Topaz

New Accessories for 2021.  Just had a few new accessories for 2006 VW T5 Topaz
1 New Pioneer DMH-A3300DAB Multimedia with rear camera
2 Thinkware Dash Cam
3 New Top Toughened glass windows (the original ones cracked). really pleased with the windows and had the catches repaired.
4 New Fuel Lagoon De Luxe Window Cover Recommended by Paul 
I had these done because we have not used the van this year, ready for 2021?
The electrics was done by a local motor electrician, also I had old alarm system taken out.
The Pioneer is excellent, especially as it gives a better view when driving also reversing, the Pioneer was recommended by the electrician, at a very competitive price as was the Thinkware Dash Cam.

bobbyd wrote:
3 New Top Toughened glass windows (the original ones cracked). really pleased with the windows and had the catches repaired.

Interesting - do these replace the double-layer acrylic roof side windows? That seems like a good solution - I always thought that the acrylic roof windows and catches were a bit fragile.

Incidentally I note that there's a 2015 Topaz on Ebay - with DSG auto box. I wonder if this forum's Frederic has noticed? Mind you, they want nearly 50 grand for it!!

Hi Roopert The acyrlic windows split and leaked, could not be repaired, so took them to a local glass merchant, who luckily was a caravanner and he recommended smoke glass with the holes to attach to the original internal fixings, you get the window frame out by pushing them up to full extent and unclipping them, the n you detach the arcylic windows from the frame. I have put plastic nut and bolts to hold them with caps on the outside. Also the interior fixings had to repaired. I would be very reluctant to sell my Automatic van, it has only done 35,000 miles with full VW service history. Have never used the shower, toilet and never filled up with water.

That sounds like an excellent solution - presumably quite costly, as I guess they had to get the glass toughened after cutting to shape and drilling for the fixing holes? Were the original acrylic windows the ones made by ParaPress?

bobbyd wrote:I would be very reluctant to sell my Automatic van, it has only done 35,000 miles with full VW service history.

Although I've never owned one, I rate the Topaz as the best compact camper that A/S have ever made - so I would be keeping it if it were mine...

Hi Roopert The cost was £140 and the original acrylic was ParaPress, very pleased with the finish.

That's not bad at all for two pieces of custom made glass. If I had thought of it I would have gone with that as a solution to the ParaPress windows on my last A/S van - they were complete but very badly scratched by a previous owner, somehow. I took them out and polished the scratches out, but it took an age, because the scratches were very deep.

Hi Richard Thanks for the reply, yes right have never used them as we always stay on camping sites, we have done 25,000 miles in Europe twice a year, in fact the pump, diesel heater have not been used, it is a 2005 T5 Topaz Automatic bought on the Autosleeper Owners site about 5 years ago from a lovely lady in Kent, also the grill pan is still in the plastic cover.

Hi Micky 25,000 miles in five years.

That seems a shame not to use the facilities, that is what they are there for, why have them if not used / needed, perhaps thinking of the resale value,.I know some caravanners had that idea.

I love my Topaz it is the second one I have had, I had a newer one previously, older one now as have a Hammershire as well, and that was too big to use as my car, and yes I do use it, mostly as a car and for days out. 

Whatever, enjoy your Topaz great vans.