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Hi Top coming loose from the camper !

Posted: 19 Mar 2012, 08:35
by 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.

Re: Hi Top coming loose from the camper !

Posted: 19 Mar 2012, 11:57
by 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.

Re: Hi Top coming loose from the camper !

Posted: 19 Mar 2012, 15:04
by tally9040
Thank you for your help.

Re: Hi Top coming loose from the camper !

Posted: 19 Mar 2012, 18:33
by 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 :ok

Re: Hi Top coming loose from the camper !

Posted: 19 Mar 2012, 21:16
by 1664
LittleMissSunshine wrote: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 :ok
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.

Re: Hi Top coming loose from the camper !

Posted: 19 Mar 2012, 22:06
by LittleMissSunshine
Thanks 1664 - I see :D