VW California T5 ONLY Roof Corrosion - General Discussion

[surfbus]

Re: Blistering roof repair

surely any new build / new order will not need this work?

You would assume that VW have ensured that all newly manufactured vehicles have been modified, otherwise they would only be creating expensive re-work problems for the future.
However, I have learned never to take things for granted no matter how obvious it may seem.
Fingers crossed that everyone with this problem gets a satisfactory solution.

 

[incarpaul]

Re: Blistering Paintwork Front Roof Pannel

The job was described as a complete roof change, cutting it away at the a,b and c pillars, change entire roof and windows, screens. 2 weeks of work. it is still essentially a 'cut and shut' job,

I Read this thread with interest but just like to pickup on the above post.

I'm sure vw would not cut and shut any panels, there is just no need to do so.
if a sales person or service desk has said this then they have never seen a cali roof removed before.

The cali roof is cut away from the body but..... cut away as in removing the bonding, riverts and bolts, this then separates the roof frame from the van body.

Not an easy job.

 

[Meoncoast]

Re: Blistering Paintwork Front Roof Pannel

I bet some of the "t5 converters" will love this tread, when they try to say their convertion are a better bet than a California. There has been a lot of moans about VW not fixing the roof, I am glad they have a fix I feel anyone who thought it would be a simple paint job have underestimated the fault that is more than skin deep. We can all list van centres not up to it so l can see why vw and am glad they have selected to have specialist repair centres. Also good news that vans our being picked up and a brought back. VW have also got it right giving a loan Cali for the peroid of the work beats an UP or a Polo. (no camping trips cancelled)
This are my views I'm sure VW want to get it right , by doing the repair they have acknowledge the issue and if it doesn't work they have undertaken it so I'm sure we will have come back.

 

[Martin]

Re: Blistering Paintwork Front Roof Pannel

I might do a tour of Europe in my two weeks and save some mileage on my own Cali :lol:

 

[Meoncoast]

Re: Blistering Paintwork Front Roof Pannel

there will be some second hand high milage Calis for sale from VW once repairs all completed :mrgreen:

 

[Ambler]

Re: Blistering Paintwork Front Roof Pannel

I bet some of the "t5 converters" will love this tread, when they try to say their convertion are a better bet than a California.

Indeed the roof was the single reason why we seriously considered a bilbo's. IMO there's is a better method than Vw. However, what swung us to the Cali. were the facts that they are a long way from here if anything went wrong, van had to be sent to vw for "vehicle" problems (potential to be fobbed off by both) and finally we visited a bilbos owner who explained that he felt the customer service was not up to scratch.
The vw can centre is only 40 miles away.

 

[incarpaul]

Re: Blistering Paintwork Front Roof Pannel

I bet some of the "t5 converters" will love this tread, when they try to say their convertion are a better bet than a California.

I am a "T5 converter" and would definitely not say mine is better than a california, it cetainly didn't cost as much and will never be worth as much but hopefully will get the same enjoyment out of it. The reason this thread caught my attention was the roof...... the california roof is the roof I fitted to my van so have a keen interest on what VW do to fix this issue although if anything need repairing on mine then it's down to me to sort out

hope VW fix your problems once and for all.

 

[Nottledim]

Re: Blistering Paintwork Front Roof Pannel

I was trying to work out when I might hear about the paint work repair to ChArLIe.

There are 76 known Calis on this forum with the roof issue (assuming the 36 already repaired don't go back for the full repair)
There are four repair centres. Each centre takes two weeks to repair each Cali.

In an even spread of work across the country each centre will have 19 vehicles to repair.

Without any breaks or overruns thats 38 weeks of continual work for each centre if they deal with one vehicle at a time.

If we assume that each centre has one Cali as a courtesy vehicle then the repair schedule will run for most of this year.

It may be a while before many of us hear anything!!!!

 

[Isa Neal]

Re: Blistering Paintwork Front Roof Pannel

My DSG180 grey 2012 Cali had its roof repair for the bubbling/blistering jobby done last year-I'm not sure how I'm placed in the necessity of having it redone via the 4 new approved workshops with the new method. It's got lots of extras on it and I have long trips booked this year in Europe so don't wNt to lose it to a repairshop during those dates as even hire vehicles are not the same spec.

 

[choplee]

Re: Blistering Paintwork Front Roof Pannel

My DSG180 grey 2012 Cali had its roof repair for the bubbling/blistering jobby done last year-I'm not sure how I'm placed in the necessity of having it redone via the 4 new approved workshops with the new method. It's got lots of extras on it and I have long trips booked this year in Europe so don't wNt to lose it to a repairshop during those dates as even hire vehicles are not the same spec.

you'll be bottom of the list i'm afriad ,as your roof will not be showing any corrosion and will not get done unless it starts again .. :!:

 

[Ewan]

Re: Blistering Paintwork Front Roof Pannel

There are four repair centres. Each centre takes two weeks to repair each Cali.sad

The four repair centres are in Westbury, Devon, NE/Cumbria (Benfield) and Staffs (Shorade). The reason why it's only 4 centres is that these are the only VW-approved bodyshops with the capacity. Apparently the roof repair to each Cali will occupy 4 bays in the bodyshop.

Ben confirmed that Cali's would be picked up and a replacement left via low loader. Updates to those on VW's list will be provided every 2-4 weeks.

I agree it's best not to jump to any conclusions until the facts are known.

 

[Californiaman]

Re: Blistering Paintwork Front Roof Pannel

I think it is great that VW have identified that they have an issue and are putting such a huge effort into rectifying it.

 

[Chilly Cali]

Re: Blistering Paintwork Front Roof Pannel

Ok, I have sought clarification from VW today, and although nothing has arrived in writing, the manager of VWCS got back to me with some more information.
He pulled the tapes of the conversation I had yesterday regarding the 'cutting' of the a,b and c pillars. He apologised that that was not the case, and some 're-training' was happening as we spoke!
There will be no 'cutting'. It is more an 'unbonding' process in which the roof will be removed, the front section replaced and repainted and then the original roof replaced onto the van.
Lee, was very sorry for the misinformation and could see how worrying it would have been.
I feel much better about the future of my 'Connie'.
Lee is going to email me with details of the warrant that the work will carry and a written account of the processes involved.
He also said I would be at liberty to come and inspect the work being conducted.

All in all, I remain impressed with the handling of this problem by VW, minus this one over exuberant description of the surgery required.

Charlie

 

[Custardtart]

Re: Blistering Paintwork Front Roof Pannel

Phew!

Sounds much better - still a shame that all the trim etc is going to be pulled off - in my experience it never goes back as well, but certainly better than having the original steel roof cut off and new one rewelded in place!

 

[choplee]

Blistering Paintwork Front Roof Pannel

I've even informed that there will be 1 body repair centre near Canterbury in Kent ...

 

[SusiBus]

Re: Blistering Paintwork Front Roof Pannel

As you may or may not be aware, we presented the case on behalf of the Cali Club to get VW to implement the repair for roof corrosion that had been introduced in Germany. I think it has turned into a lot bigger job than they envisaged, but to be fair we feel they seem to be finally facing up to it (some might say about time!)

I spoke to VW Customer Care today saying that there was quite a lot of misinformation / speculation, call it what you will, ie cutting and shutting and which dealers were actually going to be authorised to take on the repairs, so I’ve asked them to clear up several aspects, and have been promised a reply tomorrow. I shall report back when I get a reply.

 

[Andy]

Re: Blistering Paintwork Front Roof Pannel

Which ever way you [ook at it this is going to cost VW an absolute fortune...... loan vehicles, collection on a transporter, two weeks worth of labour plus new parts. Quite an undertaking.
Im sure there are more affected calis than on the poll, mine for one. Time to talk to VWCS me thinks.

Sent from my GT-N8010 using Tapatalk

 

[muttley]

Re: Blistering Paintwork Front Roof Pannel

Just a quick comment for anyone waiting for this repair: most dealers still seem to be way behind the curve, so you need to talk to VW customer care directly - 0800 717131. I phoned them this morning, and they set up a case for me in just a few minutes.

Simon

 

[smgcowfoldparts]

Re: Blistering Paintwork Front Roof Pannel

If you are local to us then you can come and see me and I can submit your details to Volkswagen with photos for you for the claim.

cheers

 

[Rob02]

Re: Blistering Paintwork Front Roof Pannel

Just reported my roof corrosion to VW Breeze in Southampton they didn’t even look at the van. So when you mention photos you got me worried is there a set procedure with VW UK on how you report the problem.

 

[smgcowfoldparts]

Re: Blistering Paintwork Front Roof Pannel

When a paint claim is submitted then photos have to be taken and submitted with the claim which is sent to Volkswagen. Photos will still have to be taken to be submitted to Volkswagen as this is how they are finding out which vehicles require the repair and then customers are contacted.

Cheers

 

[Rob02]

Re: Blistering Paintwork Front Roof Pannel

Cheers Alex

I will give them a call & see what they are up to if I get no joy it needs a service & MOT again. I will drive down to you. Still going like a dream after you dropped it for us & still looks great.

Thanks

Rob

 

[smgcowfoldparts]

Re: Blistering Paintwork Front Roof Pannel

Hi Rob,

you can come down to us anyway and get it all done in one go with the paint claim, service and MOT if you like? When is it due?

cheers

 

[Rob02]

Re: Blistering Paintwork Front Roof Pannel

March 21st MOT is due & its asking for a service about 600 miles left so I can present after 21st Feb 2014. I look at my diary & give you a call.

 

[smgcowfoldparts]

Re: Blistering Paintwork Front Roof Pannel

We can do the MOT from 22nd February, it is one month less one day in advance.

cheers