Actually, water does not drain out through the seal, it drains out the
rear corners where there is a 1/4" gap between the rack and the roof and
no seal (actually hidden under the flat seal on the pop top).  This
could plug up, but it would be difficult to do.  There was 15 years
worth of crap under mine, and most was in the front corners.

On a related note, I just installed a sun roof in my Westy.  Cut out the
bottom of the rack and sealed all but the corners of the back of the
rack to keep wind and water from blowing under and disturbing the
canvas.  Top fits perfectly in the roof and opens through the opening in
the rack.  Works great, no wind noise or water problems and there is
enough of a flange left from the bottom to put a piece of 1/4" plywood
in for carrying loads on top.  I also replaced the weak pop rivets for
the tie down loops with SS screws, nuts, and large fender washers.

This is something I have been thinking about for a long time and wish I
had done sooner. Lots of light inside now, and quiet ventilation on the
highway (it IS my air conditioning).

If anyone wants to do this it is not too difficult.  Took me a weekend,
and the headliner is the most time consuming part. I highly recommend
it!

If anyone is interested I may publish instructions and sources for this
project.

JordanVw@AOL.COM wrote:
>
> In a message dated 9/20/99 10:13:18 PM Eastern Daylight Time, Sussmn@AOL.COM
> writes:
>
> << Just explored the van's roof & noticed the (presumed) drainage holes in the
>  luggage rack.  Bentley doesn't mention anything about this:  where does the
>  water go?   Is there a channel that gets blocked?  Is this why the headliner
>  seems warped?
>  Thanks, CSS
>   >>
>
> drains thru the holes, and onto your roof, and comes out between the luggage
> rack seal and roof. doesnt enter the van at all.  remove your luggage rack
> and you'll be surprised at the amount of crud under there that builds up over
> the years.  (rotten leaves, acorns, mouse crap, wasp nests, etc.)
>
> chris

--
Stuart MacMillan
Manager, Case Program
800-909-8244 ext 208

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