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Subject:Re: westy pop top inside covering "fabric" cleanup/ coverup question...
From:Jim Felder
Date:Mon, 22 Dec 2003 18:39:41 -0600

My 83 diesel westy came with some minor mold in the top. It wasn't a
problem to me when I got it, but as the interior becomes
better-looking with each passing weekend, it's something I want to
take care of eventually.

The technique used under the poptop was called "flocking," I think,
where adhesive was sprayed on followed by chopped polyester. Over the
years the glue weakens and releases the polyester fibers somewhat.
I'm planning to go over the interior top with a vacuum or wipe down
with a good rag.

As far as killing the mold, bleach applied with a rag should do it,
watered down say 7-1. Be sure to cover the seats and carpets and bed,
while you're working upstairs, with a tarp.

Don't wipe off immediately but leave for a while and let the bleach
kill the mold. If it doesn't lose its color, then it's long dead, no
longer a mold but a stain. I don't know what you could do for that
but paint over it with a roller so the finish would at least somewhat
resemble the texture of the original.

I would recommend a product called Kilz, an interior primer/milder
killer that is almost totally opaque. It's maid to cover leak stains
on ceilings that leak through coat after coat of paint.

Jim

>Hi, I am the new owner of a 82 diesel (soon to be veggie oil
>powered) westy, just trying to get her cleaned/ fixed up a bit..
>
>Anyway, this question relates to the inside covering on the pop top,
>first of all, what is it (anyone know how they attached it in the
>first place), did they just spray it on or something like that?
>Anyway, this felt like "fabric" was fairly moldy when I got the bus,
>and the mold has since been killed, but there is still a nice stain
>across most of the roof...  I have tried several stong cleaning
>products without making a dent, so now I am leaning towards covering
>this up...  BUT it is definatley not a choice surface to attach
>anything to..  Has anyone tried painting over it with anything?  Or
>carefully trying to glue new fabric on top?  Is there such thing as
>a spray on coating that has a similar look to the existing coating?
>
>Any input on what you would do with this problem would be greatly appreciated.
>
>Thanks!
>Greg
>
>
>---------------------------------
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