pain but it can be sorted and something you can keep an eye on.
Forewarned and all that stuff.
So keep looking forward and don't be put off.

 

[snowy55]

it can be sorted

That's the problem- it can't be sorted-Vw had two goes at mine and it still bubbled again!

 

[gear box oil]

Hi Snowy,
You made what I think must have been a very hard decision to give back your van I am sorry you got to that point.
you make a good point here but I think the problem can be solved at the moment obviously not by VW.

 

[Trebor]

Anyone know where the T6 roof thread has gone ? Seems to have disappeared .

 

[Marv2010]

Hi, I have just been contact by Inchcape Chelmsford to have my T5 2010 roof corrosion repaired. Am waiting a call back to discuss next steps. Does anyone have any key information I should find out before I hand over the van.

 

[blakeley]

With all the scarey stories we keep hearing I personally would take loads of time/dated photographs inside and out. I would also keep your fingers crossed it does not end up at the Twickenham bodyshop.