While I wait for the coffers to refill, I've finally begun tearing out the interior to fix it, paint it, and slap the panels back up. Over at the Argosy MH forum section, I've attached some pictures of what I've started to redo. I'm not interested in taking it down to the studs, but I am interested in restoring and painting those bits that can be seen. There are various molded plastic panels up front -- including the big front interior end cap, which I just took off. I plan to fix all this trim with epoxy, then sand, repaint, and then reinstall with rivets. As I've read here, I ordered Marine Clean to degrease and clean up the ABS plastic.
But what is the best patch kit for ABS plastic/epoxy moldings? I've patched surfboard, so I know the program, but that's with resin. From what I understand here, epoxy is different to work with. I also need something like fiberglass cloth to put on those areas in the back that are cracked to strength it. Then it needs to be sandable. Any suggestions?
Second, what is the best paint for the ABS plastic/epoxy molding pieces? I've heard Krylon. But is there something better out there? Also, something more "green" so I don't off gas my little boys to death? What this paint work equally as well on the vinyl covered aluminum sheathing covering the walls?
Finally, I would like to replace some of the vinyl covered aluminum sheathing that covers the wall. But what with? I've been told 1/8" veneer doorsking plywood. Anyone else have any ideas? White plastic sheets? Lexan?
I used West System epoxy and fiberglass cloth to do extensive repairs to plastic bathroom parts in my Trade Wind. Available from boat stores and Aircraft Spruce. If you use it spend the money on the pump kit. They screw into the resin can and hardener can and give the correct mixture with no measuring or weighing. Equal number of pumps from each depending on the amount of resin you need and the mixture will be correct. Saves tons of time.
I saw the West System in our local Marine Store - I live in Monterey - you can spit around here and find a marine store. But I just looked up the Mas System on the internet and all I found was an arcade dealer. Can you give me more specifics on the Mas system? Also, a good cheap internet site to buy it from? I assume the West System can be had cheaper on the net as well.
Yes, I just found that great site. Ok here are the questions. The West system has a sporty kit with everything I need and an instructional video besides. But never once did it mention that I could use it with ABS plastic pieces. It sounded like it was more for fiberglass applications, which I understand I don't want with ABS plastic, which won't hold well with the vibration when traveling.
Whereas, the Mas System was definitely cheaper, but didn't come in a sporty kit and instructional video. What it did say is that it works with everything, but mainly as an adhesive. And it had a very low VOC, which is what I'm looking for with two little boys traveling inside my plastic/metal beast.
Does both the West and the Mas systems apply to ABS plastic?
What sands up better? What do I use to sand it?
So, what I read on this site in the labyrinth of posts is that you shouldn't use fiberglass, but instead ABS plastic epoxy resin. Is the West and Mas systems for ABS plastic? Or just another form of fiberglass resin more akin to surfboard repair?
Don, I have repaired lots of ABS in my 1966 Safari. I used fiberglass mat, fiberglass and aluminum screen along with plain ode ABS glue. Check out my blog. I have posted pictures. Blog address is in my sig line.
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