Vw California T5 - Roof Seal

NanukCalifornia · Jan 9, 2023

VW California T5 2012 - Roof Seal - Just wondered if anyone can help re roof seal on the above vehicle - in heavy driving rain water does get past the out lip seal of the lifting roof panel at the front - it then pools in the outer channel in front of the inner seal on van body roof - there does not appear to be anywhere for it to go. The area behind the van body seal remains dry and this area drains well as designed down through the front pillars - these are ‘gurgling’ well. The roof panel is not twisted and the lip seal is new and appears to sit correctly when the roof is closed

Questions - is it common for water to get past this seal at the front? Where can it drain to? I am reluctant to try and lift the inner body seal - it seems to be installed with a tight fit on the body - should there be a small drainage channel under the seal to allow the water to drain behind and the down the pillars?

The roof was repaired under ‘corrosion’ warranty in 2018.

Thanks for any advice.

KGCali · Jan 9, 2023

There is a gap under the front rubber seal to allow the water to drain from front to back and down the drain tube. The gap can get clogged so just run a piece of thin plastic under the front seal at the location shown below on both sides of the van...

NanukCalifornia · Jan 10, 2023

KG Cali - Thank you for the reply - most helpful - problem solved - after further investigation for some reason the body seal did not have a drain slot - it was continuous and stuck down with a self adhesive backing strip - the water had nowhere to go.- lifted seal and cut a a drainage slot in seal both sides - now works perfect as you showed in the picture - thanks again.

KGCali · Jan 10, 2023

NanukCalifornia said:
KG Cali - Thank you for the reply - most helpful - problem solved - after further investigation for some reason the body seal did not have a drain slot - it was continuous and stuck down with a self adhesive backing strip - the water had nowhere to go.- lifted seal and cut a a drainage slot in seal both sides - now works perfect as you showed in the picture - thanks again.

You shouldn't have needed to cut the seal, it just lifts away from the body naturally on the tight bend. As you've cut the seal may be worth putting some mastic on each edge of the cut to ensure water doesn't enter the seal or alternatively mastic a small pipe under the seal for drainage and ensure it's kept clear along with the drain hole.