VW California T5 ONLY Roof Corrosion - General Discussion

[Meoncoast]

Well, predictably my 7-10 days has gone to 17 days with another 10 at the very least as they have "found other things that need doing" - but no-one can tell me what. So I have a van which they will charge me £12 per day damage waiver and I can't go camping in.

the old process of repair on our t5 took 2 weeks with a replacement California full insurance included with the new repair process the owner is very much disadvantaged.

 

[alstevens]

what does the warranty specify in terms of a replacement like for like machine ?

 

[leightonjthomas]

No replies. I think that TCW are a recently approved bodyshop for VW and I don't want to be a guinea pig, even though the dates they offered were all within the next few weeks! Now awaiting re-allocation to another body shop. I'd prefer to wait and try(?) to make sure that the repairs are done properly.

Heard today from VWCS who informed me that it has been re-allocated to Marshalls of Newbury. Should know by next week details re time etc.

 

[Donmeado]

Well, predictably my 7-10 days has gone to 17 days with another 10 at the very least as they have "found other things that need doing" - but no-one can tell me what. So I have a van which they will charge me £12 per day damage waiver and I can't go camping in. VWCS didn't bother getting back to me last week either despite thier promises, as usual I have to do the chasing. What a shambles.... Let's hope all this extra time equates to a fantastic quality job - to be fair I dont want it rushed but I suspect they probably haven't even started it yet.

Got hold of VWCS and thankfully they were able to tell me exactly what's happening so as long as VWCS and the bodyshop know what's going on that puts my mind at ease for the time being. Just wish they'd tell me rather than not bothering to call back which always makes you assume the worst. And we all know about assumption! I'm keeping everything crossed that my upcoming trip is in the Cali not the loan panel combi van but if it is, it will be back to camping basics I guess.

 

[MattBW]

Ok this is a bit of a wild idea throwing it out there... we could make a video documentary about the corrosion issue, that may make VW sit up and take notice?

 

[jts46]

@MattBW
What an excellent idea

 

[MattBW]

I have the gear required to record film and sound plus editing facilities.

It would probably take some considerable planning and work. We would need to work out the logistics and get volunteers who would be willing to be filmed and interviewed etc.

 

[Custardtart]

Progress update: having a torrid time. Been in for the new repair. Paint work was very poor. Been back to be fixed and now returned with more poor paint work (but different to previous).

After around 4 years, I have now given up. I can't face it going in to a VW approved shop for more weeks/months, being left with a basic courtesy car and to have it come back in worse condition than it went in.

My dissatisfaction is now shoddy paintwork (having been forced to accept the stick on GRP thing). I'll get the paint fixed by a local bodyshop that I trust to do quality work at my expense and hopefully will never have to deal with VW again.

Toyota and Honda all the way for me an my family from now on. Lesson learned.

 

[leightonjthomas]

No replies. I think that TCW are a recently approved bodyshop for VW and I don't want to be a guinea pig, even though the dates they offered were all within the next few weeks! Now awaiting re-allocation to another body shop. I'd prefer to wait and try(?) to make sure that the repairs are done properly.

I'm not sure which part of my post Cayman57 disagrees with???

 

[Nick G]

After two cancellations due to bodyshops dropping out my van finally went in today. Its going to Marshalls in Newbury. Apart form a posting last week (saying their van is also going there) I haven't seen anyone elses experience of repairs from Marshalls....fingers crossed. I asked the VW dealer (SMG Croydon) what the current method is and he sent me the following:
The Volkswagen factory-approved repair method involves removing the front section of the RCBR and treating the area with zinc-rich primer. A polyurethane cap, colour-matched to your vehicle, is then bonded to completely cover the old unit, creating a uniform and level finish. Where sections of the pop-up roof are found to have corrosion, the affected areas are treated with zinc-rich primer and then painted to match your vehicle.
This doesn't fill me with confidence especially regarding the rear section which on my van is far worse than the front. No mention of a new seal or any 'barrier'. Cant see it lasting long but who knows. Meanwhile I'm in a panel van so a bit of freelance 'man with a van' in order I guess.
I'll report back on my experience with Marshalls.

 

[leightonjthomas]

After two cancellations due to bodyshops dropping out my van finally went in today. Its going to Marshalls in Newbury. Apart form a posting last week (saying their van is also going there) I haven't seen anyone elses experience of repairs from Marshalls....fingers crossed. I asked the VW dealer (SMG Croydon) what the current method is and he sent me the following:
The Volkswagen factory-approved repair method involves removing the front section of the RCBR and treating the area with zinc-rich primer. A polyurethane cap, colour-matched to your vehicle, is then bonded to completely cover the old unit, creating a uniform and level finish. Where sections of the pop-up roof are found to have corrosion, the affected areas are treated with zinc-rich primer and then painted to match your vehicle.
This doesn't fill me with confidence especially regarding the rear section which on my van is far worse than the front. No mention of a new seal or any 'barrier'. Cant see it lasting long but who knows. Meanwhile I'm in a panel van so a bit of freelance 'man with a van' in order I guess.
I'll report back on my experience with Marshalls.

Apparently VW haven't previously used Marshalls but the person I spoke to at VWCS said that they come highly recommended. This may be just lip service but it's more than she was prepared to say about TCW of Tonbridge whom I turned down. I'm due to be offered a date this week. Let me know how you get on and I'll do likewise.
Mine is going in for the under-seal corrosion on the elevating roof, as well as some flaking paint just above the front number plate. I'm assuming that you're having the front roof panel done as well as the elevating roof?

 

[Randwick]

Finally got hold of him again yesterday. It is on the list but will have to be done at one of the specialist body shops in Poole. He will let me have more details next week!

Hi,

My California was done by Poole Accident Repair and I'm currently "discussing" some unsatisfactory aspects of the repair. If you haven't has the job done yet I'd advise you to take some photos of the underside of the roof and the fabric before it goes in. Mine came back with damaged paintwork underneath the roof, which they say wasn't touched in the repair but I say it wasn't damaged before and the rubber seal joining the fabric to the roof has been moved leaving a gap.

 

[Nick G]

Apparently VW haven't previously used Marshalls but the person I spoke to at VWCS said that they come highly recommended. This may be just lip service but it's more than she was prepared to say about TCW of Tonbridge whom I turned down. I'm due to be offered a date this week. Let me know how you get on and I'll do likewise.
Mine is going in for the under-seal corrosion on the elevating roof, as well as some flaking paint just above the front number plate. I'm assuming that you're having the front roof panel done as well as the elevating roof?

Yes I'm getting the front and back parts done. I'll post when I have any progress.

 

[leightonjthomas]

Hi,

My California was done by Poole Accident Repair and I'm currently "discussing" some unsatisfactory aspects of the repair. If you haven't has the job done yet I'd advise you to take some photos of the underside of the roof and the fabric before it goes in. Mine came back with damaged paintwork underneath the roof, which they say wasn't touched in the repair but I say it wasn't damaged before and the rubber seal joining the fabric to the roof has been moved leaving a gap.

Thanks for the information. Originally Breeze said it was going to be done in Poole and then they changed their minds, maybe because of unsatisfactory workmanship? Then they offered me TCW in Tonbridge which I turned down. I'm now awaiting a date for Marshalls in Newbury. Great fun!!

 

[Vantastic2]

Progress update: having a torrid time. Been in for the new repair. Paint work was very poor. Been back to be fixed and now returned with more poor paint work (but different to previous).

After around 4 years, I have now given up. I can't face it going in to a VW approved shop for more weeks/months, being left with a basic courtesy car and to have it come back in worse condition than it went in.

My dissatisfaction is now shoddy paintwork (having been forced to accept the stick on GRP thing). I'll get the paint fixed by a local bodyshop that I trust to do quality work at my expense and hopefully will never have to deal with VW again.

Toyota and Honda all the way for me an my family from now on. Lesson learned.

Can you name and shame the body shop company who carried out the work please. I think VW have now increased the so called specialist body shops from 4 to 8 around the Country,they used Nationwide crash centres for ours repair as mentioned in our article on this forum

 

[Jools]

Just a quick update. So after 4 years of getting absolultely nowhere with two differrent dealerships (Bridgwater and Westbury) I wrote to the CEO of VW Matthias Mueller and to VWCS. In a little over 2 months the really helpful Gary Kitchen in Milton Keynes arranged for my repair in Crewe (long way from Somerset) ... it was collected from Westbury who were useless to the last and had to put plates on a Caddy for me to borrow as they had nothing ready despite promising they would. The repair (both front panel and pop top) is excellent to my mind and I am truly delighted. My faith in VW is restored though I remain a bit wary of the dealers. I will try and put some photos here

 

[T6 CFO]

Nice to hear something good. Well sorted


Mike

 

[leightonjthomas]

Thanks for the information. Originally Breeze said it was going to be done in Poole and then they changed their minds, maybe because of unsatisfactory workmanship? Then they offered me TCW in Tonbridge which I turned down. I'm now awaiting a date for Marshalls in Newbury. Great fun!!

I am booked in to Marshalls of Newbury via Breeze of Portsmouth on 7/8/17. VWCS say that it will take 2-3 weeks and I will get a courtesy vehicle but not a California. The case started in February so I guess that six months is not bad compared with others' experiences - that is if it actually happens! I'll let you know how I get on.

 

[davecavell]

Had my roof repaired last week.
Took my vehicle into West Yorkshire VW commercial .
Repair carried out by Claridges in Southport.
Front panel installed and some damage under the main roof seal repaired.
All the work looks good and i was kept informed (even managed to get it done at a time of my choosing.
I did have a bit of a rant at VWCS when i first booked it in though (three years ago).

 

[Lost in the Forest]

Well I thought this problem was behind us

We waited ~3 years for our slot via Breeze Southampton and our Front panel was repaired by the appointed Poole body-shop. The finish was good but we noticed that the roof started rattling/crashing on bumpy roads. I investigated (after Breeze failed to diagnose) and identified that the rear roof mechanism scissors (if that's what you call them) were banging. I suspect this area had been disturbed whilst it was in for repair or just an unlucky coincidence. This issue was confirmed by a search of this forums excellent resources . An easy fix followed with some self-adhesive rubber pads.

Bliss all is quiet again.............however whilst applying my fix I found a small rust sport on the main roof on the side and on the underside at the back So we do start the warranty process again .... or give up and get it done elsewhere .

I guess the moral of our story is check your van regularly everywhere.

 

[Donmeado]

Got the Cali back from Listers Coventry / Nationwide-Gladwins Swaversy. Was 4 weeks rather than the quoted 7-10 days but I have to say I'm very pleased with the work, especially considering the horror stories I've seen. As long as the paintwork lasts corrosion free then all good. It was returned in a very clean condition and as far as I can see with roof up and down, everything is OK, no damages or marks anywhere inside or out.

 

[sbmcd]

Got the Cali back from Listers Coventry / Nationwide-Gladwins Swaversy. Was 4 weeks rather than the quoted 7-10 days but I have to say I'm very pleased with the work, especially considering the horror stories I've seen. As long as the paintwork lasts corrosion free then all good. It was returned in a very clean condition and as far as I can see with roof up and down, everything is OK, no damages or marks anywhere inside or out.


View attachment 22743
View attachment 22740 View attachment 22741 View attachment 22742

Was the repair to the front section above the cab only or was the elevating roof done as well?

 

[Donmeado]

Was the repair to the front section above the cab only or was the elevating roof done as well?

Both sections...

 

[sbmcd]

My March 2014 California has the inevitable elevating roof corrosion issue below the seal.

VW have booked my vehicle in for repair in October this year, after many letters and emails VW have agreed:

• A new seal will be fitted as there are rust marks on the roof from the existing seal, a common feature.
• My T5 has the 3 year extended goodwill paint warranty on the roof, total 6 years.
• The repair will have a 3 year defect warranty period, granted by the repairer, however any repair would be managed by VW.

Given that the same seal / roof / paint / water immersion configuration that causes the corrosion issue in the first place will be reinstated after the paint repair the corrosion issue is going to return without question.

I have been pressing VW to include the addition of the transparent barrier tape after the paint repair and before fitting the new seal, as implemented on the T6 range during production since the end of last year, this in my opinion would go some way prevent re occurrence of the problem, and further repairs in 12 - 24 months time, this was their response:

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me on 12 June regarding the use of the plastic tape barrier on the Volkswagen T6 California roofs compared to the authorised repair for the T5 California roofs.

I can confirm Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK have liaised with our colleagues at factory and they have confirmed the following. The seal which is applied to the T5 California roof operates in the same way as the tape on the T6 California roof, there is no difference in functionality between the seal and the tape.

As a result, Volkswagen Commercials Vehicles repair procedures will continue to use the seal on the T5 California across the UK, as per factory guidance. Whilst I understand your disappointment with this response, I am unable to offer you a differing one.

Once again, thank you for bringing your concerns to my attention and for allowing me the opportunity to respond.​

The response made no sense to me (if anyone else understands it please let me know) so I emailed them yet again, they told me verbally today the response would not be changed.

I told VW that I would consider fitting the tape myself if they could give me details of the tape or a part number, they could not provide this and suggested I contact my dealer who would have access to the T6 parts list.

And so it goes on.

On the up side I am still enjoying my California!

 

[sbmcd]

Spoke to parts dept at local van centre, part is shown as 'protective film' no part number available, local VW normally very good will chase VW for an answer.

They said they do have a company that fits protective film to bodywork, and that they could fit the tape for me. Once we know what it is of course, I suspect it is 3M protective film tape as I have on my wheel arches.

I will keep you posted.