Discussion regarding T6 ONLY roof corrosion

[DM]

Interesting, on my last service I asked Parkway Leicester to check the roof for corrosion. On picking up the van I was told there were no procedures for checking the roof for corrosion so they hadn't done it. Another way of putting owners off, like the mythical glue sticking the seal on.

We're of the - let's just enjoy the van and get it checked just before the warranty is about to expire camp. So in November I'll be back there but this time with a pair of step ladders and I'll make sure they carry out their non existent procedure and do a proper check.

I wonder how many others have asked for a dealer to check and they've just ignored the request? At least they told me they hadn't done it.

PS Ours is a T5 but the comments are still relevant here.

As you say - interesting. I guess the difference was that I asked them to inspect damage that I stated existed rather than asking them to check whether there was any.

The conspiracy theorist in me now wonders whether VW instruct dealers not to do routine checks.

 

[El Greco]

According to Parkway one of the criteria is that repairers must have specialist extraction equipment for working with aluminium.

It must be like handling asbestos then!

 

[calimera]

As you say - interesting. I guess the difference was that I asked them to inspect damage that I stated existed rather than asking them to check whether there was any.

The conspiracy theorist in me now wonders whether VW instruct dealers not to do routine checks.

Agree .

Our VW dealer Plymouth was adamant that VW told them not to take the seal off.

May take it to VW Carrs Exeter next year & take a ladder so we can both check.

We were aware when we ordered the T6 that VW hadn't found a solution for T5.
Still ordered. We love the freedom/adventures it gives us. I even drove the Cali for the first time last week !!!!! Never driven DSG before. My left leg kept twitching.

Thanks DM for keeping us posted your about bubbling & seeking resolution with VW.

 

[CoboCali]

My April 2016 Cali 204DSG is in for a 12month service in mid May, so I have taken a look at the roof under the rubber seal for the first time. I have a small amount of light bubbling. very small diameter bubbles. main area affected the back, and rear sides. For the record... Indium Grey, kept outdoors. I have informed the dealership that i require a paint warranty check on the day I have it booked in for... this will be its first trip back to a dealers since pick up day. I am not getting overly concerned, we have had 47nights away this year and enjoyed the Cali greatly - this will not spoil things. Will keep the forum updated via here.

 

[Jabberwocky]

Dear All
In case you have not heard. During the recent Hannover Factory visit it was seen that VW are now applying a transparent tape to the edge of the pop-up roof. This has been happening since about November '16 (not absolutely certain of dates). Personally I did not go on this trip so I checked my roof. It's true, there is a tape present. My Cali was made in Week 4, 2017.
Here are a couple of photos as proof.

Back inside lip.

Outside rear near side lip.

 

[Amarillo]

This has been happening since about November '17 (not absolutely certain of dates).

Even if unsure, surely you mean 'about November '16'.

 

[Jabberwocky]

Even if unsure, surely you mean 'about November '16'.

You are so right! Now edited. Thanks.

 

[T6 CFO]

Interesting. Not getting the 2nd pic. Need to have a look at mine. Delivered mid January so presumably tapped.


Mike

 

[Jabberwocky]

Interesting. Not getting the 2nd pic. Need to have a look at mine. Delivered mid January so presumably tapped.


Mike

When you say not getting 2nd picture you mean?

 

[Max-Felix]

Second pic not showing and first very grainy and unclear - can you post some more higher res?

 

[Richardmk]

Second pic not showing and first very grainy and unclear - can you post some more higher res?

Collected my Beach on 23/1/17. Have just checked and there is tape there, which to be honest I have not noticed before. No signs of any bubbling or other anomalies though - as yet

Richard


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Jabberwocky]

Sorry about the pics guys. My camera will not take a better photo than the grainy one of the inside lip - very difficult location to focus on. As far as the missing pic is concerned here it is again - outside, near side rear. This is very clear and the tape is clearly visible.

 

[Loz]

Sorry about the pics guys. My camera will not take a better photo than the grainy one of the inside lip - very difficult location to focus on. As far as the missing pic is concerned here it is again - outside, near side rear. This is very clear and the tape is clearly visible.
View attachment 20980

Great, I wonder if we will be able to order this as a spare part at some point.

 

[Max-Felix]

If I had a new T6 and this is a genuine fix I'd find a recommended specialist to do this with PPF (paint protection film) and rest easy.

https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=paint+protection+film

Lots of info on YT about this too and a favourite of the 'supercar' brigade.

 

[Loz]

If I had a new T6 and this is a genuine fix I'd find a recommended specialist to do this with PPF (paint protection film) and rest easy.

Yes, I suggested this a while back and will probably ask the guy who did the ppf on ours to do the roof edges.

 

[DM]

Dear All
In case you have not heard. During the recent Hannover Factory visit it was seen that VW are now applying a transparent tape to the edge of the pop-up roof. This has been happening since about November '16 (not absolutely certain of dates). Personally I did not go on this trip so I checked my roof. It's true, there is a tape present. My Cali was made in Week 4, 2017.
Here are a couple of photos as proof.

Back inside lip.
View attachment 20968
Outside rear near side lip.

Not suggesting that you try to remove it JW but do you feel the tape would survive the removal and replacement of the seal? If not then this could become a issue preventing people from checking for corosion as no doubt if the tape were to become damaged then VW would use this as an excuse for future corrosion!

 

[Sheffield10]

Just been out for a quick peep at mine (manufactured week 7 2017). It has tape around the bottom edge of the elevating roof - extending roughly 10mm up the outside and inside of the bottom edge of the roof - so, less than the depth of the seal. I didn't try, but it looks/feels well stuck on.

I was surprised how much crud has already found its way down inside the seal, and it's a shame the tape doesn't extend to the full depth of the rubber seal. I didn't inspect the rubber seal closely - so no comments on protruding metal reinforcement - something for a sunnier, warmer evening.

 

[Max-Felix]

Talk about a 'sticking plaster' solution, typical penny pinching VW.

Will they ever just spend some time and money on a proper paint formula, process and application that is worthy of the price tag?

 

[Jabberwocky]

Not suggesting that you try to remove it JW but do you feel the tape would survive the removal and replacement of the seal? If not then this could become a issue preventing people from checking for corosion as no doubt if the tape were to become damaged then VW would use this as an excuse for future corrosion!

Hmmm......interesting one. If we consider the pop-up roof seal as just another closure seal then we wouldn't lift it at all (we don't lift door seals do we? Just in case?). That then being the case then there is no need for the tape to survive the removal of the seal.....? Just a thought.

 

[sbmcd]

After a problem with stone chips on the front edge of my rear wheel arches that required a re spray I now have the 3M version of this fitted along the leading edge up to the top of the wheel arch, very effective.

Fitted it myself so not sure how easy it would be to fit to the roof edge inside and out, normally it is fitted in flat sections and slid into place with water based lub.

 

[WelshGas]

However by fitting this tape VW have now admitted there is a problem.

 

[Jabberwocky]

However by fitting this tape VW have now admitted there is a problem.

Agree. Or, in industry speak, "a quality improvement". Just had the same with BMW on my beloved Z4.

 

[Victor]

I just had a closer inspection of mine and I can confirm it is just basic 3M helicopter tape which is mainly used for protecting bike frames, I am lost for words that this is being used in a manufacturing process by a company as big as Volkswagen! It does make you wonder how many other corners are being cut in area's we can't see.

They obviously think we are just a bunch of mugs that just accept things as they are and pay a premium for it

 

[Max-Felix]

Indeed, this is an old article I just found in a mag I bought in 2006, even then they were aware the roof was 'recyclable'....into aluminium oxide.

They should have just stuck with the temporary fibreglass roof they fitted.

 

[sbmcd]

Just been out for a quick peep at mine (manufactured week 7 2017). It has tape around the bottom edge of the elevating roof - extending roughly 10mm up the outside and inside of the bottom edge of the roof - so, less than the depth of the seal. I didn't try, but it looks/feels well stuck on.

I was surprised how much crud has already found its way down inside the seal, and it's a shame the tape doesn't extend to the full depth of the rubber seal. I didn't inspect the rubber seal closely - so no comments on protruding metal reinforcement - something for a sunnier, warmer evening.

Could you tell if the tape was one strip covering inside and out wrapped arround the edge, or is it applied as two separate strips one inside and one out, leaving the edge unprotected?