James Cook Forum

I recently noticed the formation of water between the two front windows of the panoramic roof. I do not know if it is condensation or rain still does not come inside but he holds between the two windows. I can easily delete it?
Thanks in advance for the advice

Dear Boatmen,

this is a typical problem with the Panorama roof.... the glue to fix both parts of the roof together is not capable to do this for a long time.

The roof shall stay sealed - you will normally not find any water in your car - at least I didn't!

My guess is, Mercedes / Westfalia / Webasto that time missed to use a proper glue / sealant which can withstand ultraviolet light.

You will find some information here:
viewtopic.php?f=17&t=2405&hilit=panoramadach
viewtopic.php?f=24&t=4646&p=29689&hilit=webasto#p29689

I fixed mine using a 3M tape - can't really remember the name - and have not lift it fully. I took the dired glue away almost 90% of the left, rear and right side and kept the glue own the front section - lifted the upper windowpane and managed to get the new tape in between both panes - oil today it works fine!

Best Regards

Thank you Jake Coffee always fast and precious !!!

I check my JC 2007 (bought in October as second hand) and discover the same problem.

Does someone try to get some vacuum between both panels before sealing?
If yes, how to do it?

A vacuum? Sounds interesting. Do you have an idea how to realize it?

Moin!

A vacuum might be a basically good idea, but the sealant, which keeps the both parts together is the problem here. A glue or sealant shall do the basic job, any additional vacuum helps the sealant, but can not replace it.
The UV stability and the today's dry condition of the initial glue shows what dose not do the job!

Best Regards from East Frisia

The top part is made out of soft platic. A vacuum makes it it collapse. Mine already collapsed.

thanks; I just sall seal it with Sika 521UV; problem now is the low temperature.

Oh .. if it collapses, this doesn't seem a good idea then?

Here's how I operated. I disassembled the dome from the glass by cutting with a long straight blade knife the old glue. I then removed the old adhesive from the glass is that from the dome with much attention then washing the surfaces with soap and water. I then applied on the sides of the dome three strips of Sikaflex 521 UV black, and then I have positioned the dome above the glass. The glue that exceeds the edges must be spread with the wet alcohol finger to make the smooth gaskets. All work must be done with the roof in the open position to the maximum and then wait at least 24 hours before closing.

I'll do the same between Christmas and New Year but it's not easy to find Sikaflex; no stock everywhere and order by minimale 1 box ( I'll have a lot of Sikaflex as spare).

Boatmen, you say you lay three strips of Sikaflex; my question:
- how wide is each strip. I'm afraid to use too much and then Sika goes everywhere included in the mechanism.

Txs for your reply.

Just leave a hole 8 mm. on the adhesive dispenser cap and posing three strips there is the right amount. Sikaflex is easily found on Ebay and I paid € 16.30 including shipping. The link:
http://www.ebay.it/itm/122256488135?_tr ... EBIDX%3AIT

boatmen hat geschrieben:Just leave a hole 8 mm. on the adhesive dispenser cap and posing three strips there is the right amount. Sikaflex is easily found on Ebay and I paid € 16.30 including shipping. The link:
http://www.ebay.it/itm/122256488135?_tr ... EBIDX%3AIT

despite, I ordered yesterday a box of 12 bottles. The minimum quantities to order to my favorite supplier...
If someone needs some Sikaflex521UV ....you know who to call.

Bad day, yesterday: I was cutting the last centimeters of the old glue when the lower window exploded.
The interior is now full of small parts of glass.
Asking my dealer Mercedes, they annouce: good news: the panel is in stock in n Germany, bad news it costs : 1750€ + VAT, crazy.
And don't have the choice and order it.


Does anyone replace this open roof; is it easy? How to reset it after replacing (open and close position?

Before the crash:

Wow, that sucks!

The dome should be a Webasto Hollandia 500 FreeDome (old version!). I don't know if Westfalia has modified its version.
It has been assembled into other cars and might also fit into the JC.

Don't cry, but they have been sold on ebay NEW for 350€ early this year :/