Anyone got a VZ Cross 8 Crewman? (But now I have one :) )

[Fu Manchu]

Cleaned every interior panel today. The weather here went from amazing yesterday, to windier than a baked beans factory taste testing room.

So.

Check the grot on the back of the B-Pillar trim.

It’s gone.

The panels that are covered with black fabric will be retrimmed in the black macro suede. They work out well. The only tricky one is the B-Pillar trim in the bottom corners where it forms that T -shape.

 

[Fu Manchu]

So reassembled the fog lights. Really happy with how they came out. Everything all cleaned up. Rust removed. Zinc sprayed and bolts cleaned up and sprayed. The seals were soaked in Aerospace 303 and are now soft and conditioned. I used the aerospace 303 to clean and treat the plastic housing and the wiring, plug and seals.

I couldn't get some that needed replacing, so improvised.
I've included the details incase it makes someones job easier.

I couldn't get an M4 flared nut with 0.7mm thread. That holds the horizontal bolt through the assembly. I used 316 Stainless M4 hex nut and flat washer.

I had to use zinc 4gauge 9mm screw to hold the surround on.

I used an M5 35mm threaded phillips head screw in 316 Stainless for the adjuster screw. The extra length is fine. Just squeeze the housing together to reinstall without stripping the thread.

in hind sight, I should have measured the adjustment where the spring is. Who knows though, it might not have been right anyway. Will reajust all lights at the end.

Here's how they go together for anyone that might need to figure it out.

There is a Stedi DRL/LED Fog ADR approved light (type C) unit designed for ARB bull bars, that will fit perfect into VT-VZ. I'll be upgrading to these in years to come.

 

[Fu Manchu]

Roof lining done.

Did it by myself and the liner was a pleasure to work with. I had always bought scrim foam from a foam shop and used Warwick fabric macro suede.
Glued the two together then put it on.

A forum member used this macro suede already foam backed so I gave it a go. Super happy with it.

Easy to work with. Pushed into the bumps a bit better.

Laid out the liner and cleaned it off again. Got more orange grot off and fluff.

Laid out the fabric. Rubbed it down to get a feel for how it will sit and where to glue first or spots that will be tricky.

Then peeled it back half way and started spraying the glue on. Too close and it comes out too wet. Hold it back and it comes out stringy, which is better.

I started in the centre and did a strip about 20cm wide at a time. Spray both the fabric and the liner. Rub down and lightly press/firm it down. Always work out from the centre and try not to let it stick down on the edges until you are ready because it’s curved.
I did the back half first then did the front because that’s harder.

You can see here the glue laid down on the fabric and it’s too hard to see on the liner.
Start the bump for the sunnies holder first. Don’t fold over the edge yet. Then work it into the sides of the bump. Then into the recesses for the visor. It won’t stick so well in there no matter what but try anyway and the fixtures will push it in when it all goes back in.

Cut some reliefs into the visor area. I used a scalpel. Feel underneath with you finger for where the hole is. Cut from the top in the middle out to each corner. Be carful.
This will help press it down.

All glued down and reliefs cut in.
Go have a cup of tea.

Now flip it over after letting it sit for 10 or 15.

Trim the edges up with scissors. I leave about 1 inch and a half extra on the sides. Have a practice folding it over where needed to make sure you get it where to cut right.



Be super aware of your fingers with the glue. You don’t want glue on them getting rubbed all over the fabric. A bit of glue with a covering of fluff seems ok enough but keep rubbing it off and cleaning your fingers.

 

[Fu Manchu]

Once the margins were trimmed, I cut reliefs into where it needs to fold. Again have a practice fold first to give you an idea of where to cut. Do not cut right to the edge of the liner. Stop short by about 5mm.

This also helps you plan for how you will glue it. I did the front edge first, then the front corners.

All done showing the edges folded over and this shows the insulation as well.

I used 1.6m of the liner for the Crewman. I’d suggest 2m for a sedan and 2.5m for a wagon.

One can of glue.

I use this one specifically having done a few headliners over the years and made some mistakes.

This stuff means you won’t be redoing this in the near future.

I’d have two cans because of you fall short it will do your head in.
I bought this on eBay but it is available as a special order from Bunnings. They have to order in batches of 6 and even if you want one, their policies mean they have to order it. If they won’t, go higher. Also, then you know your local has some extras they don’t have on the shelf, so if you need it, go down the road and get more from them.

 

[figjam]

Well done. How long did all that take doing it on your own ?
When I had mine replaced where I worked at mates rate, the trimmer had mine done and ready to refit before I had finished vacuuming out the crud that fell down into inaccessible places.

 

[Fu Manchu]

I spent about an hour or two.
Take your time, don’t rush.
I would never compare myself, nor try to compete with what they do. Also, I’m not using factory fabric, nor would they use, the kind of fabric liner I am.

This looks way better than factory. Waaaayyyy better.

 

[Fu Manchu]

So the next step is the upper trim panels.

I had Mr6 take the old factory black fabric off the upper trims. He loved doing it. Took his time. Did a great job.

I’m still waiting for the next can of adhesive in the post. I only had enough to do the two A-pillar trims.

Anyway, once the fabric was removed with child labour, we laid out the macro suede fabric I cleaned the other day. Grabbed a chinagraph pencil and traced out the patterns. I use both the trim panels and the old fabric to get the pattern correct.

Then spray the adhesive onto the fabric and onto the panel. Then move to another spot to stick it on. That way no glue gets on the facing side of the fabric. Again, watch your fingers with glue on them. I just rub the glue off my fingers.
Have the scalpel handy. On the panels with the handles, there is some notches for the Jesus handles. You will need to cut a relief for these before pressing the rest down. Get into the curves and recesses first. Then the big flat surfaces.

Once that is glued, I trim the sides up to suit. The edges get folded over and again, do a practice to find where the stresses are and get an idea of where to make relief cuts. Don’t go to the edge with the cuts.

I cut the corners so once folded they don’t hang over.

I go to another spot to carefully spray the adhesive into the edge of the panel, make sure all the surface has adhesive. The fabric as well. WIt a minute or so and firm the edges down as you fold them over. Take your time. Don’t rush it.

The panel is done.

Why I use Warwick fabric is because it holds up well to UV. I’ve had this fabric in my V6 Crewman for 5 or 6 years and it’s still black as the day I did it.

Warwick fabrics can only be ordered through an upholster with an account with them. They do have show rooms in most capital cities that you can visit. Dress well, they are classy places mostly.

 

[Fu Manchu]

I should have also mentioned to have a scalpel and scissors on hand as you are glueing it down. You’ll need to work fast around the handles and when you glue down the area near the sunnies holder and visor.

Also, I am more than aware of what types and brands of contact adhesive are out there. Many years of experience says this product is the go. Often when professionals do it, they don’t see what happens years down the track and people won’t bring the job back after 5 years. They use what is cheap enough to get the job done and hold up for long enough that the owner won’t bother in years to come.

 

[Fu Manchu]

So as I mentioned earlier, I ran out of the adhesive to complete the other panels. Guess what just appeared as a late night delivery? Yep. My adhesive!

So can finish the rest tomorrow

 

[Fu Manchu]

Did the B and C pillar trims today.

I hate doing the B pillars. Really hard to do