Water, water, everywhere! In my van!

[fairwynds]

getting fed up now....
a while ago I noticed there was a damp spot developing in the hitop rear locker. Given the design of the van (the 'boat on the roof' sort!) I figured it must be a leak from somewhere in the roof itself. I dont have a roof top skylight so narrowed it down and took a long hard look at the window rubbers in the roof sides. They have now been replaced, so hopefully that's been eliminated. But Ive still got water in the roof! Seals all good all round, front and rear too. The only thing that has been drilled through the roof (10yrs ago) are two brackets. When it stops raining, and Ive bailed out, Im goiung to remove the brackets and tape over the bolt holes temporarily.... then go from there. Anyone else ever had to chase a leak and find it eventually? If so, any ideas of a sensible nature (!) gratefully received

[Cableguy]

I've had lots of leaks. Found them all using captain tolleys creeping crack cure. Although most if not all of them were down to my rusty roof that the top was stuck to. I feel your pain

[fairwynds]

I've had lots of leaks. Found them all using captain tolleys creeping crack cure. Although most if not all of them were down to my rusty roof that the top was stuck to. I feel your pain

Ive got some of that stuff, but not tried it yet. Its now been raining for last hour, Ive been out to check and Ive now got a van with a full on spa inside! The new window seals are leaking badly At least I know where all the water's coming from....!

[Plasticman]

what seals did you end up fitting/
mm

[faggie]

only use genuine vw seals

[Plasticman]

only use genuine vw seals

Not for the hi h top though lol

[faggie]

then seal them in with windscreen sealant they wont leak then

[fairwynds]

As he said, hitop roof side windows... so panel van type seals.

[fairwynds]

Well, every cloud has a silver lining I guess (positive thinking, positive thinking....!)
Took the plunge and started to rip out all the old lining 'carpet' material. It's really seen better days and the roof has always had lots of unsightly black marks on it (caused my damp/lack of use many moons ago).
Main thing is, the seal between fibreglass hitop roof and the old metal VW panel van roof was obviously done well (if a little untidy, but who was ever going to see it....).
There is some water damage to the top cupboard front ('blown' chipboard/ply) but I will be redesigning the 'upstairs' anyway. Van looks a right mess at the moment, but looking forward to finally making the top water tight, and then choosing new lining. Ive no doubt I will have a few questions to ask you experts here, re insulation and 'how to' etc..... but in meantie, here's a couple of pictures of just how messy it currently is!







Onwards and upwards ....

[CovKid]

Love your approach to things. No room for creeping crack cure with you. You're in there and sorting it. Good to see.

[fairwynds]

Love your approach to things. No room for creeping crack cure with you. You're in there and sorting it. Good to see.

...well, if a job's worth doing...!
Cheers...