Apache 700 roof (probably applies to most)

[Jeffers_S13]

Hello All, newbie here, I'm looking at a low mileage (35k) but old (2003) 700SE at the moment. It's priced at £19k but it needs a bit of TLC which I am capable of carrying out being pretty spanner friendly, some corrosion on the front lower arms and front subframe, brake lines don't look great and couple of sticky calipers, plus a few small cosmetic jobs but one thing that's obviously worrying me is damp.

It smells fine inside and I inspected every single corner of it inside and found no trace. However when I inspected the roof (I didn't walk on it!, I used a step ladder to the side) the plastic upper surface, when pressed lightly, is flexing. There is a small strip of duck tape covering what I suspect is probably a small hole/damage approx above the shower area, it looks like it's been there for some time as it's started to go crusty, you know how old gaffer tape does. Anyway the plastic is flexible over an area as far as I could reach from the side. It feels like only the upper sheet is flexing which I assume is meant to be bonded to something beneath. Whatever is beneath felt structurally sound.

I want someone to tell me this is 'normal' but I suspect it isn't...

Obviously I'd like to get a good deal on it due to the mechanical and cosmetic issues that need sorting but does this felxing roof mean I should walk away? or would it have to be an exceptional 'deal'? How much would a specialist charge to peel it back and sort it out? is it DIY level work? what will I find beneath? a whole load of rotting plywood?

Thanks for the help in advance!
James

 

[andy63]

It's normal on that van i believe..
Top sheet floats and is only secure around the roof fittings like the roof lights etc.
Andy
Ps.. and the roof structure will take your weight?

 

[Allanm]

We had a Swift with aluminium outer skin. The roof skin was just the same and was “floating” on the inner structure.

 

[tonka]

Perfectly normal.. The roof top is not fixed and does "float"..
I had a 2005 model for 5 years and a 2012 version for 7 years.. Both had the same roof you mention.. The older vans are pretty solid, especially with the Aluminium sides..
HOWEVER BUY A DAMP METER and get it tested, dont trust your nose.. By the time you smell and damp it's already done a lot of damage..

Inspect the rubber seal around the gas fire flue, these dry up and perish to allow water in. Cheap on ebay and easy to fit..

 

[Gellyneck]

The roof on our Savannah "flexes" a little bit particularly when we had the hot weather a week or two back. It's made from glass reinforced plastic (fibreglass).
As Andy says you can walk on it, not that I have done it as built for comfort not speed, but dealer had someone on it during habitation check.
I would remove the duct tape so you can check to see what it is "hiding" and, assuming not major, make a proper repair by adhering an aluminium \ plastic patch over using "approved" adhesive. Wonder if it's covering a previously drilled hole to accommodate cabling from a fitted solar panel \ satellite dish \ rear view camera \ etc that's been removed?
Have you got a damp meter to check integrity? If not, it's certainly worth the investment.

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[Jeffers_S13]

Ah, so that’s good to hear, thanks for the replies.

Yes, will be peeling it back tonight on my 2nd viewing to have a better look and also to take it for a drive.