L400 crystal light roof/sunroof rust - Anyone?

glenn · Post by **glenn** » Thu Jun 21, 2012 11:35 pm

So, I've been watching the auctions for crystal lite roof L400's and I have noticed quite a few that are otherwise in fantastic condition have a C2 (heavy corrosion) between the front windscreen and sunroof.

I've noticed on the Australian and UK sites that this is a common place for rust - some kind of interior chaffing that is exposed to moisture and then inevitably . . . rust bubbles from the inside.

My question is, how common is this among crystal lites is this here in BC? Anyone?

I love my crystal lite L300, but when I buy a L400 prefer no rust to a sunroof. My L300 came here clean, very clean, but after 2 years began to bubble like the rest. The rest of my van is still perfect.

I have no interest/skill in patching metal, (not to mention taking apart and reassembling the liner/sunroof assembly) so I suspect I already know how this will all end. Thanks!

MardyDelica · Post by **MardyDelica** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 9:00 am

hi, glen,
i think they already improved it starting the gen 1 L400, even Gen 2 i think they improved it and put coating inside the roof.
as when i was in japan few month back did research and see thru this car and seems pretty good.
not like L300 with crystal roof.
Cheers;
Mardy

lettereleven · Post by **lettereleven** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 10:01 am

I don't see any signs of rust on my L400 sunroof.

But I will say that mine recently started leaking (or at least I just started to notice it). After contemplating fixing it, I just decided to go with some silicone to seal it up.

glenn · Post by **glenn** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 11:52 am

This is what I am talking about. C2 (heavy corrosion) on otherwise relatively clean vans between the front windscreen and sunroof. In the last week, I have seen 6 vans with this mark go through the auctions. These are just a few I quickly found today (the S2 means heavy rust)

It seems to me, in the least, that if someone owns a L400 with a sunroof, it would be wise to address this problem from the inside before it comes through. With all due respect,Mitsubishi does not have the rust issues sorted out with respect to sunroofs on the L400s. I'm mostly curious about how people have dealt with it, and how big a job the repair is. Here is a link to this problem from a different forum

http://www.mdocuk.co.uk/forums/wap/thre ... c_id=17587

jessef · Post by **jessef** » Fri Jun 22, 2012 1:04 pm

it is common to have oxidized paint spots on the front section of the roof skin. to an observer on the ground it can look like surface rust hence the c1-3's.

If you're looking for one, use a well known exporter with an inspector so you won't get dinged with mystery rust.

Drumster · Post by **Drumster** » Sat Jun 23, 2012 5:23 pm

lettereleven wrote:I don't see any signs of rust on my L400 sunroof.

But I will say that mine recently started leaking (or at least I just started to notice it). After contemplating fixing it, I just decided to go with some silicone to seal it up.

I started noticing some water egress at sun roof after heavy rain a couple years ago; but no sign of rust. I don't know if this rust issue being discussed is due to sun roof leak but anyway, I did two things.

Basically, although it's expected that some water will get in the sun roof, it's supposed to drain off via gutters that lead to rubber tubes that run down inside the pillars in front of doors. Water was not draining properly from the channels, (which is apparently quite common as the tubes get clogged with debris), and was showing up as stains on inside header upholstery. (These tubes can supposedly be accessed at their top end and cleaned out - but I was unable to do that - another future project). That same held-in moisture could easily cause the sort rust problems being described; especially with these vans that have been parked for a number of years.

I took some common cotton cord and used a screw driver to jam it into the little gap you'll see in the rubber seal attached to edge of glass sun roof. I just shoved it all along in there and it caused the rubber to fatten up a bit; to bulge out and therefore seal more tightly against the opening in roof. The other thing I did was to thoroughly clean the gutter and all areas and then apply a coat of vaseline to the rubber itself to seal against the metal. A VW dealer advised my buddy to do this on the sun roof of his TDi Beetle and to re-do the vaseline every six months. I did it and have had no leak since. I never actually use the sun roof anyway but at least now it doesn't let in water. Hopefully there'll be no rust issues down the road.

Good luck!

Drumster · Post by **Drumster** » Sat Jun 23, 2012 5:43 pm

Y'know, I have to say that if you're on the market for any JDM vehicle, I highly recommend Brave Auto International. http://www.braveautointernational.jp/ve ... shi/1.html
I don't see anything for sale there right now but if you contact Mark I bet he'll look after you. He personally cherry picks the best vehicles and goes over every detail with a fine tooth comb supplying dozens of detailed photos etc. For that I paid a bit more than auction prices but I am totally happy with my van and all aspects of dealing with Mark. He set me up with the customs broker people, with the money transfer guy etc. He made it all very easy. Delivered, ready to drive, all compliance done with insurance etc. I was looking at about 12Gs. Van had an original 53K and was - and still is in great condition. I love this van. This is saying nothing against the local sellers but IMO, Brave is an excellent way to go if you want a vehicle in really good condition that will last a long time and without the usual auction surprises. Mark Bremner is a very stand up and responsible guy and he will look after you well.

glenn wrote:So, I've been watching the auctions for crystal lite roof L400's and I have noticed quite a few that are otherwise in fantastic condition have a C2 (heavy corrosion) between the front windscreen and sunroof.

I've noticed on the Australian and UK sites that this is a common place for rust - some kind of interior chaffing that is exposed to moisture and then inevitably . . . rust bubbles from the inside.

My question is, how common is this among crystal lites is this here in BC? Anyone?

I love my crystal lite L300, but when I buy a L400 prefer no rust to a sunroof. My L300 came here clean, very clean, but after 2 years began to bubble like the rest. The rest of my van is still perfect.

I have no interest/skill in patching metal, (not to mention taking apart and reassembling the liner/sunroof assembly) so I suspect I already know how this will all end. Thanks!

glenn · Post by **glenn** » Mon Jun 25, 2012 9:03 am

If you're looking for one, use a well known exporter with an inspector so you won't get dinged with mystery rust.

Absolutely! Buying a van sight-unseen is risky in the best case. Some trusted "eyes" in Japan are invaluable to be sure.
However, if nothing is breaking the surface, then no inspector could be expected to find it. What I'm really trying to determine, is if the rust spot on the roof between the sunroof and windscreen is inevitable. Here is another case - this time a grade 4.

It's a good sign that no BC owners have chimed in here, and maybe it is all "paint fade" - but I am dubious. I know, if I'm so worried I should just skip the Crystal lite roof, but I like it so much. I'm just trying to gage the level of risk, and possible solutions. And like the crystal lite roofs and lift gate windows on the L300's - I think all prospective buyers should know where to look for common rust issues.

jessef · Post by **jessef** » Mon Jun 25, 2012 12:12 pm

I've laid my eyes on many an L400 in Canada. I have not seen one with rust or bubbles in the area you are referring to. I've peeled off 9 headliners to access the front sunroof and haven't seen or felt any imperfections or rust. I'm sure there are one's out there but it does not appear to be a mass casualty issue like on the L300's

glenn · Post by **glenn** » Mon Jun 25, 2012 12:28 pm

Thanks Jesse. That's the kind of first hand experience I am happy to hear. I'm leaning towards just taking the chance on a crystal lite - just doing my due diligence.

On a gray, cold mid February afternoons, nothing beats opening all the sunshades on a crystal lite and letting the light in. It's an instant mood-lifter. Those who have them know what I'm talking about.

Delica Canada | Mitsubishi Van Club