T4 Roofbed

Peachey Lane · Mar 7, 2021

Hi VW California enthusiasts. I am new to this forum and I’m based in Oslo, Norway.
We just bought our first T4 California coach, 1996 model. Unfortunately, the front roof bed plate is missing, and I have no luck in finding a replacement. Can anyone help? Either with who to contact or the dimensions of the plate so we can get one made. Thanks!
Glenn

AlisonF · Mar 7, 2021

Welcome Glenn. There are a few on here who may be able to help. @2into1 - you had a T4, yes? Can you offer any advice?

2into1 · Mar 7, 2021

AlisonF said:
Welcome Glenn. There are a few on here who may be able to help. @2into1 - you had a T4, yes? Can you offer any advice?

I think the OP needs a current owner and try and get one made to exact dimensions.

AlisonF · Mar 7, 2021

2into1 said:
I think the OP needs a current owner and try and get one made to exact dimensions.

Was worth a try...

Peachey Lane · Mar 7, 2021

Thanks AlisonF and 2into1 for quick action and advise.

2into1 · Mar 7, 2021

If the title can be changed to "T4 roof bed help required" it should bring along the cavalry

sidepod · Mar 8, 2021

Happy to measure mine and send dimensions?

Peachey Lane · Mar 8, 2021

2into1 said:
If the title can be changed to "T4 roof bed help required" it should bring along the cavalry

Ok, thanks for good suggestion. Much appreciated.

Peachey Lane · Mar 8, 2021

sidepod said:
Happy to measure mine and send dimensions?

Thank very much you, that would be very kind of you. Any possibilities of attaching as photo or perhaps not necessary?

California Bubble · Mar 8, 2021

Hi.
Mine is
108 cms x 95 cms x 1.5 cms

best of luck replacing it.

Peachey Lane · Mar 8, 2021

California Bubble said:
Hi.
Mine is
108 cms x 95 cms x 1.5 cms

best of luck replacing it.View attachment 74844

Excellent California Bubble! Thanks, much appreciated!

ThomasHJ · Mar 9, 2021

If indeed you are going the DIY-route, while you are at it, consider adding a 3rd bed plate. It is not only useful to prevent stuff (kids/pillows) from following out of the top bed, but also extends the bed a lot, making it into a luxury bed, where even people of normal lengths can sleep comfortably. Here's a link to the 3's plate/hatch I added to our T4.

Pensky · Mar 10, 2021

ThomasHJ said:
If indeed you are going the DIY-route, while you are at it, consider adding a 3rd bed plate. It is not only useful to prevent stuff (kids/pillows) from following out of the top bed, but also extends the bed a lot, making it into a luxury bed, where even people of normal lengths can sleep comfortably. Here's a link to the 3's plate/hatch I added to our T4.

Thank you for posting this link. I read your articles with interest and I was very impressed with your suggested fix for the leaking kitchen window. I have exactly the same issue with my van (also a 1994 Westy).

I've been told to fix it, the entire kitchen needs to come out, panelling off, screws replaced from the inside, etc, basically a big and expensive task.

So I'll see about trying your suggestion first. I want to keep the original window, but as you say, these original windows are very hard to find, and even if you did find one, could cost a small fortune. And I want to keep my van as original as practically possible.

Peachey Lane · Mar 10, 2021

ThomasHJ said:
If indeed you are going the DIY-route, while you are at it, consider adding a 3rd bed plate. It is not only useful to prevent stuff (kids/pillows) from following out of the top bed, but also extends the bed a lot, making it into a luxury bed, where even people of normal lengths can sleep comfortably. Here's a link to the 3's plate/hatch I added to our T4.

Hi Thomas, great suggestion and reply. This is very useful. Thank you for your time in helping us. Much appreciated! Kind regards Glenn

ThomasHJ · Mar 10, 2021

Pensky said:
Thank you for posting this link. I read your articles with interest and I was very impressed with your suggested fix for the leaking kitchen window. I have exactly the same issue with my van (also a 1994 Westy).

I've been told to fix it, the entire kitchen needs to come out, panelling off, screws replaced from the inside, etc, basically a big and expensive task.

So I'll see about trying your suggestion first. I want to keep the original window, but as you say, these original windows are very hard to find, and even if you did find one, could cost a small fortune. And I want to keep my van as original as practically possible.

I completely understand your situation. I can tell you we had multiple towels/dishcloths on the right hand corner of the kitchen counter in case it would rain when we were away from the van and quite some water would find it's way into the van, even just by dripping constantly.

In the end just removing, cleaning and putting the window back did the trick. If I remember correctly I also put some vaseline on the rubber. That sorted it out for us. But even if that doesn't sort it for you, you can always replace the rubber strip around the window. Original rubber strips can sometimes still be found (online, Germany) but there are also generic alternative replacements that work just fine.

I love DIY but I am by no means experienced. But this was something anyone can do without prior experience. And it's worth a try considering the expensive alternative and the chances of it working are quite good.

ThomasHJ · Mar 10, 2021

Peachey Lane said:
Hi Thomas, great suggestion and reply. This is very useful. Thank you for your time in helping us. Much appreciated! Kind regards Glenn

No problem @Peachey Lane

Always happy to help. And I have a soft spot in my heart for Norwegians

, as I used to live in Norway. Althoug both your name and username suggest you're British rather then Norwegian. But of course still happy to help.