Bedliner on an E350 Roof

[Lunchbox]

New member, first post.

My new '06 e350 has light surface rust around the rain gutter. NBD but def needs to be mediated. My research has led me to a plan something like this:
1. wire brush/grind out the surface rust.
2. prime with a rust mediator for rust that may be lurking in the creases
3. rough up to prep for bed liner - or is an etching primer necessary?
4. Roll on bed liner over the rain gutter, maybe a 1/2" under the gutter

I've seen a few videos but still have a couple questions... does above sound about right? Do I need the etching primer? Any specific roll on products recommended or antirecommended?

Thanks!

[doublevan2]

I would "inquisitively" ask about the process from a local bedliner installer - Linex, etc., or Google the process description - I know when Linex did the entire top on my 2005 SMB in 2006 (under SMB warranty) they sanded the top for application.

[IanF]

Personally, I would not do bed liner on the roof of a van that may see snow. Getting packed snow off the top of my van is already hard enough, I wouldn't want to make the roof surface any more grippy.

[BrianW]

Originally Posted by IanF

Personally, I would not do bed liner on the roof of a van that may see snow. Getting packed snow off the top of my van is already hard enough, I wouldn't want to make the roof surface any more grippy.

On the other hand, all the snow on the PH roof of my van just slid off and down to the hood and broke off both of my wiper blades [emoji15] First time for that. (My driveway is sloped and I park nose-down.)

[krgracia]

I did mine, roughed it up with 180 grit, some wire brushing along gutter, rolled Chassis Saver 934 and a Monstaliner quart of my color choice. Look up the company products for Monstaliner or join FB Monstaliner Masters group.

[IanF]

Originally Posted by BrianW

On the other hand, all the snow on the PH roof of my van just slid off and down to the hood and broke off both of my wiper blades [emoji15] First time for that. (My driveway is sloped and I park nose-down.)

I try to lift the wipers into the service position when snow is predicted. Makes it easier to clear off the windshield...

Now excuse me while I go clear another 3" off the van and see if I can get the blasted thing to start...

[Yodavan]

Use a very good quality etch primer any place you break thru the paint after sanding. Using an adhesion promoter(Upol for example) before applying the bed liner will help it stick. Bed liners tend to fade so do your research. Monstaliner and Raptor liner have better resistance to UV damage.