Seams Advice please

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Spacehopper
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Seams Advice please

Post by Spacehopper »

I've recently bought a '90 holdsworth that is generally in superb condition.
However when i look closely at the panel seams i can see that the sealant is slightly cracked and in places there are traces of orange where there's obviously a bit of rust underneath.

There is absolutely no sign of bubbling etc, and the only orange discolouration is where the sealant is cracked - no bubbling etc anywhere else.

I'm trying to work out exactly what i need to do about this.
I've read a lot about how seam rust can often start from behind (i.e. inside the van), but am reluctant to start taking out the inside panels etc when there is a chance that a bit of elbow grease with some polish and a decent waxing could be all that is needed here.

In a nutshell, is it likely that this rust has started on the inside or is it more likely that it's started from outside, so a good clean up should do?

(or am i just delaying the inevitable interior removal by posting a hopeful question... :roll: )

Spacehopper
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Re: Seams Advice please

Post by Spacehopper »

Update - seems ok, a mate "in the know" has looked at reckons its from outside, so I'm gonna leave taking the interior out til winter and settle for rubbing a load of wax in the seams to keep the weather out for now i think

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fodtommo
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Re: Seams Advice please

Post by fodtommo »

do some searches for 'seams' there are loads and loads and loads of posts about this :ok youll not be stuck for advice
1986 Leisurdrive Poptop, 1.6d - Rebuilt and Camping with a Vengeance :)

Spacehopper
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Joined: 02 May 2012, 10:56
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Re: Seams Advice please

Post by Spacehopper »

Yeah thanks, definitely loads of useful stuff on the forums.

What i really wanted was clarification of whether seam rust really does "always" start from the inside of the van as the threads i read have suggested. I'm sure they often (usually) do, but it just didnt seem that way on my van and i didnt want to remove the interior unnecessarily.

Cheers for the reply :)

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fodtommo
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Re: Seams Advice please

Post by fodtommo »

My opinion would be it starts from inside the seam, not inside / outside the van.

Treating both sides basically doubles the time before it comes back. (about 2 months instead of 1 :D )
1986 Leisurdrive Poptop, 1.6d - Rebuilt and Camping with a Vengeance :)

Plasticman
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Re: Seams Advice please

Post by Plasticman »

sorry your mate is wrong , its its not starting from the inside , its already there :shock: and showing through on the external visible area
if you remove the interior you will see a little or lot of evidence , but I guarantee it will be in ther e. sorry but you asked :cry:
mm

Spacehopper
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Re: Seams Advice please

Post by Spacehopper »

Cheers for your frankness. I guess I'll be taking the inside of the van out sooner rather than later then

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