Canvas over ply?

[lisianswife]

Hi, I have been stripping the paint of our Van with a heat gun and scraper,and all has been going nicely until; this arvo i came across a section that is part of the roof, it is covered in canvas and painted over. I started scraping at this part and got scared i was scraping away timber but then realised what it was. Now i have to take it off the whole panel, which isnt so bad but it just leaves a gluey residue that will hopefully sand off? The other side has been replaced at some stage so it no longer has the canvas.

Anyway after my ramblings my question is, would this have been a normal thing to do?

Attached you will see a photo of where it is, would this have been done as an extra seal to stop water getting in?

Also the ply that is underneath it is different to the rest of the van as it doesnt have the red seal/coating on it.

Thanks,
Lisa. ;D

[retro1]

The canvas that you are talking about was the norm in the 50's to help waterproof the van. The 2 things you can do is replace it or paint it with a waterproof membrane. The products of today are much better than of 50 years ago.
Look through the "Tech section " and you will find many members who have experienced the same.

[trodler]

Hi Lisa.
Since you have gone to all this trouble to restore your little van it would be a shame to spoil it now by using a modern waterproofer on it. It is a simple job to replace the old canvas, and it looks heaps better.
If you need any assistance give me a call.
Cheers
Trodler.