I might lean toward two part epoxy metal panel bonding adhesive
myself....genuine automotive stuff.
A patch of material on the backside will never separate. I might back it
with aluminum ..like 1/16th inch thick, something with some flex.   That's
if removing the whole thing.

is the plan to fix it in place,
or remove the top and fix it more properly that way ?
and how perfect/original do you want the exterior surface to appear ?

if people can't tell it was solidly  repaired ..
I think that's less fun.
the artfulness of a good solid repair should show a little I think.

or install a light in that spot ...there ya go...make an opportunity out of
the mishap.
yeah I like that ideal  ..custom inlaid driving light or two there. ..
with brush guard so it doesn't happen with the next low hanging whatever.

the low hanging branch didn't do it ..likely a person driving the van into a
low hanging branch did it. lol.

scott   :)
turbovans
----- Original Message -----
From: "David Beierl" <dbeierl@ATTGLOBAL.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, November 06, 2010 1:14 PM
Subject: Re: Hole in luggage rack/ best repair material?

> At 04:45 PM 11/4/2010  -0700, Michael Hart wrote:
>>A low hanging tree branch punched a 2 inch hole in the front of the
>>luggage rack
>>of my Westy.
>>Recommendations on the best material to patch this? (white rack on white
>>van)
>
> Depending on your inclinations, Fiberglas or Duct tape.
>
> Yours,
> David