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Topic: AC Shroud Reinforcement (Read 1494 times) previous topic - next topic

AC Shroud Reinforcement

There was some discussion of lost AC shrouds a couple weeks ago.  I went up top to check mine out.  There are four screws holding each one on.  When I removed them I saw that there are actually eight mounting points for the covers.  On both of the two shrouds three holes had cracks and both had a crack in the front driver's side corner flange.

The cracks were obvious.  I took pieces of galvanized plumber's strap that is used for hanging pipes, shaped it to fit and bonded them in place with a two part structural urethane adhesive (great idea from Rance at Xtreme).  I put a small clamp on to hold them in place.  Full cure in about 30 minutes. A bit of clean up.  The holes drilled out and reinstalled. 

I should get several more years out of these.  They were ready to come off at any time.  I would not want to be the driver behind us when one came off or be liable for the consequences.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: AC Shroud Reinforcement

Reply #1 –
Excellent project!  Clear explanation, good photos, easy to do for the "average" owner (although I consider ALL Foretravel owners to be above average).  AND, the benefit to cost ratio is very favorable!  I'll do mine ASAP.  What was brand name of adhesive?
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: AC Shroud Reinforcement

Reply #2 –
Roger,
Where did you get the two part structural urethane adhesive and did you have to buy a special applicator for it?
Thanks, Don
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Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson

Re: AC Shroud Reinforcement

Reply #3 –

Amazon, of course.  I used Norton 220 ml tubes because they had a 5-7 min working time.  They make 50 ml tubes but the working time was 45 seconds.  Smaller tubes use a cheaper gun.  Bigger tubes use a $60 gun.  OK for me since I can use the urethane for other projects and the bigger tubes can use a new mixing nozzle until they are used up. 

There is a 3M hand mixable equivalent. 2-4 minute working time.

Amazon.com: 3M 08101 Structural Adhesive Tube - 2 fl. oz.: Automotive

This would be a reasonable alternative.  Mix small batches.

Roger

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: AC Shroud Reinforcement

Reply #4 –
Also consider using 3m 5200 fast cure.
1998 U270 34'

Re: AC Shroud Reinforcement

Reply #5 –
5200 might work but it can take 5-7 days for full cure.  Let us know if it works.  Roger
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: AC Shroud Reinforcement

Reply #6 –
4200 would work better😀
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: AC Shroud Reinforcement

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Home2fromHastings –
5200 might work but it can take 5-7 days for full cure.  Let us know if it works.  Roger

Fast cure isn't that long. It's one part, so just simpler to use.  What about liquid nails?
1998 U270 34'

Re: AC Shroud Reinforcement

Reply #8 –
                                 Another fix --over size fender washers . Have seen them 3 inch size with small (screw size hole ) .  They can be bought in stainless steel .      Brad Metzger
Brad Metzger
2010 Phenix 45'

Re: AC Shroud Reinforcement

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Brad Metzger –
                                Another fix --over size fender washers . Have seen them 3 inch size with small (screw size hole ) .  They can be bought in stainless steel .      Brad Metzger

Agreed.  A standard preventive step.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: AC Shroud Reinforcement

Reply #10 –
Are the fender washers welded to the plastic cover like Roger's fix?
Larry and Terry
Ex 2004 U270 36'

Re: AC Shroud Reinforcement

Reply #11 –
From 3M about 5200 fast cure ... "High performance polyurethane adhesive/sealant becomes tack-free in 48 hours, cures completely in 5-7 days"

Liquid Nails takes quite a while to set up, several days to cure completely.

You need an adhesive that will bond to the AC shroud, probably some sort of thermoformed plastic, maybe ABS. 

Try gluing a piece of metal to the inside of the cover.  When you think it is cured,  try pulling it off.  Whatever you glue on the inside where the screws fit has to be pretty thin including the glue because there isn't much extra room.

An oversized washer with one edge bent over at 90° to capture the step above the screw hole on the outside seems like a good idea.  Just an extra washer on the outside adds more friction to the cover pulling off.  In adition to several holes in my covers having cracks at least three screws were not tight.

So check your covers. Are the holes cracked?  Are the screws tight?  A cover flying off could be a serious liability issue that you can avoid. Anything you can do to secure them is worth doing.

Thanks for all of the other ideas. There are always many ways to get the job done.

Roger
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: AC Shroud Reinforcement

Reply #12 –
I have used aluminum tape to reinforce my cracked shrouds.  So far so good, easy to do. 

Aluminum tape is a great thing to have in your tool/repair kit.

Cya down the road.
Ted & Karen
2001 U270 36' - sold after 12 years full timing
 

Re: AC Shroud Reinforcement

Reply #13 –
Quote
There are always many ways to get the job done.

All great thoughts - the important thing as Roger says is to do the job.

My son-in-law works in fiberglass and made a wonderful repair by putting patches inside covering the screw hole areas - not thick but strong and over a wide area to distribute the stress.  I then attached the screws with SS washers.
Larry Rubin
2004 U295 38' build 6278
2014 Jeep Cherokee