I have a 1979 31' International that I basically use as a "park" model. This winter there was 3' of wet heavy snow on the roof and I decided to pull as much of it as I could with a plastic shovel. Unfortunately I hit the brittle shroud and took out this chunk.
I had hoped to find one solid piece to epoxy back in this spring when the snow melted. Unfortunately the largest intact piece I found was about the size of a quarter. I really don't want to spend the money on a new one and it doesn't look like the old one would be too easy to get off since someone siliconed all the bolts into the shroud:
Is there some sort of bondo/plastic resin that could be used to repair such a hole in place?
I have a 1979 31' International that I basically use as a "park" model. This winter there was 3' of wet heavy snow on the roof and I decided to pull as much of it as I could with a plastic shovel. Unfortunately I hit the brittle shroud and took out this chunk.
I had hoped to find one solid piece to epoxy back in this spring when the snow melted. Unfortunately the largest intact piece I found was about the size of a quarter. I really don't want to spend the money on a new one and it doesn't look like the old one would be too easy to get off since someone siliconed all the bolts into the shroud:
Is there some sort of bondo/plastic resin that could be used to repair such a hole in place?
At best, a patch is a patch. In time, more areas will break.
At best, a patch is a patch. In time, more areas will break.
We have fiberglassAC shroud replacements.
Andy
I know you sell the replacements Andy but I'm not sure I want to put that kind of money into this old bird. Is it an exact replacement for this unit? How does it bolt on there? What if the nuts and bolts are all rusted and seized up?
I know you sell the replacements Andy but I'm not sure I want to put that kind of money into this old bird. Is it an exact replacement for this unit? How does it bolt on there? What if the nuts and bolts are all rusted and seized up?
Our shrouds are exact replacements, since we have the original molds from Airstream.
However, our shrouds are made with fiberglass, not plastic.
They mount the same way as the originals.
Replace the bolts as necessary, which you will have to do regardless.
So this part: http://www.inlandrv.com/parts/69831-acshroud.jpg is the exact replacement? Doesn't look the same. Mine looks like it is a one piece part. Also what does one do to screen in the holes on one of your new parts?
I fixed mine 4 years ago using coarse weave fiberglass cloth impregnated with gorilla glue. All screw holes were reinfored and all holes filled. Cost was less than $15.00 and it is holding on great. 1970 original schroud.
Just did a similar repair last week! A tree branch shattered the rear corner(with a little help from me). I used laminating resin and fiber glass cloth on the inside and bondo to finish the surface on the outside. I replaced the hardware with stainless. A peculiarity I noticed was that the front mounting holes appeared to have pulled the shroud downward, that is, the shroud apprears to have about an inch clearance above the air conditioner, based on the two interior rear baffles and the height of the sides. Your pics. also show a bowl like depression just like mine. I put a pair of standoffs between the unit and the shroud to make up the difference. I think it's better, but I don't know why it wasn't done that way to begin with?
__________________
"Not all who are lost are wondering" say Bill & Heidi
'78 Excella 500,"The Silver Pullit". vacuum over hydraulic disc brakes, center bath, rear twin. '67 Travelall 1200 B 4X4 WBCCI 3737
So this part: http://www.inlandrv.com/parts/69831-acshroud.jpg is the exact replacement? Doesn't look the same. Mine looks like it is a one piece part. Also what does one do to screen in the holes on one of your new parts?
Your AC shroud is 2 piece.
If you took the molding off, you will see how the 2 halves are joined together..
The mold that made your shroud, is the same mold that we have.
Patching the old plastic is OK, but you still have the old plastic, that will continue to crack in other places.
Take a look at the web site of forum member TomW. He describes a method (that I also used) to rebuild his cover. Worked well for me.
Jim
__________________ Great news! The drug companies are now using graphics in their ED drug ads (not kidding). I guess not everybody fully understands what ED is and how to cope, eh?
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