Multirail (part one)

Vehicle design is a wonderful thing. Every generation of a certain model becomes increasingly more refined, lines get smoothed, tidied and updated. Unfortunately trends change - in the case of the Volkswagen Transporter, the gutters have disappeared. They left us after the third generation van.


Our old T3 camper was often extended with a canopy or drive-away awning hanging from the gutter, something we're keen to retain on the new van, but how?

We had a long chat with Mark from Fishbrain; the company we have just bought the Khyam awning from, his recommendation was a Reimo Multirail:


A myriad of awning and canopy attachments are possible using the standard 'figure of eight' strip as used by most awning manufacturers. This seemed the most sensible (but not cheapest) option to go for. Other options include ropes going over the top of the van's paintwork. Simply not an option for us.

So off we go. First step is to mask the length of the van and offer the Multirail up and mark the drill holes. Check, check and check again.


Notice any small gaps above and below windows have been covered with masking tape, this stops the small shards of metal from drilling getting anywhere near the rubbers.


Don't be put-off by the Multirail being 'dead-straight', it will curve to the contour of the van when screwed and bonded into place.


Deep breath... and drill! There's no going back at this stage. Roughen the paintwork between the holes to help the bonding process.


Add the bonding (sikaflex style bonding material) to the Multirail. Clean the van surface with an acetone-based 'panel-wipe' and offer-up the Multirail.

Starting at the front, first two screws in, then work your way down the length of the van.

Just as we got to this point the heavens opened. Rain-stopped play - hence the part one in the title of this post!

Check back soon (if the rain ever stops!) to see the final result.

UPDATE: Here's all the other blog posts about the Multirail.

Are you looking at my bra?

Another item picked up at Bustypes was a bonnet bra from CMC.

As any Transporter owner will tell you, the front of the van is prime-target for stonechips, no matter how far back you stay from the vehicle in front.

First fitting is tight, taking care to warm the bra first in the early May sunshine, we then hooked the back of the bra over the two rear corners and worked our way around the edge, taking extra care at any of the corner points around the bonnet.


Then it is just a matter of tightening the string underneath, shoe-lace style, to pull the bra tight across the bonnet, lining-up the seams as you go.

I can see me referring to this post several times to remember how we laced it up originally!