New Look Topaz

My solution to the dreaded plastic window covers becoming airborne. Reading previous posts the plastic rear side window covers fitted to the Topaz and some other Autosleeper van conversions seem to be prone to coming loose and parting company with the vehicle. 


While driving I heard a bang on the nearside of the van and thought it was a bird strike, pulling up further down the road to check for damage I found the plastic window cover was missing, retracing my journey I found the panel on the grass verge slightly damaged but not too bad. The cause of the problem was that the plywood that had been bonded to the window glass was rotting and delaminating, too far gone to attempt to re-screw the panel. After removing the ply and the bonding, the van looked much nicer without the panel, however, the rear of the shower was visible through the glass and a solution needed to be found. I'd seen a program on TV about vinyl wrapping vehicles and thought that might be the answer. I found a local company that specialise in signage and took a trip down to see if they thought putting vinyl on the window was possible, as you will see from the attached photos it is possible. I'm sure there will be mixed views on the result but I am pleased with the new look, in my opinion it looks sleeker and more up to date.






Removing the ply and bonding was not the easiest job in the world, there are 9 pieces of ply on each window. I found that the safest way without damaging the glass was to strip each piece of ply, layer by layer down to the bonding adhesive then using a stanley knife cut the bonding back until a thin layer was left, i then used a very sharp wood chisel to take it back to a thin film. Finally using a petrol soaked cloth to soften and clear the residue, petrol seemed to work better than any of the other solvents I tried.

The company that did the work is [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] I have no connection with them other than being a satisfied customer.

Hi Zapot
Nice to see you posting on the forum, your van is still looking good.
Have you been back to Sewerby hall this summer, ? We haven't been for a few months ,as we have been on the road .
Nice to see you on again.
Boaby

I doubt you'll get any negative views. It may not be original but that would not worry me - I think it looks far better than the panels, and they are always going to give trouble when a van gets older and the wood starts to give way. Personally I think A/S should have used something rot-proof like UPVC section, but I guess bits of ply are cheaper. Anyway, it's looks a job well done to me.

For what it's worth i am also in the " looks better then the original " camp. 

The T5 version of the Topaz has a similar arrangement. Yours is a very neat job, easily as good as the current vehicles.

The T5 version of the Topaz has a similar arrangement. Yours is a very neat job, easily as good as the current vehicles.

Thanks for the positive responses, I just hope it helps others who encounter the same problem. For anyone who has a vehicle fitted with those plastic window covers don't delay go out and check that the screws are still gripping.

Hi Boaby, in answer to your question, no not been down to Sewerby for quite awhile, we used to have an annual pass and take the Granddaughter to the play area and animals but she has outgrown that kind of thing.