The work never ends!

[dmadam]

Seems like every time I turn around there is something else I want to do. Today I decided I want to remove the front end cap as it is cracked pretty bad. Started out to do some simple remodeling and look where I ended up! I am having trouble finding mouldings for the front curved windows.

With all the screws and rivets I have pulled seem like I should get a couple more rivets to my name here! I have asked a lot of questions here and you folks have really helped me.

Attached are a couple of pix. See my TV through the front window! LOL The frame you see is the beginnings of the kitchen counter. It is just set in there to check the fit before I finish it.

Thanks again
David

[dmadam]

Didn't mean to send the pix of nothing in the dinette area!

[malconium]

I know what you mean about the work never ending. My AS needs more work than yours appears to need though. I am still working on putting the sub-floor back in. Then I have to re-install insulation and the inner wall panels, etc., etc.

It did occur to me to wonder if you could use Bondo auto body filler to repair cracks in your end cap. Maybe even without having to remove it? It is an expoxy/fiberglass type of product and could very well stick well enough to the sides of the crack to work. You should be able to sand it out after the repair.

Has anyone reading this post had any experience using Bondo for this sort of thing?

Malcolm

[eljay]

Could you post a pic of the endcap damage? I am thinking that the fiberglass/epoxy stuff I just used on my fridge scoop might just work.

[dmadam]

Eljay, Will send one in the morning. Thanks for the interest. I am going to cover it with vinyl anyway but am worried about it rest of the cap holding up for the long hall

[dmadam]

Since I am going to cover the piece you might be right to bondou the piece but I am still woried about the long term durability since it cracks so easy. I could frame the opening with aluminum and a support piece underneath.

Any sugestions would be appreciated.

Thanks
David

[dmadam]

If anyone wants this for free. I have the roll up doors and all hardware.

David

[eljay]

I think that this could be repaired or strengthened with the application of fiberglass cloth (versus the batting) and epoxy (commonly known as fiberglass repair kit). You may be able to do this without removing it but I find it easier to work with when I can lay it on the bench or floor. Let me know if you need more details. LJ

[53flyingcloud]

dmadam,
As I sit back, reading of your attempts to repair the end caps, the images of the end caps in my 40 yr old A/S (2nd Airstream) comes to mind. It is still as solid as the day it was installed with no cracks. It was made with Fiberglass material and, very thick as well, perhaps 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Certainly they has withstood the test of time~!
My 84 Sovereign has the very same material for end caps such as yours and...I know it's just a matter of time before both ends will start to develop cracks. Thus, the need to be replaced. I'll be following your progress`
Good Luck~!
53FC