Dash/Outer Frame Separation

webhannet wrote:
I bought a tiny camera that hooks up to the computer with a 25 foot cord - about $25. on Ebay. It's not "all that", but there have been many times it would have been better than a flashlight and inspection mirror. Caution: Good luck figuring which way is up.

The dashboard complaint isn't new, although I think manufacturers are making them better today. People don't realize the amount of flexing the front cap has - or that the windshield is "structural". It sounds like they used foam as a structural component. I'd brace and "Maxbond" (or some other modern cintruction adhesive" to make it better. Your tabbing idea is good, but getting the best areas prepped might prove impossible.

Your fiberglass repair MIGHT be the strongest part of the RV. I'd also look for signs of the windhield moving - and indication that the metal "cage" framework (if there is one!)behind the cap hasn't rusted apart or been damaged. Perhaps someone who hass seen the same model after an accident will have some input as to what's behind your cap.

Thanks for your input. I've been all over the windshield and it appears to be firmly anchored everywhere to the surrounding fiberglass. I don't see any signs of a metal frame.

Your point about the flexing of the front cap is exactly my concern. It seems to be fine and I don't want to introduce a new load point that interrupts its natural flexing and end up popping the windshield or some other catastrophe.

I'm pretty sure that the dash itself will be fine if I can get the front cap moving with it. I don't know how long this has been going on but we bought the RV in 2004 with 27K miles on it and it now has 72K miles. My guess that it was just got a little worse over time.

I'll poke around and see what ebay offers. The problem is that whatever takes a picture inside of the gap is going to have to go in lens first and there isn't 2" of space to do that. That is why I was considering one of those cameras with the lens on the end of a thin flexible wand. They cost between $150-250 new. A rental for a one time use is better. I can get light in right beside the camera with one of those mini-LED flashlights.

Please keep the suggestions coming.

Thanks,

Charlie