Latest Bellows

[johns6809]

Very soon to take delivery of our new Cali. That is a Factory stock order presently heading to Blighty from Germany. Will this still be at risk of leaky bellows or have they been updated recently?

 

[dspuk]

Given the lack of noise for quite some time on this it was fixed some time back.

Sure someone will be along in a minute to comment though so get yourself a cup of tea and a biscuit.

 

[Ch1pbutty]

2023 vans had an issue, but could be cured by applying aquatex to the seams:

Leaking pop tops on 2023 California Oceans

@OxonCalifornia Great result in getting written confirmation that it was OK to use Aquatex :thumb I couldn't get a simple YES/NO answer from Adrian at the Exec Office, only a verbal response saying that so long as the proofer didn't damage the zips or material, it shouldn't be a problem...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

 

[vanless]

Took delivery of a new Ocean (dealer stock) less than a month ago and it has the 04S bellows fitted. After a night of on and off driving drizzle a lot of the fabric seemed to be saturated , and there was a lot of water ingress, such that it was pooling inside the front corners. Despite mopping up regularly with a towel, the mattress was wet and small amount of water trickled into the headlining (thankfully all dried out now). Holiday plans duly torn up, I sent the dealer some photos and they agreed to replace the bellows later in August. Question is, am I better having them replace the bellows (with the risk the replacement not being fitted as well as the factory original), treat the original 04S bellows that I have with something like Aquatex, or buying one of the supplementary waterproof covers to go over the pop-top?

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Question is, am I better having them replace the bellows (with the risk the replacement not being fitted as well as the factory original), treat the original 04S bellows that I have with something like Aquatex, or buying one of the supplementary waterproof covers to go over the pop-top?

View attachment 126969

The bellows are straightforward to fit, so would get the dealer to fit the upgraded replacement. Treat the existing bellows with aquatex in the meantime.

 

[CaliforniaSeb]

I px'd my van yesterday. Have aquatex'ed the cohones out of the bellows today. Guaranteed water tight. Twenty quid. Don't wait for VW to sort it out.

 

[Betsycalifornia]

Took delivery of a new Ocean (dealer stock) less than a month ago and it has the 04S bellows fitted. After a night of on and off driving drizzle a lot of the fabric seemed to be saturated , and there was a lot of water ingress, such that it was pooling inside the front corners. Despite mopping up regularly with a towel, the mattress was wet and small amount of water trickled into the headlining (thankfully all dried out now). Holiday plans duly torn up, I sent the dealer some photos and they agreed to replace the bellows later in August. Question is, am I better having them replace the bellows (with the risk the replacement not being fitted as well as the factory original), treat the original 04S bellows that I have with something like Aquatex, or buying one of the supplementary waterproof covers to go over the pop-top?

View attachment 126969

Report it to the VW executive office, they’ll pay for a topper.

 

[Flee]

We have just had our bellows replaced and it’s come back today. You can see The stitching holes in the photos below, not impressed