Shrinking roof drain tubes on older vans?

[NewForestKnight]

I recently noticed a rather soggy patch of carpet between the front seats after heavy rain, especially if we'd had the roof up. No idea how long this has been happening as its under the middle bit of the brandrup floor mats, and we're generally fair-weather vanners so don't often use the van if its wet. However we were away for 10 nights in France in July with a few downpours which is when it came to light.

When we got back I checked the roof drains which cleared OK. I found a really good thref=ad on here where someone had discovered the bottom of their drain tubes weren't connected to the rubber grommets, so water was emptying into the cabin (I'd link to it but can't find it again now!). Taking off a few bits of trim it appeared this was our problem too.

It seems the roof drain tubes may have shrunk as they were a good couple of cm's too short to reach the lower grommets. I went through the process of removing the A pillar trims, refixing the tubes in a lower position to provide a bit of slack, and re-inserting them in the grommets. Pouring water through from the roof, it now drains into the void below the windscreen where the wiper motor is, and out through the top of the wheel arch lining. Hopefully all good.

I can't undertsand how the tubes could have been too short (there was no way to stretch them in their previous secured positiions) and can only think thet they've shrunk over time. Is this a common issue? And perhaps something owners of older Cali's should be aware of?

Not too difficult to resolve, just getting hands in to insert the tubes in the grommets can be tricky as very space limited. I removed the glove box on the passenger side, and the panel above the footwell both sides, but still a struggle (employed daughter with smaller hands for the drivers side). I also removed the plastic trim under the windscreen and cleared all the leaf litter from there (there was a lot!) to help draining.

Some pics to follow.

 

[NewForestKnight]

Before, tube not connected, and fixed in higher position on A pillar

 

[NewForestKnight]

After, tube fixed in lower position to get length

 

[NewForestKnight]

Before, tube not connected, and fixed in higher position on A pillar
View attachment 141071View attachment 141072View attachment 141073

 

[Perfectos]

Well done the simplest fixes are always the best. (But not always apparent to others) you will have help some me thinks