Roof Rust

[thedjjack]

If you look on my hitop build I used the kids floor tiles (I got 40ish of craiglist for $20.00 and insulated the van with them). They seemed to have good insulating properties as I held them up to a space heater and the heat did not travel through and this summer the van in full light stayed cooled.

Stock insulation holds lots of water.

Cheep solution:

http://www.delica.ca/forum/hitop-delica ... 10807.html

Felix used wetsuit material in his build, too spendy for me :)

down on his web page: http://dinoevo.de/page/2/

[Blackberry]

It probably stays dry because of that nice layer up in the ceiling. Much like an attic in a house. Ventilation and possibly insulation would serve well.
Now on the other hand if our "non-crystal-lite" brothers and sisters were to chime in, perhaps this theory could have legs. Have you woken to moisture everywhere?

Have a high-roof/no crystal lite '92 L300. Haven't been sleeping in the van in cool weather that much, but haven't noticed much condensation in it in the mornings when we have. Am hoping the moisture isn't getting past the headliner and forming on the roof. I haven't pulled the headliner out to inspect the underside of the roof, but so far the outside shows no signs of rust. In the future will make sure to keep the side windows open always when sleeping (unless it's pouring rain) ...and also may look into using something like this http://www.drizair.com/

[konadog]

It's my understanding that much of the rust around the crystal-light widows is caused by the glue used to keep them in place - I gather it's acidic or corrosive as the rust always starts at the glue spots...

[White Mule]

It's my understanding that much of the rust around the crystal-light widows is caused by the glue used to keep them in place - I gather it's acidic or corrosive as the rust always starts at the glue spots...

This theory has legs as the crystal-lites only have this particular glue. I am assuming it does not exist in the other roof types. Further with the air space, foam and liner material in place, the condensation would find it less hospitable.
I just came in after popping the reading light cover off and had a good look see with a flashlight. Granted it wont be as conclusive as removing the entire assembly, but I observed shiny white paint. No evidence of rust.
I think the true conclusion would be a non-crystalite roof that has been slept in alot, possibly in more humid clitmates year round and removing the liner. No rust? Then it must be the glue.

[toddtomorrow]

The rust I've seen inside the van (under the headliner) is running along the skeletal frame where it has been welded to the sheet metal roof. Lots of weird metal like, rusty chunks are falling out as the headliner comes out. It is some sort of material from between the frame and the sheet metal.

Wrecked my knee today so cant get back at the project till it heals. Should only be a couple days (knock on wood).