Rust signs from the roof join

Hi, I have recently brought a AS Talent from a Grandparent and have noticed that it has developed in at least 3 places signs of rust coming from the plastic cover strip that hides the join between the van roof an d the GRP high top roof. Is this something major or will it be a case of running a Sika flex type sealant around the existing rain water channel? Im pretty handy with most things but have zero experience in repairing campers. I guess my main worries the rust taking hold and causing major damage. 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated thank you.

The Talent is quite a rare van - you don't see many of them around.

I doubt anyone will be able to answer the question immediately, because it probably needs more investigation. If the rust has started on the outside (not that unusual, as the cover strip tends to act as a trap for leaves and other crud) then it may just need taking down to bare metal and coating with Kurust or a modern equivalent, then painting or covered in sealant.

If it's coming from under the roof then it's a more serious problem. It's hard to find a long-term solution without removing the roof - and you don't want to do that... Is there any sign of water leakage inside, around the windows in the roof?

Not able to help with your problem but if you have to remove the black joint, might be worth getting these as spares, they've been for sale for s long time now so might be worth making an offer....


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Thanks Mojo & Paulmold.

Yes I have had a few people say that too me.

 The inside is dry. Its almost definatly coming from what you described. How easy does the cover strip come off? is there a guide available?

This is a common problem and it's often on one side only too! I have it on my van on the rear o/side corner because when the van is parked up at home, my drive is on a slight slant so rainwater drains away from the house. It's a small cosmetic job i'm hoping to get done by a local bodyshop. 

The rail trims are removable and ideally that's how the job should be done, but like every other bit of plastic trim they suffer from weathering and getting it off in one piece without it snapping is a gamble. AS still have new rail trims for my van.....but they are £400.....each!!! 

So that was a good spot by Mojo and if i were you i'd make an offer of £50 to that seller which would be a bargain. If those were for a Duetto i'd have snapped 'em up by now!

I'm aware of at least two ways of fixing these trims on. My Flair had them fixed with nylon bolts which screw into stainless steel stand-offs bonded to the GRP roof, but IIRC on at least some other high top conversions they were bonded directly in place. The material they are made of differs too - some are GRP, sometimes formed around a plywood core, while those on the Flair were vacuum-formed plastic.

If yours are the latter then it will be relatively easy, but I think there is little chance of getting the bonded-on ones off without breaking them. So if they are the right type, it probably is a good idea to consider buying up the ones that Paul points to.

Thanks all, Sorry for the late reply I've been working away all weekend. 

Sounds as though its a job I can handle with a handy family member. I think the strips that paul kindly passed my way are in slightly worse condition than the ones I have so for now Ill leave them.

When I eventually get around to it, Ill let you know how I get on.