I was wanting to know of any members that had bulkhead repaired by FT using HUCK Bolts.
What was your overall impression and number of hours to do the repair.
John,
The first part of the question is a good one.
I am concerned about the second part. You are ASSUMING that those who had a particular type of repair done are knowledgeable from a structural/engineering point to give you sage answers.
And much of the answer depends on the structural integrity of the box beam. If in good shape (the 1/8" walls not compromised by rust) the repair could be just fine. On the very next coach with a compromised box beam, concentrating the force on a small area in the middle of the box beam wall may be structurally much weaker.
$20 an hour? LOL.
Beer came out my nose on that one!
My understanding is that when Foretravel finally started using Huck fasteners that I mention to them in October 1987 is that they installed a thicker tube doubler next to the original beam to take the loads generated.
Would I use Huck type fasteners there on non engineered for that load repairs?
No. Not needed.
If we had a flagged by inspection at the aircraft company for removal Huck bolt they set up safety shields around the area.
Big Huck bolts generated loud sounds when they finally released from being drilled out. Bang
If I was going to have it done, I would have Xtreme do it. The factory does it differently and I think cause stresses on the sidewalls of the coach. They pull the joint apart enough to cause it to delam above it on the walls on one coach I know of.
I did my front bulkhead the first year we had the coach, had total bulkhead failure. Unless you have a pit that job is done laying on your back or in a cramped sitting position. Would be worth a bit more than $20/hour. JMHO
Roland
So glad I have friends with wheel lifts. Mine is in getting these bolts replaced right now.
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John
Are you having a problem with the bulkhead repair done by James??
Do you know of others who are having issues with their repairs?
It seems that some people prefer Xtreme, some prefer FOT, some might have MOT do the repair. I know there are different methods being used and they have different benefits and risks from an engineering point, but I have not heard of any bulkhead repairs failing that have been done to a coach in reasonably good condition ( not falling apart from rust or rust jacking) . While not cheap, the purpose of this repair is to help keep our aging coaches safe and on the road, not make them brand new.
Of course, if we had the talent that our friend Don has, who completely rebuilt his bulkheads, we could have it our way. I don't have the skills, tools, nor desire to take on a project like that, so I try to find the best place to get the job done . A fair price is also great, not always attainable.
Another option is to just blast thru it with more thread-rolling bolts. I need to replace some bolts. When I get to it......
That might be a good way to stabilize the joint temporarily, but if there is rust jacking, it will happen again and be even worse. The rust must be stopped and removed for a permanent fix, whichever method you choose. My opinion...
Don