Sent an email to Foretravel but maybe I will get an answer here first.
New owners of a 1995 u280 and we have some de lamination of the fiberglass above the drivers front wheel and the below the window. The passenger side looks to be perfect condition. I would like to know what type of adhesive to use to re secure this panel. The outside of the coach still looks perfect, but has come loose from the wood panel underneath.
Just want to avoid any adverse chemical reaction to the fiberglass. But still use the most effective adhesive.
Thanks. Robert
Most shoot in adhesives don't last. Needs a professional to look at it. Call Xtreme and see what James says.
A quick call to Xtreme paint and Graphics in Nacogdoches is in order - ask for Greg
If I understand the location correctly, this would be part of the front cap (or shell). I don't think the cap gets bonded to the side wall there - at least not like the vacuum bonding that is done on the main sidewalls. So I don't think it's a structural issue. Maybe the problem you are describing is a delamination between the layers in the fiberglass and not bonding with the sidewall? How big is the area and how far out has it lifted (inches)?
As usual, pics would be real helpfull. :)
Bob and Sue, As I recall when I looked at that coach for you I checked that area on both right and left for what you are terming delamination and I did not find any. I suspect that the Fiberglas has lost its bond with the underlying structure. This is fairly common on the 280's especially under the front side windows and the rear bedroom windows.
You may be able to secure it by drilling small holes and injecting an adhesive as I did under a rear bedroom window but I would check with Extreme first.
You should check the seals around the windows and reseal those areas as soon as you can to prevent any further water intrusion.
Gary B
Gary
I spoke with Gary at extreme but he was not optimistic about using adhesive. I think that I explained the problem wrong to him. He mentioned something about removing the Fiberglas by cutting out the loose part and reapplying new fiberglass. I like your solution much better if it works.
I understand the laminating process for the roof , side walls and floor but it seems to me that the front cap from the verticle seam over the tire forward would have been installed differently.
I think Bob probably had the water issue solved when the window was replaced.
It appears that by removing the wheel well trim and the verticle trim that the cap could be pulled apart enough to get adhesive in there. Or I could just shoot it up from the wheel well with a caulking gun and an extension. ????
But what adhesive is the best.
Dark now. Pictures in the morning.
I think you will not have it last long trying that but if not you are not out anything.
Bob l sent you a PM.
JD
Bob and Sue
Trying to answer the adhesive question I would recommend Sikaflex 252. It is a very strong adhesive and I used it to mount my solar panels which have hung in there for two years so far. If you google it you will get lots of information.
Good luck with your repair.
Jason
Thanks so much for all the replies. I don't see many Foretravel's on the road ( not even 1 yet) in my first 1900 miles. But this forum reminds me that I'm definitely not alone...
Took these pictures this morning. I was able to re-secure the drivers side turn lite to the steel in the floor of the coach. This helped some, but certainly not a fix.
More pics.
Send these pics to Greg or James at Xtreme