ave,

If you want to remove the old cleats this answer is pretty simple---

Drill out the 3/16 's rivets, and install the new cleats---pop rivet
them back in---

I would suggest using aluminum rivets----so they don't rust---

Done---

Later,

Terry

E-mail message

How did you secure the new stainless cleats to the fiberglass? I believe
the originals are installed with pop rivets, are they not?
Dave in KC

85 Westy with rusty cleats
----- Original Message -----

From: Thomas J. LaLanne <lalanne@IX.NETCOM.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, May 14, 2002 9:37 PM
Subject: Subject: Re: Want to paint camper roof

��������You probably don't want to paint it. Mine was
really oxidized, and my luggage carrier was stained with rust from the
old cleats. I went to a West Marine outlet and bought a rust-removing
solution that worked wonders. The rust stains left as if by magic with
very little rubbing. � I have also replaced the cleats with a
stainless steel set that I bought from GoWesty. West Marine had a
compound that promised to remove oxidation, but it was just a light
polishing compound. I finished my luggage rack beautifully by buffing it
with polishing compound with an orbital buffer, and then following that
with a good polymer glaze wax. Complete with the new Westfalia decal I
bought from Bus Depot, it looks like a new unit. Next, I plan on doing
the rest of the poptop.
Tom LaLanne
'86 Subie Westy