Hi Top coming loose from the camper !

[tally9040]

Dear Forum,
I have a 1983 transporter conversion which has a fibreglass Hi Top fitted. I have noticed that the HiTop itself is coming away from the bodywork. In fact, if I stand inside and push hard I can fit my fingers through to the outside ! I cleared out the rain gutters yesterday where there were some bits of rust. I presume that water is getting in and causing some rusting to the metal edge where it joins the van. The section in question is about 2 m long on one side and about 0.5 m long on the other. The front and back are soundly stuck.
My question is, is this going to be a massive problem to sort out - ie: expensive, or can I try and glue it back myself. I have visions of driving along and the whole thing blowing off giving us an antique cabriolet effect on the M5 !
I am a complete novice at this and up until now have relied on paying the garage to do stuff for me but I am running out of money.
Any advice please.

[Oldiebut goodie]

They are just stuck on with Sikaflex/Soudaflex/Tigerseal or any other polyurethane adhesive sealant. I refixed mine by cleaning up as best you can from inside - very sharp knife will cut the old loose stuff out - then applying a good thick fillet of new adhesive/sealant. Don't use silicone. The worst part is removing the internal trim to get at the joint.

[tally9040]

Thank you for your help.

[LittleMissSunshine]

That explains my problem too! We have the trim to replace in one corner but I was flummoxed as to why the hi top was not flush to the van. Will get some glue

[1664]

That explains my problem too! We have the trim to replace in one corner but I was flummoxed as to why the hi top was not flush to the van. Will get some glue

The Autohomes roof is different. You cannot get to the join from the inside. The fibreglass only actually sits on/mates with the vehicle roof at the sides. There is a very slight gap at the front and a bigger gap at the back.

[LittleMissSunshine]

Thanks 1664 - I see