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Gipsy and Cheetah - FAQ |
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With thanks to the members of the Gipsy and Cheetah Forums and the London and Thames Valley Volkswagen Club. More FAQ's can be found in the Members Area.
1. Question: What regulator do I need for a Gipsy, Cheetah or early LT 2. Question: Are the side outer panels of a Gipsy or Cheetah glued to the wooden frame? 3. Question: Can you recommend a good sealant for the flat roof? 4. Question: What type of edge sealant should I use? 5. Question: I have small hole in the roof, what should I do? 6. Question: What thickness is the aluminium on the roof? 7. Question: Are there any official UK Karmann Dealers? 8. Question: I have wet walls in the toilet area. Was the caused by using the shower? |
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Question. What regulator do I need for a Gipsy or Cheetah
Answer. If yours is the older Gipsy, Cheetah or LT then the original gas regulator fitted would have been a 50mb version. However it is possible that a previous owner has been changed to the new European standard of 28mb. If they or you are changing from 50mb to a 28mb regulator then the jets in the gas appliances will need changing too.
Question. Are the side outer panels of a Gipsy or Cheetah glued to the wooden frame?
Answer. Originally all sides would have be sprayed with a shellac glue to provide some adhesion of the panels to the frame and insulation. Over the years the glue might broken down and no longer be effective. The outer panels are also stapled to the wooden frame although most of these staples are likely to have rusted.
Question. I want to remove the side ali panels from my Karmann. Do I start at the top or botton?
Answer. The panels are fitted from the top down, so you will need to reverse that procedure and start from the bottom and work upwards.
Question. Can you recommend a good sealant for the roof?
Answer. No. After a few years it's possible the ali sheet on the roof will have developed pin holes and will need replacing. It has been known for some to paint their roofs with an isoflex High performance liquid rubber, but it does not last and the roof will start leaking again.
Question. What type of edge sealant should I use?
Answer. None. Always replace rubber seal along the edging. It comes with a sticky mastic attached to it.
Question. I have small hole in the roof, what should I do?
Answer. In the short-term get a sheet of aluminium and stick it over the area using Sikflex 521 or 512, which is available in various bonding strengths/waterproof properties until a more permanent fix can be made.
Question: What thickness is the aluminium on the roof?
Answer: 0.5mm - 0.6mm. (0.6mm will do)
Question: Are there any official UK Karmann Dealers?
Answer: Yes, Geoff Cox in Denby, Derby is the official UK Karmann dealer.
Geoff Cox
But don't expect him to hold any spare parts for your 1980-1990 Gipsy or Cheetah!
Question: I removed the covers from the seating and found white wadding type stuff stuck to it. What is it and what is it for?
Answer: The white wadding is called polyester wadding. There are many reasons for it, the main one being to give it a bit of softness (the luxury look!!) also foam can be rather square looking when just covered in material (flat without shape). The outer cover can also 'stick' to the foam making it pucker when you sit on it (not a nice look). Another reason is it will fill out the mattress (push into all the corners etc) obviously a quality installation. You can get it in many grades from a 4 oz up to 14 oz.
Question: Why can I buy new wall/celing panels?
Answer: There are various places where new wall and ceiling boards can be sourced. Magnum Motorhomes and o'Leary's are just two.
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