Neil,

page not found on google link.

Yeah, I was miffed about the rubbing of metal filings under the luggage rack. I have to add though that seeing as my van is a pop top conversion, I may not have achieved the correct pressure on the rack (mount placements and rubber washer count) that might have contributed to the problem. I know that my '82 westy had no such rubbing problems.

Years ago, and it is the same seal I am using now, I bought a really nice pop top seal from a local RV place. The rubber and bulb is of high quality, looks more like factory than any aftermarket seals I have seen. It came preloaded with sealant deep in the groove. 

alistair

On 2013-02-21, at 6:19 PM, neil n wrote:

> Hi all.
> 
> So nice to see other peoples "dirty laundry"   :^)
> 
> For those who don't know, it seems that over time, the top rubs,
> removes some paint and depending on local climate (?), rust starts.
> Alistair Bell on the Vanagon list posted images and text here:
> http://shufti.wordpress.com/2012/08/07/vanagon-my-inattention-one-year-ago-bites-me/
>  Posted this on the WW list as people are likely thinking of "dusting
> off" their rigs. Spring is near.
> 
> Was inspired by JB's roof and poptop clean up decided to venture in.
> It's been bugging me for a while anyway and the rack is cracked (PO)
> so time to start huffing fiberglass fumes!
> 
> Image of luggage rack off:
> https://picasaweb.google.com/musomuso/BodyWork#slideshow/5847589924027527842
> 
> Rust is minimal. In LH of image you can kind of see some rust.
> Driverside has worse spots. (Since the paint under the rack sees no
> sunlight, I'll be curious to see if the "OEM" colour Lemco paint
> matches reasonably well.)
> 
> Also....
> 
> IIRC it was Ken Wilford who mentioned this as a pet peeve. With all
> good intentions, a few years ago, I'd secured the old failing rubber
> seals with Goop. This worked but made clean up harder. Seems the
> Van-cafe kit is a "glue on" type, as they included a tube of Loctite
> black adhesive (30540) but maybe the stuff they supplied is easier to
> remove come time?
> 
> Anyhow....
> 
> Poptop rehab will have to wait as I fly solo when I work. Besides; I
> really want to do some camping before work starts!
> 
> Neil.
> 
> --
> Neil n
> 
> 65 kb image Myford Ready For Assembly  http://tinyurl.com/64sx4rp
> 
> '88 Slate Blue Westy to be named.
> 
> '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"  http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/
> 
> Vanagon VAG Gas I4/VR Swap Google Group:
> 
> http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines