Rusty Roof

[SprinterUSA1]

Hi all,


not sure if this is a common problem with the white Sprinters.
I thought I was going to faint when cleaning my Van today. Pulled out a ladder to clean the roof as well and what did I see? Rusty spots all over the roof on the last panel and some on the center one also. :wtf::wtf::wtf: It turned out to be metal shavings though but what were they doing up there? Rusted stuck to the paint. A sponge and kitchen cleaner and an hour worth of rubbing got rid of them. No obvious damage to the paint. Will keep an eye on that from now on.

Maybe a not so clean environment in the SC assembly plant?

Cheers SprinterUSA1

[jdcaples]

Hi all,


not sure if this is a common problem with the white Sprinters.
I thought I was going to faint when cleaning my Van today. Pulled out a ladder to clean the roof as well and what did I see? Rusty spots all over the roof on the last panel and some on the center one also. :wtf::wtf::wtf: It turned out to be metal shavings though but what were they doing up there? Rusted stuck to the paint. A sponge and kitchen cleaner and an hour worth of rubbing got rid of them. No obvious damage to the paint. Will keep an eye on that from now on.

Maybe a not so clean environment in the SC assembly plant?

Cheers SprinterUSA1

Thanks for the report. It's good to know your paint hasn't been compromised.

I wonder if the plant, or your dealer would be interested in investigating the source.

-Jon

[SprinterUSA1]

Thanks for the report. It's good to know your paint hasn't been compromised.

I wonder if the plant, or your dealer would be interested in investigating the source.

-Jon



The plant maybe. The dealer? No way. They were done with the deal when I signed the sales agreement. Still waiting on special order parts. No one ever calls back or is willing to help. The best service at "my" dealership is received with parts. They will go the extra mile.
I made a note of that in the survey that was send out and also mentioned it to the nice voice that made the courtesy call to see how satisfied I was with my saleman...........

[jdcaples]

The plant maybe. The dealer? No way.

The manufacturer is under new management.

I'd encourage you to report your dealership (dis)satisfaction here (http://www-5.dodge.com/webselfservice/dodge/index.jsp?screenName=customer&country=us&emailUrl=goToEmailForm%28%27R%27%29).

If for some reason that link doesn't work, start here (http://www-5.dodge.com/webselfservice/dodge/index.jsp) and work your way to the contact form.

Give the plant (http://sprinter-source.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1127) a call. See if you can make a difference with your VIN and first hand report.

-Jon

[grnikolov]

Same problem with 04 high roof 140". Not only the roof seams, but also around windows. Its obvious its coming from inside out but dealer refuses to do anything about it. Also just noticed around hinges of rear doors. I suppose the canadian winters don't help but still 3 year old vehicle with a rust problem is not good. That's the only problem with the vehicle though. We like it so much, just bought an 07. One piece roof hopefully solves this issue.

George

[SprinterUSA1]

Same problem with 04 high roof 140". Not only the roof seams, but also around windows. Its obvious its coming from inside out but dealer refuses to do anything about it. Also just noticed around hinges of rear doors. I suppose the canadian winters don't help but still 3 year old vehicle with a rust problem is not good. That's the only problem with the vehicle though. We like it so much, just bought an 07. One piece roof hopefully solves this issue.

George



Are your windows after market installation or factory. Mine were rusting also but were not factory installed. Did cost me some change to get rid of the problem. Last Roof seem was developing rust also. Reseal and paint would fix the problem.

The 07 does not have a one piece roof!! I saw a nu,bert of seam while up there.


SprinterUSA1

[SprinterUSA1]

The manufacturer is under new management.

I'd encourage you to report your dealership (dis)satisfaction here (http://www-5.dodge.com/webselfservice/dodge/index.jsp?screenName=customer&country=us&emailUrl=goToEmailForm%28%27R%27%29).

If for some reason that link doesn't work, start here (http://www-5.dodge.com/webselfservice/dodge/index.jsp) and work your way to the contact form.

Give the plant (http://sprinter-source.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1127) a call. See if you can make a difference with your VIN and first hand report.

-Jon

Jon,


will give them a call to let them know about the problem. But dealer should have cleaned the van before delivery and noticed it. Anyway, will leave another feedback for the dealership to chew on. :popcorn:


SprinterUSA1

[grnikolov]

Are your windows after market installation or factory. Mine were rusting also but were not factory installed. Did cost me some change to get rid of the problem. Last Roof seem was developing rust also. Reseal and paint would fix the problem.

The 07 does not have a one piece roof!! I saw a nu,bert of seam while up there.


SprinterUSA1

windows are factory but not in germany. I read somewhere they get installed here in us or canada. For the 07 yes you're right, what i meant is no gutter so water shouldn't just sit there and rust seam.
George

[SprinterUSA1]

For the 07 yes you're right, what i meant is no gutter so water shouldn't just sit there and rust seam.
George


Gutter is still there, just better integrated in the roof line like it is on most cars with integrated roof carrier tracks. Looks a lot cleaner. But still a large flat roof area that can hold plenty of water if van is park on the flat. Just have to keep an eye on it.


SprinterUSA1

[jdcaples]

Gutter is still there, just better integrated in the roof line like it is on most cars with integrated roof carrier tracks. Looks a lot cleaner. But still a large flat roof area that can hold plenty of water if van is park on the flat. Just have to keep an eye on it.

SprinterUSA1

The appeal of Line-X - the spray-on polyurethane-ish coating used in pickup bed liners - on the my Sprinter's roof, is starting to feel more compelling each time I read the word, "rust."

If I were a gambling person, I'd bet two or three wax jobs will be enough to force my wallet open.

-Jon

[SprinterUSA1]

Eventhough I did not have my digi cam available to shoot some pics of my rusty roof scenario. Here are some rusty NCV3. For all those that thought the rust issue has been eliminated with the new one and galvanizing some of the body parts, think again.

It is so :cry::cry::cry:



SprinterUSA1

[SprinterUSA1]

Did not have enough yet? :wtf:



SprinterUSA1