Splits in pop-up roof.

[andrew bazeley]

I’ve just taken my 14 year-old T5 out camping for the first time in 3 years. I had a couple of splits in the pop-up a few years ago, caused by the closing roof props squashing the misaligned fabric. Now two new splits have appeared: nothing to do with careless lowering. Do you think it’s the result of drying out, with no exposure for three years, now three days of extreme heat, and no moisture? I’d welcome any more theories and recommendations.

 

[Ozzy Pete]

Any pics?

 

[andrew bazeley]

I took this picture of the temporary patch before I drove home from Upton Blues this morning. The location is around the middle point, between the top of the window and the rooftop above.The one on the other side is almost exactly the same place. I checked the channel and arms carefully for messy or sharp objects before lowering the roof, which I stopped quite frequently to check for level seating and fabric pushed in. Seemed to be OK.

 

[campandfly]

That picture looks like some sort of physical damage.
It sounds like a Bellows Bungee would be a good investment too.

 

[Bobajob]

From the title, I thought this was going to be a gymnastics thread. Anyway I once asked the gym instructor if he could teach me to do the splits. He said how flexible are you? I said I can’t do Wednesdays

 

[andrew bazeley]

That picture looks like some sort of physical damage.
It sounds like a Bellows Bungee would be a good investment too.

I used to use the Bungee. But then I went through so many long spells with the roof down, that it started to leave quite a savage imprint around the middle of the roof, so I took it off. I know I should have just taken it off temporarily when I foresaw a long spell without raising the roof, but unfortunately I often only use common sense after the event! I still believe the canvas (or whatever it is) has become very dry and maybe not as flexible as it should be. So when we next get a big rainstorm (?!) I'll leave the roof up for a day or two. I might be wrong, but it's worth a try, to maybe avoid more splits. And I'll definitely re-introduce the Bungee - thanks!

 

[Ch1pbutty]

The canvas is very headwearing so wont lose any flex. Refit the bungee, but just dont't tension the bungee too much to avoid rubbing the canvas - The bungee is actually slack when the roof is closed, so any marking will only be caused when the roof is open. Make sure sliding door is open when you open / close the roof to release air pressure from inside the van.

 

[andrew bazeley]

The canvas is very headwearing so wont lose any flex. Refit the bungee, but just dont't tension the bungee too much to avoid rubbing the canvas - The bungee is actually slack when the roof is closed, so any marking will only be caused when the roof is open. Make sure sliding door is open when you open / close the roof to release air pressure from inside the van.

Thanks. Yes - I am aware of all those things. I suddenly have a theory. I had a crash recently, and major repair work on the right side of the Cali had to be done. The repairers were great, and when I asked them to test the roof (in case it had become twisted by the impact), they said they had. But I wonder if they didn't follow the "open the doors" theory when lowering the roof, and it got trapped and split. Something we all look out for, but a non-specialist vehicle repairer (however good they are) wouldn't be aware of this consideration. I wouldn't dream of suing them after the great work they've done, but it might just explain everything.

 

[andrew bazeley]

By the way, has anyone ever replaced the roof fabric? A bit tricky in my case, as I have a GoreTex liner glued to the bottom edge. But it might be worth doing, if it maintains the value of this 14 year0old beauty, which is not being used so much these days.

 

[Ozzy Pete]

Thanks. Yes - I am aware of all those things. I suddenly have a theory. I had a crash recently, and major repair work on the right side of the Cali had to be done. The repairers were great, and when I asked them to test the roof (in case it had become twisted by the impact), they said they had. But I wonder if they didn't follow the "open the doors" theory when lowering the roof, and it got trapped and split. Something we all look out for, but a non-specialist vehicle repairer (however good they are) wouldn't be aware of this consideration. I wouldn't dream of suing them after the great work they've done, but it might just explain everything.

Have you checked the roof to see if there is any creases in the alloy. That’s what normally happens when the canvas gets caught up in the mechanism.

 

[andrew bazeley]

Have you checked the roof to see if there is any creases in the alloy. That’s what normally happens when the canvas gets caught up in the mechanism.

Good point! I had a quick look for obvious sharp edges, but I'll certainly do that. Thanks.

 

[Lambeth Cali]

This rather jumps out at me. Particularly combined with the theory that the garage closed it without opening windows and doors. Plus you said it was two rips in the same place on both sides.

 

[Ozzy Pete]

This rather jumps out at me. Particularly combined with the theory that the garage closed it without opening windows and doors. Plus you said it was two rips in the same place on both sides.

If you don’t open the side door or windows you will 100% get the bellows trapped in the mechanism. There’s a massive amount of air up in the roof that has to go somewhere and the only place it can go is to push the bellows “Out” trapping them in the mechanism instead of pushing the air out of the door or windows which if done carefully you should never get a problem.
Proving the repair garage caused the damage is another thing.

View attachment 96377

 

[andrew bazeley]

If you don’t open the side door or windows you will 100% get the bellows trapped in the mechanism. There’s a massive amount of air up in the roof that has to go somewhere and the only place it can go is to push the bellows “Out” trapping them in the mechanism instead of pushing the air out of the door or windows which if done carefully you should never get a problem.
Proving the repair garage caused the damage is another thing.

Yes - I'd seen that. But it looks worse than it is - not rough or sharp, but the mark might suggest something was trapped against it.

 

[andrew bazeley]

Thanks everyone. I'm pretty sure I know now what probably caused it, and what to do to avoid it again ( I hadn't thought of one or two issues until I started talking about it all!). But the damage is done, and I'm seriously wondering if it's worth exploring the idea of replacing the canvas (there are two earlier repaired splits as well). Any help/advice on this would be good. I know it will cost!

 

[Ch1pbutty]

This stuff gets good reviews for tent repairs, you can get it in a range of colours:

Mcnett Tenacious™ Tape | GO Outdoors

Permanent, easy repair tape for your outdoor gear - with no sticky mess.

www.gooutdoors.co.uk

 

[Lambeth Cali]

Replacement bellows 2006 T5

Hi, Just wondering if anyone knows where I might get a replacement roof bellows for a 2006 T5 California. The current 2 window has a few tears in it and if changing I'd like to upgrade to the 3 window version. I'm based in Ireland and rang my local VW dealer yesterday they say that even the...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

Looks like different models have different bellows, so be careful.

 

[andrew bazeley]

Replacement bellows 2006 T5

Hi, Just wondering if anyone knows where I might get a replacement roof bellows for a 2006 T5 California. The current 2 window has a few tears in it and if changing I'd like to upgrade to the 3 window version. I'm based in Ireland and rang my local VW dealer yesterday they say that even the...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

Looks like different models have different bellows, so be careful.

Yes - I think I'm considering a replacement for my 2008, if it's feasible. I know it won't be cheap.

 

[Lambeth Cali]

Definitely a good idea to make sure you know what ripped it before you get new one fitted.

 

[andrew bazeley]

Yes - I think I'm considering a replacement for my 2008, if it's feasible. I know it won't be cheap.

I'd love to hear about (and see) your 2006 Cali. I thought I had one of the older ones: yours must have been one of the first in this country. Right-hand drive?