I have a 1988 Regal pop top which has a leak somewhere at the front, resulting in rot starting in the frame. I have carefully siliconed every possible ingress point, but still it leaks.
It also had a small leak onto the single bed across the rear, but silicone around the window frame and the tail lights fixed this.
The sealing system at the van corners consists of an aluminium extrusion with a soft plastic insert which has hardened and perished with time and exposure. Could this be the cause?
Thanks for any help.
Regards, Laurie D

To reseal it properly you will need to completely remove the aluminium extrusion and clean it all properly before resealing it. Do NOT use silicone. Use a proper mastic sealer like used on the original build, or perhaps Sikaflex'Pro'. Cheers, Peter

Couldn't agree more, do NOT use silicone, it is Hydroscopic and allows moisture to build up in and under it and in time will cause you more aggravation than you already have. Get yourself a tube of one of the professional mastics or even a Sikaflex from a marine chandlery and do as previously stated by Peter, it is a ****ty job but will be well worth the effort in the long term. The cleaner you get the two faces the better the seal will be. Hoo Roo Happy Days Grumps

Thank you both for your prompt help. Will I be able to obtain a replacement insert for the ally extrusion and does this insert perform any waterproofing duties? Thanks again, Laurie D

I think the insert is purely aesthetic. It probably just covers up the screws. You should be prepared to buy a new aluminium strip. That may be better and easier than replacing the old one. Cheers, Peter

Leaks are not always as they seem. The water could be sneaking in along the join and running along the frame and emerging somewhere else. I've used Sikaflex Marine and Auto, but the van repairer recommends Selleys Roof and Gutter.It's about the flexibility and pliability, and minimal shrinkage and cracking. Clean the surface and finish with acetone, or in my case, nail polish remover. After I've jammed as much Sikaflex into the crevices as possible, I still have small ooze making a nuisance of itself on the front windowsill, which is the bed head end. Under the veneer is MDF, like blotting paper which takes forever to dry out. Yukky stuff! The lead is very minor, and has already dried since the donwpour on Sunday evening. It's the mold which gives me the sh.ts. Wash down with hot water, dish detergent and vinegar, and maintained with oil of cloves. I do my best. Good luck with the leak.

Thanks C. Granny, I've previously and in desperation, carefully applied the same Selleys goo to every possible leak source, but still it leaks. Guess I'll have to fork out to a pro repairer as I haven't the time or the energy to tackle a big job right now. In the meantime I'll cover the van with a large boat tarp. Regards, Laurie D.