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panel strengthening

Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2009 1:02 pm
by chippy
:bouncing: anybody got an pics or info on best place to weld some strips to strenthen side panels thanks :bouncing:

Re: panel strengthening

Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2009 1:43 pm
by chippy
come on lads, someone must have done it

Re: panel strengthening

Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2009 5:01 pm
by jason frost

Re: panel strengthening

Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2009 8:32 pm
by Knowledge
I have always thought that the way to approach this would be to cut a plate of 2mm ali to match the shape at the bottom of the panel that is prone to splitting, and then araldite it into place on the inside of the panel.

This has several advantages. You can do it yourself, there is no fear of heat distortion and you can do it if the panels are already painted.

Re: panel strengthening

Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2009 8:43 am
by red ghost
Martin, you and I think along the same lines.. although I feel araldite may be to hard

What I've done is shape some 1.2mm stainless and fixed it in place with some 3M double sided tape. My theory (and it maybe be bullshit,but I'm sticking to it) is if you weld something in to beef up an area, it may just send the vibration somewhere else.

Given what I've done I guess serves two purposes, one double sided tape may absorb some vibration and two, the stainless plate is large enough to contact the rubber buffer,may help with the vibes and protects the paintwork.

if I'm rambling and my spelling and gramma have taking a turn,it's because I'm enjoying some beer :D

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Re: panel strengthening

Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2009 12:02 pm
by craze01
Good point about the welding and sending vibration somewhere else but instead of tape why dont you use a good bonding glue like sticks like s**t or something????
My camper was held together with the stuff!!

Re: panel strengthening

Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2009 8:44 pm
by red

you beat me to it mate :)

Re: panel strengthening

Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 11:37 pm
by Knowledge
Yes Red Ghost, you've got it. Craze might be heading in the right direction in the glue department, but I wonder if silicon sealant might be the best "glue" for this purpose. John Howe (Jahspeed) reckons brown is the best stuff - he holds his boat together with it.

Re: panel strengthening

Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2009 7:13 am
by Dazza
Seam sealer might be a good choice too

Re: panel strengthening

Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2010 1:19 pm
by mawso
Did anyone ever use the silicone or bonding approach for this problem, if so how did you get on? I have the same problem starting and the panels have also been painted.