Pop Top Split & Extended (all in warranty)

[kpo1981]

Good afternoon all… thoughts on the following scenario

2019 Cali Ocean, bought via a private sale earlier this year. Came with an extended 2 year warranty (all in).

I recently noticed a small split in the rubber where the canvas joins the roof, and arranged to take the vehicle to my local VW van centre for a warranty assessment.

VW have inspected and reported that the issue is not covered under warranty and requires a repair at a cost of ~£2k.

Obviously I’m disappointed to receive this news. Are my expectations too high, or am I being fobbed off here and should I pursue with VW further?

I did show and speak to a well known reputable trader when passing on a recent trip. They suggested that they wouldn’t be overly concerned by the damage, and if it were their vehicle they’d try and repair with some sort of rubber resin or similar.

Any thoughts, guidance or similar experiences welcome… thanks in advance.

 

[kpo1981]

Update…

Local dealer have offered to pay half the cost (goodwill) wondering whether replacing the original pop top is advisable/wise?

 

[WelshGas]

Update…

Local dealer have offered to pay half the cost (goodwill) wondering whether replacing the original pop top is advisable/wise?

If the Dealer is prepared to pay half the cost of a £2000 repair then I would have thought it would be cheaper to replace the Bellows which would cost £800 + about 4 hrs labour.

 

[SusiBus]

I'd agree with WelshGas. New O6S Bellows all the way.
That's what we've had fitted under warranty. Much better than previous bellows on any of our Calis.
Make sure you get O6S bellows. I think there are previous O5S still in the pipeline.

 

[SusiBus]

You could buy it, or get a independent workshop to buy and fit it, rather than use a franchise dealer.

 

[kpo1981]

Thanks WelshGas & SusiBus

Dealer has confirmed replacement bellows would be O6S version, which is pleasing.

Not so pleasing - returning home following warranty inspection to find roof wasn’t fully closed when it was handed back (images 1-3). I immediately called the dealer to advise before doing anything and then raised and re closed the roof to find the canvas still fouled on closure (image 4). This has never happened previously and I can only conclude that whilst in the hands of VW they’d not followed their own manufacturers guidelines when opening and closing the roof during the inspection.

Leaves me thinking that going with the warranty replacement now is essential as VW could withdraw their offer of a goodwill contribution at a later stage. Although based on how it was returned, I’m very nervous about letting them have it back at all.

 

[Corradobrit]

Thats not a great start and I understand your reluctance. I would still get it replaced for 1k out of pocket expense, esp if its for an 06S. The rubber could perish in other areas. Have you asked the garage if they have experience replacing the bellows? Make sure the best guy there does it. You have a 2 year warranty on the replacement. Just make sure you go over it with a toothcomb before driving off the lot. Opening and closing several times.

 

[kpo1981]

Very sound advice thanks Corradobrit… I will let you know how it pans out.

 

[CaliforniaCylus]

I think Kernow Transporters can fit and supply new bellows for about 1k and I'd trust them rather than VW to fit...

 

[SusiBus]

Has the plastic strip that is sewn into the bellows, which helps the bellows to close inwards, been snapped while at the dealers?
I think the warranty on replacement bellows will be one year, not two years, but not sure on that.

 

[OllieCollieCali]

I had my bellows replaced with Kernow Transporters https://www.kernowtransporters.co.uk/ and im sure that was under £1k all in, amazing guys, and did all the work while I waited. couple of hours walk around the Scenic Marazion and it was done! I would go to these guys with any roof issues on the california. They checked over the rest of the roof and noticed a couple of rubber anti vibration bungs missing they replaced for free too.
They are right down in cornwall, but well worth the trip, and has family who own a campsite 5 mins up the road if you need to stay the night.
If its going to cost you £1k anyway with the dealer, I would definately rather spend that £1k (maybe even cheaper) with Kernow Transporters.

 

[kpo1981]

Has the plastic strip that is sewn into the bellows, which helps the bellows to close inwards, been snapped while at the dealers?
I think the warranty on replacement bellows will be one year, not two years, but not sure on that.

Not sure about the strip, I will check…

 

[Corradobrit]

I don't think there are any plastic strips to force the bellows inwards in the front panel. There are only along the side panels. At the front there is a weighted horizontal piece just below the window. You may need to guide the front panel manually to ensure the tensioning strip is doing its job.

 

[kpo1981]

For anyone interested, I opted to try a ‘free hit’ DIY repair with Sikaflex 252… if it doesn’t hold up I can always go for the replacement canvas…