Date:         Fri, 5 Jan 2001 17:15:16 EST
Reply-To:     JKrevnov@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Rico Sapolich <JKrevnov@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: sunroof leaking
Comments: To: jamespound@hotmail.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

In a message dated 1/5/01 3:33:30 PM, jamespound@HOTMAIL.COM writes:

<< Does anubody have any suggestions on how to fix a leaking sunroof in a
cost effective manner? >>

James,

A temporary quick fix which is better than duct tape in several ways, is to
chaulk the seam with automotive seam sealant chaulking rope.  The type I have
used for other applications is called 3M Strip-Calk.  It adheres well and it
will not harden.  Also, it can be easily removed with no damage to the paint.

Other than that, all I can think of is to do it yourself.  It was my
experience that new seals and a proper adjustment of the mechanism was all
that was needed.  Initially, it appeared that my operator or cables were
stripped because the roof would stop just short of closing and the crank
would rachet with no further movement of the roof panel.  After I renewed the
seals, cleaned and lubed the cables and made the adjustments, all was back to
normal.  I think that the mechanism may be designed with an override feature
in case a brat is refusing to sit down while the roof is being closed.
Anyone with kids knows that at times you feel like decapitating them.

The seal is a bit of a pain to install, but with a careful shaping before it
is glued, it is not too hard to place.  If you want to forgo new cables all
together and you do not mind riding around without the panel headliner in
place, you can open and close the roof simply by sliding it directly then
operating the over-center mechanisms at the rear of the panel with your bare
hands.

Rich