Repair to Interior Door Panels of Dometic M 70b

[69AirDream]

Has anyone had any success with making a repair to the interior door panels of this refrigerator? The unit works great and the seals seem to be in good shape. But, the insulation has swelled and caused the edges of the panels to crack/crumble so that the doors will not shut properly. I was going to try to do any epoxy repair that I read about here but I don't think there's enough of the original edges left intact to make it work.

So, my thought is to remove the panels completely and cut the insulation away then cut a piece of fiberglass board to the exact fit and put it back into the space. I think this might work on the freezer compartment.

Do you think it will work to do the same thing with the refrigerator panel but trim away the broken edges around the original panel and then use several screws and collars (and maybe some gorilla glue) to attach it to the glass board before fitting the whole piece back on?

Any suggestions, ideas, or comments would be much appreciated!

[68 TWind]

Send some pics or a link to pics of your fridge if you can. It is hard to make suggestions without seeing exactly what you are talking about and the condition of the door.

[indy]

I used a product called "G-Flex" wow it worked like a charm.

go to our blog and you can see the results.

good luck

Indy

62 Safari Airstream Renovation

[69AirDream]

Wow Indy, you all have been doing some project! The skylight knob restoration is a Cinderella story in itself!

The 'fridge door looks great. Did you spray paint it after your repair work? If so, what type of paint did you use?

I will take a couple of pictures of the panels I'm dealing with and get them posted today or tomorrow.

Thanks.

[Peggy Wilson]

Indy is my hub and yes he used paint made for pvc. the door linner.

[69AirDream]

The first two are of the freezer panel and the third is the refrigerator. I didn't mention that the PO also used silicone caulk in his attempt at repair.

[indy]

this looks like a job for "g-Flex"
i used duct tape to bridge the gaps / missing pcs. then globed g-flex into the area i also added fiberglass sheet material in the corners that needed that little extra strength.

good luck
P.S.
peggy posted pics of the duct tape prep work.

[69AirDream]

Great news, about this "G-Flex". I was afraid someone would say these panels were too far gone! Where did you get this product?

Are you two going to be at the Air Midwest Rally in Branson? If so, maybe we can meet and have a look at yours.

Thanks,
Phyllis

[Peggy Wilson]

We are hoping to have the airstream road ready by May. We probably won't be there in April. Currently the axial is off! The cushions are at the upholstery shop.... If you are in Kansas City area you are welcome to drop by and see what is done. Derald has used the G/flex product on several things now, and it has been successful each time. He is in the process of using it to repair a tv antenna plastic bushing! He purchased the G/flex on line at NRS. Web site: NRS - Kayaking Gear, Rafting Supplies and Boating Equipment The kit we purchased was called G/flex epoxy adhesive KIT655-K.

[68 TWind]

I have not used the G Flex but I have use a lot of the West Epoxy resin and fiberglass to fix plastic parts in my Tradewind. Epoxy resins work much better than polyester resins on the plastic parts. G-Flex is new and should work great as West Systems products are of the highest quality. Most marine supply stores will have either or you can get the products from Aircraft Spruce. The company has lots of videos on the web showing usage. Either way, you should be able to fix the door with a little work.

[69AirDream]

Okay, I'm off to NRS's website to take the plunge. Hope we have as good of results as you all have had!

[indy]

I think with some duct tape and g-flex and your good to go.

note you may want to add the fiberglass cloth sheeting for the extra strength.

[69AirDream]

I ordered the g-flex kit tonight but didn't notice if there is fiberglass cloth sheeting in it. I think we are going to need to do some of the bigger places with it. Did you get it with your kit or will I need to get it somewhere else?

Thanks.

[Peggy Wilson]

Originally Posted by 69 AirDream

I ordered the g-flex kit tonight but didn't notice if there is fiberglass cloth sheeting in it. I think we are going to need to do some of the bigger places with it. Did you get it with your kit or will I need to get it somewhere else?

Thanks.

We have more than we need. Send your address and we'll drop it in the mail. We bought it at Home Depot.