VW California T5 ONLY Roof Corrosion - General Discussion

[Pineweasel]

Re: LATEST on paintwork issue above windscreen

I'd be very surprised if VW recall all Calis and "repair" the panel above windscreen. This, as Stu says will cost them a LOT of money on a vehicle that already doesn't make them much profit.

Potentially cheaper to install the gasket on unaffected vehicles than have the later expense of dealing with the corrosion and respraying?

 

[eanni]

Re: LATEST on paintwork issue above windscreen

I got a message yesterday from Fiona in VW Commercial Vehicles Customer Services - where I had logged the matter- to be told that nothing definite yet, but she would call me again in two weeks with a further update.

 

[SusiBus]

Re: LATEST on paintwork issue above windscreen

If you read the previous postings, you will know that we have been actively talking with VW regarding roof corrosion. I think it is still early days with regard to VW training body shops on the new repair procedure. So I think it is unlikely that information on those repairers who are going to undertake these repairs will be made known for a little while. If anyone does hear any info, please do a posting. If we don’t hear anything by the end of September, we chase VW up on behalf of the forum.

 

[c6corvette]

Re: trouble with paintwork above front window screen.

Hi . .

Just had my 2012 Cali Valeted and the Guy who does it for me said " I need to point out something to you" and guess what? Corosion above the windscreen, I have just had it looked at by VW as I have also 3 other paint issues, Door Handle on Tailgate, O/S Rear wheel arch and inside the front body wrap around bumper.

Im not happy at all about this, I spent over £54,000 when i bought this not even 18 months ago, I think its pretty poor quality from VW. This paint problem on the windscreen I believe has been an issue since 2010 you would of thought they would have sorted it out

Im hoping that they remove the panel above the Windscreen and do it properly, rather than just a rub down and and spray up, ill keep you updated . . .

 

[KernowLad]

Re: trouble with paintwork above front window screen.

c6 - I've had a fair few issues too (ours is about the same price - assume similar spec?!).

Off topic - any pics of the Corvette?!

 

[Andy]

Re: trouble with paintwork above front window screen.

This paint problem on the windscreen I believe has been an issue since 2010 you would of thought they would have sorted it out

Been going on longer than that. German forum has a list of loads of calis with the blistering above windscreen going back to 2006.

 

[c6corvette]

Re: trouble with paintwork above front window screen.

c6 - I've had a fair few issues too (ours is about the same price - assume similar spec?!).

Off topic - any pics of the Corvette?!

Hi . .

Sand Beige 180 just had side bars fitted, 18inch alloys + every extra available & Kenwood Sound System with gps.

Ill send you a pic of the corvette but i dont know how too ?

 

[Stu]

Re: Blistering Paintwork Front Roof Pannel

We had to have the tailgate handle changed too, it looked as though the paint was wearing thin.

 

[c6corvette]

Re: trouble with paintwork above front window screen.

c6 - I've had a fair few issues too (ours is about the same price - assume similar spec?!).

Off topic - any pics of the Corvette?!

Hows that . .

 

[KernowLad]

Re: trouble with paintwork above front window screen.

c6 - I've had a fair few issues too (ours is about the same price - assume similar spec?!).

Off topic - any pics of the Corvette?!

Hows that . .

That'll do! Mad, rumbly V8 fun! :mrgreen:

 

[dayslikethis]

Re: BLISTERING ROOF PAINTWORK - SURVEY

Hi It was my van in the Vid http://youtu.be/L8BEMHZgmWw Its just returned from the dealership who repaired it and looking at it now it is a much better finish than it ever was from new. The back edge of the panel originally as can be seen from the video was a very rough looking seam that has now been tidied up. There are 2 other changes, i can now see a bead of silicone between the front edge and the window screen which is a very neat finish and the raised sections at either end of the front panel where the roof lands have had a protective film applied similar i guess to the stone chip protection that someone mentioned in another post. I will upload a post repair vid when the snow has melted off the roof.
So In an attempt to feedback into the survey
1) No assessment provided as to what caused the original problem but the dealership did say when they entered the fault code to VW for works approval it came back as a recognised warranty issue and gave a prescribed repair work schedule. The roof panel was not removed it was repaired in situ.

2)As well as what can be seen in the Video there were further blisters on the opposite corner and 2 small spots on the leading edge, by far the worst were the areas on the back edge you could see with the roof down and then extending into the rear channel which were only visible with the roof elevated.

3)The remedial work has just been completed.

4) I guess the standard warranty continues and i expect to be back in about 3 years time if the repair method fails.

Hi I'd be interested to hear how the roof is now some 9 months later?? I also hail from Pembs but currently work abroad. About to place an order although your video didn't inspire me!

 

[Alberto]

Re: Blistering Paintwork Front Roof Pannel

I live in Germany, my Cali had the "RCBR Modul" inspected a couple of weeks ago, due to blistering paint. This inspection was carried out by one of the approved centres for this specialist work here in Germany.

VW Wolfsburg has approved the repair to proceed under warranty. The dealer starts tomorrow, total 40 hours work, 5 days at the dealer.

Application of paint to cast aluminium is not easy ....

 

[Derek Patton]

Re: Blistering Paintwork Front Roof Pannel

Thought I'd give an update on our situation re the blistering paintwork...and raise a query.
We took our Cali to SMG Cowfold in June and showed the blistering paint work.
The guys there took all the particulars which they sent off to VW and subsequently got approval to do the repair....with the proviso that it was carried out within 6 weeks!!...BUT ...due to some communication problems with our telephone, plus holiday arrangements etc, we weren't able to meet the 6 week time limit.
No problem, we agreed with SMG to reschedule the fix for a date in September.
Nick/ Alex from SMG telephoned on 4th Sept to say that VW have a NEW FIX and that it would be closer to the end of 2014 before this could be carried out !!!.....not sure what this NEW fix is all about but we are waiting to hear from SMG.
Anyone else heard about this?

 

[viehoffd]

Re: Blistering Paintwork Front Roof Pannel

Just had mine repaired and it has taken a few attempts. I was told that VW are going to take a van back to Germany and draw up a new procedure for the repair - my advice would be to wait until they know what they are doing. I think it a common fault and as a corrosion issue you should be covered by the long warranty.

 

[barry]

Re: Blistering Paintwork Front Roof Pannel

Thought I'd give an update on our situation re the blistering paintwork...and raise a query.
We took our Cali to SMG Cowfold in June and showed the blistering paint work.
The guys there took all the particulars which they sent off to VW and subsequently got approval to do the repair....with the proviso that it was carried out within 6 weeks!!...BUT ...due to some communication problems with our telephone, plus holiday arrangements etc, we weren't able to meet the 6 week time limit.
No problem, we agreed with SMG to reschedule the fix for a date in September.
Nick/ Alex from SMG telephoned on 4th Sept to say that VW have a NEW FIX and that it would be closer to the end of 2014 before this could be carried out !!!.....not sure what this NEW fix is all about but we are waiting to hear from SMG.
Anyone else heard about this?

my local dealer was quite sceptical about all this and is surprised the've heard nothing from VW central - AT ALL ABOUT ANYTHING RELATED TO THIS ISSUE -

 

[wee westy]

Re: Blistering Paintwork Front Roof Pannel

Barry, i notice you are in Glasgow, which dealer did you deal with? I am in Ayrshire and my van is going into the dealers for its first service and they are looking at the paint blisters on the roof at the same time.

 

[barry]

Re: Blistering Paintwork Front Roof Pannel

Barry, i notice you are in Glasgow, which dealer did you deal with? I am in Ayrshire and my van is going into the dealers for its first service and they are looking at the paint blisters on the roof at the same time.

Verve at Bailieston.
Let me know what your guys have to say.
Thanks

 

[DavidofHook]

Re: Blistering Paintwork Front Roof Pannel

Thought I'd give an update on our situation re the blistering paintwork...and raise a query.
We took our Cali to SMG Cowfold in June and showed the blistering paint work.
The guys there took all the particulars which they sent off to VW and subsequently got approval to do the repair....with the proviso that it was carried out within 6 weeks!!...BUT ...due to some communication problems with our telephone, plus holiday arrangements etc, we weren't able to meet the 6 week time limit.
No problem, we agreed with SMG to reschedule the fix for a date in September.
Nick/ Alex from SMG telephoned on 4th Sept to say that VW have a NEW FIX and that it would be closer to the end of 2014 before this could be carried out !!!.....not sure what this NEW fix is all about but we are waiting to hear from SMG.
Anyone else heard about this?

Yes,
We took ours back to Alex at SMG a couple of weeks ago with corrosion above the front screen. We were told that VW have these on hold so Alex took photo's, to be held until later in 2013, probably December when it will go to VW for assessment . Alex see no problem to getting this sorted out. Ours is a 2012 facelift
David

 

[shrimper]

Re: Blistering Paintwork Front Roof Pannel

VW UK are finally applying the same 'fix' for repairing the blistering paintwork of the front roof panel that VW have been carrying out in Germany since Jan 13. Talking to Alex at SMG - it will be end 2013/early 2014 before we are able to submit our claim and before the VW dealers are ready to carry out the required repairs. It would be great if this 'revised repair work' will finally cure the blistering paint problem for good. Massive thanks to all on the forum enabling us to have a united voice on this issue - especially to Graham and Susan.

 

[slowcoach65]

Re: Blistering Paintwork Front Roof Pannel

VW UK are finally applying the same 'fix' for repairing the blistering paintwork of the front roof panel that VW have been carrying out in Germany since Jan 13. Talking to Alex at SMG - it will be end 2013/early 2014 before we are able to submit our claim and before the VW dealers are ready to carry out the required repairs. It would be great if this 'revised repair work' will finally cure the blistering paint problem for good. Massive thanks to all on the forum enabling us to have a united voice on this issue - especially to Graham and Susan.

Thanks to all fosr all the updates.For those of us who have had the "old" repair, can we expect VW to offer us the new repair even if we haven't had new blistering develop yet, 'cos it will

Andy

 

[Andy]

Re: Blistering Paintwork Front Roof Pannel

VW UK are finally applying the same 'fix' for repairing the blistering paintwork of the front roof panel that VW have been carrying out in Germany since Jan 13. Talking to Alex at SMG - it will be end 2013/early 2014 before we are able to submit our claim and before the VW dealers are ready to carry out the required repairs. It would be great if this 'revised repair work' will finally cure the blistering paint problem for good. Massive thanks to all on the forum enabling us to have a united voice on this issue - especially to Graham and Susan.

Thanks to all fosr all the updates.For those of us who have had the "old" repair, can we expect VW to offer us the new repair even if we haven't had new blistering develop yet, 'cos it will

Andy

I doubt it, but your repair should be covered by the 12 year paint warranty if the work was carried out by an approved paint shop.

 

[Alberto]

Re: Blistering Paintwork Front Roof Pannel

My bus is now back from the approved dealer here in Germany.
Paintwork now looks great!

Some interesting points to note:

- plastic strip has been applied where the lifting roof contacts with the 'RCBR' module
i.e. the part often referred to as the front panel above the front windscreen
(RCBR=Roof Cutout Body Reinforcement-frame).

- roof canvas fabric was replaced, this rather a was a surprise
(will be checking with the dealer if this is usual when doing this paint repair!)

 

[daz60]

Re: Blistering Paintwork Front Roof Pannel

I've a 3 week old magic black California, the paint on the bonnet has got burn dots all over. When I brought the van it had just been washed and was hard to tell what the marks where. I wonder if your roof panel started this way

 

[SteveM]

Re: Blistering Paintwork Front Roof Pannel

My first California (2012 non metallic red) had 'flat matt' marks (a bit like bug splat smears) on the bonnet that could not be buffed out. On inspection it was confirmed to me that the paint was applied to thinly on the bonnet (how?!). Rather than allow a repaint (it was a few hundred miles old!) I rejected it and vw replaced it. To be fair in the 6 months it took to get the replacement it did not get any worse, but even so go get it inspected quickly!

Steve.

 

[Andy]

Re: Blistering Paintwork Front Roof Pannel

I've a 3 week old magic black California, the paint on the bonnet has got burn dots all over. When I brought the van it had just been washed and was hard to tell what the marks where. I wonder if your roof panel started this way

Firstly this is not how the blistering starts. Your problem is very different. If you read the whole thread you will know that the blistering is caused by an reaction between aluminium (the panel) & steel (the vehicle body).

Take it back to the dealer & tell him you are not happy with the the bonnet. At three weeks I would think you can get it swapped for a new one if you wish.