Discussion regarding T6 ONLY roof corrosion

[Auberg-ine]

View attachment 34486

 

[KiwiCali]

If anyone wanted to return a T6 with roof corrosion, I'd just park it on the dealer's forecourt, push the keys through the letter box and instruct a solicitor. I think you'd get a pretty quick payout.
VW struggling to fix a defect that emerged on a previous model is one thing, but to have claimed to have fixed it on the late T5's, and then to have launched a new model with the same fault is totally indefensible.

I have been pondering this question. Given the size of this forum, and the activity and feedback generated - I am interested to know whether 'we' are represented at all at VW HQ. What I mean by this is that we are effectively a user group, and could be offering incredibly valuable feedback into the VW machine. So do we know if there is a voice from this group. Do VW Germany keep an eye on this forum? To ADMIN - with the number of Cali owners on this forum have you approached VW Germany to become part of a feedback group? I think we have a very compelling argument - and would offer much better feedback than the dealer channel!!!

I am starting this thread so T6 owners and potential T6 owners are made aware that the T6 is subject to roof corrosion.



Here are 3 photos taken underneath the seal on the raising section of the roof on a May 2016 T6 California Beach taken today after our first trip away in her. .

Our much loved 2014 California SE was unsuccessfully repaired twice, the blistering quickly returned and it was booked in for a 3rd repair. We just could not bring ourselves to go through this all again and we made the difficult decision to part exchange it for the 2016 T6 Beach, thinking the problem had been cured. But obviously not!



So, our 2014 SE has it (three times), a loan 2015 SE had it and now our 2016 has it - the roof issue is still the same.

Remember folks when your warranty is up you're paying for your own repairs.



So yet again, we can either look forward to going to the dealers to register a fourth warranty claim for roof corrosion and then to go on a never ending list for an ineffectual repair but instead we are going to return the vehicle first thing in the morning and demand our money back! (See Consumer Right's Act 2015).



We have also cancelled the new T6 Beach we ordered on the 26th March, 2016 which is yet to be built!!!



Another VW will never darken our driveway again.

 

[Auberg-ine]

I've asked the same question before here, without reply. We all just keep complaining, about an issue that simply is a clear VW concept failure. There are (legal) actions taken from Consumer Organisations like TestAchat/Testaankoop here in Belgium, I suppose in each country, for hundreds of different items. Why not for our car? It's just the force of the number that we need!

 

[ArunAlec]

I believe the 3 yr Extension was in relation to the Front Panel over the Windscreen. Could be mistaken. Anyway, that problem was supposed to have been fixed in MY 2015 with a change in the alloy composition - apparently, hence the original repair being the replacement of that whole panel.

Given that VW claim to have solved the roof corrosion problem, I'd like to think they would have enough confidence in their solution to back it up with an extended warranty on the whole roof (as with the T5) of 6 years.
Just imagine the boost in orders from those prospective buyers who are currently not convinced!

 

[Auberg-ine]

haha.....

 

[smlp]

hi, am new to forum and collecting first Cali next week (2014 140) so am reading around for Cali tips and tricks. I wondered if anyone has tried ACF50 corrosion on the roof seal? I've used it on my motorbikes on corrosion prone areas with success - the blurb says it does more than just the usual thin film of oil. I guess a problem would be that once applied, it it didn't work, then any attempt at paint or tape is unlikely to stick without intensive cleaning.

 

[Legin]

Im familiar with ACF50 as Im a biker also. I reckon it could be worth a try and cant see it making things worse. The thing I have used to give galvanic isolation rather like the 3m tape idea is Duralac. This is used extensively by lotus between al alloy and steel and applied with a brush like paint only thing is its bright yellow.

The corrosion takes place due to the large gap between steel and aluminium in the galvanic series so a battery once electrolyte is introduce. So options are remove electrolyte, galvanic isolation, remove the galvanic nobility. All the focus I have seen has been on isolation.

Before I retired much of my career was spent on corrosion management so from experience the following is what i would do.

Sand the corrosion away where its hidden by the seal.
Mask the edge all around and paint with Duralac
Wrap 3m clear around the edge
Squirt ACF50 into the seal and push it on
Wipe clean the mess !

The final piece of the jig saw and drastic is to look at CP (cathodic protection electrically) this is how buried pipelines are protected for instance. I may look into this.

 

[Legin]

The other possibilty it to fit a sacrifical anode which in this case could be a lead wire in the seal before its pushed on. This will corrode in preference to the roof and could easily be replaced periodically.
Anyone tried it ?

 

[Aca_chap]

After 18 months of trouble free ownership I noticed this last week. Worth checking yours if you have the protective strip installed from the factory which I think is most T6’s. It’s in with Tonbridge (who have been excellent generally) for warrantee repair. They have advised that it needs to be sent to a body shop. Does anyone know which body shop in the south east has the best reputation for fixing roof issues?
All the best

 

[Loz]

That would be quite any easy self fix..

 

[Jabberwocky]

Yes, I would fix that myself. Just save the inconvenience of being without my van for a day+.

 

[Aca_chap]

That would be quite any easy self fix..

Oh really? How would, say a DIY averse (read incapable) chap, go about that?
All the best

 

[Loz]

Oh really? How would, say a DIY averse (read incapable) chap, go about that?
All the best

You can purchase the 3M "Bicycle Tape" from Viking Tapes. Wait until the warm weather return.. pull off the seal from the edge of the front cover, remove the old tape, clean up with isopropyl or similar them apply the new tape and replace the seal..

 

[Teejay]

After 18 months of trouble free ownership I noticed this last week. Worth checking yours if you have the protective strip installed from the factory which I think is most T6’s. It’s in with Tonbridge (who have been excellent generally) for warrantee repair. They have advised that it needs to be sent to a body shop. Does anyone know which body shop in the south east has the best reputation for fixing roof issues?
All the best

View attachment 36407

Same thing has happened to mine. Passenger side?

 

[calimera]

Same thing has happened to mine. Passenger side?

Ditto same thing has happened to our Cali . Sticking out on the passenger side.
Looks identical to Aca-chap photo.

Dont think our 2016 Cali had the protective tape . This appears to be under the front panel Still not sure we have the protective strip under the elevating roof trim.

Can’t find the 3M bicycle tape on Viking tapes. Must have sold out.

Husband will do a self fix. Thanks Loz.

 

[Loz]

https://www.vikingtapes.co.uk/colle...ape-short-rolls-25mm-x-3m?variant=34688318791

 

[calimera]

Finally able to get roof and have a look at the tape sticking out.

The tape is 12 mm wide. Can only find 3M tape 25 mm,so will need to use a craft knife to cut it to size. Not much needed.
Husband happy to do this as per Loz instruction rather than let a body shop mess with the roof.

 

[Loz]

Why cut it down, just fold it under. It might sat put if you do as the seal will hold the back edge on.

 

[Shadrack]

Thanks Stoneybroke on no. 3 That final sentence is a cause for concern - is there an expected time that a vehicle is expected to last then do you think?

Anyone able to chime in on no.s 1 & 2?

Hi Everyone,
On hearing of the recall recently announced on the roof issues, I booked my two and a half year old Cali in to be checked and have tape applied if no signs of corrosion.
Low and behold.. a couple of spots were found so booked back in for repair. I was told it’s a local touch up if corrosion can be dealt with below the seal line. If not it’s a specialist job???
I have now been told that it is possible that mine is possibly ok for a local fix and is now booked back in.
Over the weekend I completely removed the rubber seal and checked to found several tiny bubbles starting all around the roof. Not just outside of roof but a couple of places inside. All within an inch of edge I think.

It raises more questions with me now.....
The tape is that, just tape... there are areas not showing any symptoms of the fault but being a design or production fault.. the fault still lies beneath, it may be delayed a bit now with tape.. but still there to break thru as and when, maybe 5 years down the line.

I am no metallurgist or out like that but when you use electronics to apply paints you create charges to attract the paint powders. Introduce alloys with steal and you have now built one dirty grate confused capacitor that may not be too happy with its new coat...

Something like that anyway...

I will keep all posted as it goes on.....

 

[B J G]

Prospect of 'local touch up repair' sounds alarming as alloy corrosion needs to be cleaned/neutralised and an etch primer applied prior to to top coat application for a complete cure.

 

[sbmcd]

View attachment 36572 View attachment 36571

Finally able to get roof and have a look at the tape sticking out.

The tape is 12 mm wide. Can only find 3M tape 25 mm,so will need to use a craft knife to cut it to size. Not much needed.
Husband happy to do this as per Loz instruction rather than let a body shop mess with the roof.

As far as I am aware most problems are with the elevating roof not the main van body or cab cap section, if you add the 3M tape yourself it has to cover the inside and outside of the elevating roof edge.

Just read back on this thread and see this is a separate issue, just ignore this.

 

[Shadrack]

Hi Everyone,
On hearing of the recall recently announced on the roof issues, I booked my two and a half year old Cali in to be checked and have tape applied if no signs of corrosion.
Low and behold.. a couple of spots were found so booked back in for repair. I was told it’s a local touch up if corrosion can be dealt with below the seal line. If not it’s a specialist job???
I have now been told that it is possible that mine is possibly ok for a local fix and is now booked back in.
Over the weekend I completely removed the rubber seal and checked to found several tiny bubbles starting all around the roof. Not just outside of roof but a couple of places inside. All within an inch of edge I think.

It raises more questions with me now.....
The tape is that, just tape... there are areas not showing any symptoms of the fault but being a design or production fault.. the fault still lies beneath, it may be delayed a bit now with tape.. but still there to break thru as and when, maybe 5 years down the line.

I am no metallurgist or out like that but when you use electronics to apply paints you create charges to attract the paint powders. Introduce alloys with steal and you have now built one dirty grate confused capacitor that may not be too happy with its new coat...

Something like that anyway...

I will keep all posted as it goes on.....

Hi Everyone,
Just had recall done on my roof. Very pleased with results at first sight.
I was shown the tape and the process explained to me before work was carried out.
The tape was manufactured by ‘Tesa’ it was Vw bagged but looked like a small half inch in width.
After the small blisters that had been found near the edge had been dealt with the tape was then fitted and rubber seal replaced.
All in all a very neat job done locally.
The tape pertudes above the rubber but really is neat and is difficult to see. All completed in just a couple of hours or so.
I did notice in the tape kit two shaped pieces of tape which were obviously for two round corners at rear.

I was a little apprehensive as to what it would look like on completion. But after chatting with the technician first and then seeing the results I realise my concerns were unfounded.
The technician really did do a great job in apply the kit.

How good is this solution?... only time will tell I guess.
On my return home it hammered it down with rain and the rubber seal had taken a lot of water and to my eyes it has nowhere to go?.. (unless roof left open for gravity to help).

I will now write to Vw and ask where I stand regards warranty for this repair.

I see this as solution for the symptoms caused rather than a solution to the manufacturing or deign fault.

Fingers crossed.....

 

[dale]

My suspicion is not eating at me and as I am one of the "don't look" until nearly 3 years has passed I will not confirm or otherwise that suspicion.

My T6 was the same build date as your,s They have told me when I collected from my 20.000 service that it has to be in for new tape to be fitted as it is a recall job. they need it for 24hr for the adhesive to cure

 

[Kevin Allen]

Hi, I'm thinking of buying a secondhand camper, is this corrosion problem only on VW's conversion, Is it the case with third party conversions?
I also have the Cambee conversion on my radar would this still be a problem/

 

[Bellcrew]

Hi, I'm thinking of buying a secondhand camper, is this corrosion problem only on VW's conversion, Is it the case with third party conversions?
I also have the Cambee conversion on my radar would this still be a problem/

The converters all use GRP, that material is invariable quite thin to keep the weight down so can suffer from cracking/delamination and other faults, you pays your money etc.