how are hightops attached?

[jamesandtheopenroad]

All the sealant/putty around my hightop is cracked and discoloured and is starting to leak a bit. Have been meaning to scrape it out and redo it for a month or so but not had time.

Anyhow, got some time coming up and it's job number 1. Got me vactan, hammerite and sikaflex ready but suddenly thought - how is the actual fiberglass hightop attached to the van? Surely it's not just the sealant? Anybody know?

Also, I only got one tube of sikaflex but now starting to think I may need two.

And is a paint scraper the best tool for digging the old stuff out? (before sanding down and treating)

[R0B]

yup just sealant

Surely it's not just the sealant? Anybody know?

[jamesandtheopenroad]

Really?! Ooh, "pooh".

So maybe I shouldn't be all hung-ho about it?

Is it best to get a pro to do it, or can an amateur manage?

Thanks for the swift reply BTW

[R0B]

you should be able to do it yourself.if it just entails removing the old stuff and replacing with new.more of a pain if the stuff between the top and the metal has come away.still doable though..

[jamesandtheopenroad]

Problem is, I guess if you dig to much out, it may be a case of taking the whole thing off to re-attach it, and I just don't have the space, tools or experience for that.

Could you scrape away the first few millimeters, then reseal on top - enough to make it water tight.

And will something like sikaflex be strong enough or do you need a heavy duty bonder?

[R0B]

if your not going to remove it all then why remove any.just put new sealant over the top of the old.removing any that may be loose of course.i used tigerseal when i did my old hightop.

[Plasticman]

Sikaflex is the biz, correctly applied you will never pull it apart, yep as rob says dig it out and dont be too afraid to hack into it, you will never get it all out and there will allways be a good percentage holding firm,
when got all you want/can out then sika in gun and forces it right in and off you go, might be worth some masking tape on the top say an 1/8" above the join, just make sure its clean and dry.
mike

[jamesandtheopenroad]

Thanks peeps! Honestly, without this forum, I would be afraid to do anything to her.

[R0B]

and what about the van

I would be afraid to do anything to her

[jamesandtheopenroad]

Oi oi, cheeky!

[pocolow]

and what about the van

I would be afraid to do anything to her

Take your Bromide tablets Rob...the saps rising again..

[jamesandtheopenroad]

BTW Rob - in regards to your avatar - Oldham doing Kes at the moment - great fun.

[R0B]

i love that film me.when you say your doing kes.how do you mean?