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Topic: Windshield Front Cap Separation (Read 480 times) previous topic - next topic

Windshield Front Cap Separation

I had the dash off recently to replace the windshield sprayer nozzles. Anyhow, I noticed maybe 15" of separation right where the windshield meets the 3/4" plywood dash. I ran a bead of Six-10 across the entire windshield-dash seam and followed that up with a bead of black caulking (aesthetics). There are several threads on similar fixes so I imagine this is a common issue (along with similar separation between the plywood and cap in the upper windshield cabinet area).

Real easy to determine if you have a similar issue. After I saw the separation I went to the front of the rig and did a knuckle rap across the bottom of the windshield. I could clearly hear the hollow sound when I reached the areas of separation.
jor

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Re: Windshield Front Cap Separation

Reply #1 –
That's why every owner needs to be vigilant about avoiding condensation buildup on the inside of windshield glass.  Water runs down, gets the wood wet, and pretty soon you got rot. 

GV's are even worse about developing this problem.  It's not IF it will happen...only WHEN.
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: Windshield Front Cap Separation

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
That's why every owner needs to be vigilant about avoiding condensation buildup on the inside of windshield glass.  Water runs down, gets the wood wet, and pretty soon you got rot. 

GV's are even worse about developing this problem.  It's not IF it will happen...only WHEN.
Fixed mine 3 years ago..still good today...on the GV lift up your front hatches and and take a peek...separation will be obvious.
Hans & Marjet
1995 U300 "Ben" (#4719)
3176B Cat,4060HD,Jake
SKP#139131
Motorcade#17579
2006 Honda Element (towed)

Re: Windshield Front Cap Separation

Reply #3 –
Quote
Water runs down, gets the wood wet, and pretty soon you got rot. 

In my case, there was no evidence of water damage (top or bottom). I think the sealant Foretravel uses just breaks down after all these years. Good advice though on eternal vigilance!
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Windshield Front Cap Separation

Reply #4 –
I don't believe that caulk alone is enough to hold it together.  To much  shake, rattle and roll going on up there especially when doing RR tracks, speed bumps ,entering ramps and for sure the dreaded topes.

  Grand Villa coaches might be the easiest to fix though because of the chrome handles on the nose of most of them.    Tie those chrome handles ( on the back side ) to the dash plywood and it will be better than new. ....  I think😜

  I guess I went extreme on our fix with 5200 and more plywood and metal strap and screws but it ain't movin now. 

 Pm me if you'd like details.
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR
 

Re: Windshield Front Cap Separation

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Bob & Sue –
I guess I went extreme on our fix with 5200 and more plywood and metal strap and screws but it ain't movin now. 
For any GV owners, here is a link to the post describing Bob's excellent repair of his GV dash plywood separation.  See Reply #7 and #8.

shop to repair nose delamination?
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"