a/c shroud repair

[bimpy]

Has anyone had much luck repairing a cracked a/c shroud? I don't kick on $200+ for a new one except with an original Armstrong which could quit tomorrow, I would rather put my money on a new complete a/c unit.

Also, at the base of the shroud where it contacts the roof on my trailer there is a LARGE bead of caulking all the way around. Whoever did this surely comsumed at least a six pack before they began. Is this necessary (not the six pack) and what is best to use? Perhaps Vulkem?

[Jim Foster]

I repaired the shroud on our '65 Caravel. It cracked and was coming apartin the area where it is held down by four bolts. I removed the shroud and used fiberglass repair process, repairing on the inside of the shroud, I made it much stronger than it was to begin with.

Then...I didn't want to trust the original method of hold down. There was a piece of 2" angle. the kind with all the holes, across the front where the unit attaches to the roof. I cut two pieces of 1/2" all thread 4"long, and installed them about 4" from each end of the angle, protruding out over the roof. I cut two pieces of 5/8 automotive heater hose and slid one onto each piece of all thread. After painting the shroud, I installed it, sliding it under the heater hose, then back and down onto the four bolts in the top.

Now, going down the road, the lift created by the air passing over and under the front of the shroud can not lift the front of the shroud.

that was five years and 80,000 miles ago. No problem

[davidz71]

Tom Williams posted pictures of a shroud repair he did. I'm sure someone on here can direct you to it. He had significant damage to his shroud if I remember correctly.

I used JB Weld in a couple places where the shroud cracked on my '77 Excella 500 and around two mounting holes on the shroud of my Dometic Penguin. Both held up fantastic.

[till]

Here is the link to Tom's repair work.... I am going to do the same thing.

Shroud repair

[maccamper]

There is an interesting thread you might want to read, it is "replace original a/c unit". There are opinions both ways, and another thread that starts out " why we will replace..."

The general consensus seems to be that Vulkem is the brand to use on the outside of your unit. Vulkem makes a slower curing type and a faster curing type sealant that can be used, I don't know if one necessarily lasts longer than the other. I think there are a few threads on sealants as well.

Good luck with your decision/project.

[bimpy]

Thanks fellows, I will start on this soon.