pop top seal

vwKind · Posted: Fri Jun 27, 2008 6:39 pm Post subject: pop top seal

im replacing all of the pop top seals tomorrow with the bus depot kit.

it looks like its just a simple remove and replace...any other tips for a nice easy install?
_________________
Chris
1982 VW Westfalia (formerly a diesel and now has a VW MK2 1.8L swap)
2008 VW GTI (APR Stage II+)

PDXWesty · Posted: Fri Jun 27, 2008 7:33 pm Post subject:

I've always try to start in the middle and work my way towards each end. Don't pull too hard on the long seal when you're installing it. It will stretch quite a bit. Clean the surfaces after you remove the old seals too. It's not that hard of a job. You should be fine.

westylife · Posted: Fri Jun 27, 2008 7:40 pm Post subject:

Take off the luggage rack and clean under there. This one is different than the one you are taking off so take some photos so you can see how it fits. MEASURE TWICE CUT ONCE. You will have to do some trimming so be prepared. It is a great quality seal and you will be very pleased with the results.

Have fun.
_________________
1983.5 Westfalia Bostig RG1

PDXWesty · Posted: Fri Jun 27, 2008 7:57 pm Post subject:

I would trim after you put on the new seals. They do stretch a bit. Instead of pulling it as you go, push back towards the part thats already on as you go. Sort of compress it as you go.

Perales · Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 7:14 am Post subject:

The job should be easy. In my case the PO had used silicone to glue the old seal on and that took me several hours to clean off. I agree about removing the luggage rack though. There is a ton of crud under there. Wash and wax the van top under the rack before you re-install it.
_________________
-- 1987 Westfalia automatic (Captain Vino)

vwKind · Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 8:12 am Post subject:

thanks fellas, im in the middle of the install now and just ducked inside for a safety break Cool

and some cold water, its almost 100 degrees out today.

got the luggage carrier off and everything cleaned up and now just need to install the seal. bought me a new rubber mallet to help out. goin good so far Smile

_________________
Chris
1982 VW Westfalia (formerly a diesel and now has a VW MK2 1.8L swap)
2008 VW GTI (APR Stage II+)

MarkWard · Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2011 7:39 am Post subject:

Thread revival. I took my luggage carrier off this weekend to replace the seal. The side bolts came out easily. The l/s bracket moved back away from the hole so that I could not restart the bolt. The front bolts were frozen solid. So, I dropped the head liner unbolted the brackets and the carrier is off. Ton of dirt and scraps. Going to install some screens over the holes. I could not find the thread for this upgrade, but can't decide if I should use JB weld or Silicone. Any suggestions?

Second, from your experience is it better to attach the brackets to the carrrier and then bolt to the roof or bolt the brackets to the roof and then try and bolt the carrier to the brackets? At least on the side brackets where the bolt goes through the roof there is a rubber grommet. I don't have the front brackets off. Because of the grommet, I am thinking that attaching the brackets to the carrier first would be easier than the opposite. I'd appreciate any advice.

CQ · Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2011 7:49 am Post subject:

Funny I forgot that grommet on the rack, looks like 2 teflon washers right? I need to install that now, but I installed the luggage rack on to the brackets installed on the vehicle, as for the washers I think I will be spraying adhesive spray on them and and stick on the bracket and carefully put the luggage rack on.

As for the sink screens here is the link I found half way down from the top.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=451036&highlight=luggage+rack+screen
_________________
82 Westy 'Betsy'
72 Bus 'Bertha' -Sold
Learning about 2.0L AFC Everyday.

MarkWard · Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2011 9:01 am Post subject:

On mine, there was one rubber washer on each side between the carrier and the bracket. The brackets were sealed to the roof with what looks like plumber's dope. The rear bolts had rubber washers between the carrier and the roof as well. The washers were doubled on the outer bolts and single on the inner bolts. I don't have the front brackets removed from the carrier's front yet to see if they also got rubber washers.

Thanks for the link. I did try searching, but this was the closest thread I could find. I have some plain brass screens coming without the rubber border. It looks like he left the brackets on the Van's roof. I think you are right that gluing the rubber washer to the brackets should work. I can leave the bracket bolts slightly loose to help get the bolt through the carrier to line up with the bracket and washer. This will also keep the brackets from scratching the paint. Then snug everything up evenly. From reading it looks like the trick is to not seal it too well. I have the GW seal that has the foam on the back side. If I cut out some material to allow it to drain better, I would want to silicone the rubber seal shut to keep water from seaping into the seal. Thanks again.

CQ · Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2011 9:08 am Post subject:

I read on the GO westy seal kit that only the side ones have this washer and not the front. I little spert on the instructions says dont forget these.
_________________
82 Westy 'Betsy'
72 Bus 'Bertha' -Sold
Learning about 2.0L AFC Everyday.

MarkWard · Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2011 9:18 am Post subject:

That makes sense and probably accounts for why the front ones are seized. I think with the carrier off and some PB blaster I can get the front bolts freed up. Not ready to replace all the hardware yet, so I will check out my local hardware store for some suitable bolts. They appear to be 6mm x 1.0 thread pitch.

CQ · Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2011 9:32 am Post subject:

I think that is correct, Go westy sells nice stainless steel ones too. I have not seen the slotted ones at ACE but then again I was not looking.

http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=2458&category_id=132&category_parent_id=

looks like 6mmx 20
_________________
82 Westy 'Betsy'
72 Bus 'Bertha' -Sold
Learning about 2.0L AFC Everyday.

Ahwahnee · Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2011 10:19 am Post subject:

Perales · Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2011 2:04 pm Post subject:

Ahwahnee · Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2011 3:11 pm Post subject:

Busdepot · Samba Member Joined: March 24, 2004 Posts: 1359


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