66 | Project Polly cable was also resealed. Those many “daubs of icing sugar” were removed, revealing a series of holes that must have perviously mounted who-knows-what. Each was cleaned, drilled slightly larger, rust treated and filled with a rivet. Finally, the front roof area was stripped back and repainted in two-pack automotive paint, and the rivets further sealed with Sikaflex. The result is half a roof that looks brand new! I’d mentioned to Olli that in the rain on the drive to Brisbane I’d noticed a couple of drips from the top right corner of the windscreen (as viewed from the driver’s seat). He investigated and discovered one serious rust issue and at least one other developing, both of which need attention sooner than later. That will entail removing the windscreen and Olli was at pains to point out the necessity of finding an honest body shop to effect the repairs. He said the job needs more than just the surface rust being removed and the hole bogged; it needs proper back-to-bare-metal treatment, otherwise the problem will quickly return.
Next?
P
olly now has a terrific front-roof restoration, but a rear roof in need of some TLC. Therefore I’ve decided that in late August or early September, Polly and I will again head north and have Olli complete the rest of the job. The gutters were also done and I’m now keeping an eye on them, and I’ve very pleased to report the new roof hatch is totally water tight… So, if you own a Transit van of any age the sooner you start taking care of what’s up top, the better. It’s good advice regardless of the vehicle you own and will pay longterm dividends. And in case you’re wondering how Olli knows so much about old Transits and their dodgy roofs – he owns two of them! That either makes him a glutton for punishment or a hero, but Polly’s thinking the latter…
Top to bottom: A semi before-and-after shot; The resealed TV aerial base after the rust around the mounting hole was treated; Rust trouble in the windscreen surround, where the driver’s side A-pillar and roof intersect.