Or wash it once in a while with the top up!  The '85 I bought in May was
from dry eastern Oregon, and that area under the top was caked with dirt.  I
doubt it had been washed in 20 years.  It was so gritty the rust was sanded
off naturally by the vibration of driving.  I did repaint the area though
after a complete top-off refurbishment.

Stuart

-----Original Message-----
Subject: pop top heads up

Neil posted a query on the samba about adjusting "the lay" of the pop top a
few days ago, and it only just occurred to me to mention another potential
issue with pop tops. Back at the rear, from curved portion to curved
portion, right across the back, the pop top seal can wear on the roof and
remove the paint (I think trapped grit/dust does the actual wearing away).
I've seen more than a couple of vans with rust spots on the metal roof from
this. So have a look at yours, if you see any wear on the paint apply some
sort of tape for protection.

alistair