Forum Discussion

GrandmasHome's avatar
GrandmasHome
Explorer
Sep 03, 2013

Fiberglass Bulkhead - Must Open the Area - need input

Must open up the fiberglass bulkhead on my 2001 Cedar creek - probably need to replace some wood in there. The front corner passenger side screw rail screws came loose as well as the passenger side corner excrusion screws when in an accident in March. Hadn't noticed it right away but water definitely went in. Please correct me if I'm wrong: To open up the fiberglass bulkhead must remove the corner excrusions on each side, and loosen the lower part of the screw rails both sides of the hitch as well as remove the frame piece around the hitch. Then deal with wood. The front end cap will stay in place.
  • Dayle1's avatar
    Dayle1
    Explorer II
    Sep 04, 2013
    GrandmasHome wrote:
    Dayle1 wrote:
    Sounds right. There may be a few more screws across the center of the panel. Also, the fiberglas skin is flexible and brittle, so better if you have help so it doesn't crack especially where screws have already created flaws in the panel.


    I'm relying on the flexibility of the bulkhead fiberglass so front fiberglass end cap doesn't have to be manipulated. But wood may extend over front end cap bottom - and then - well, you get the picture.


    Generally, the fiberglas panel can be removed w/o affecting the front cap, especially if it is a molded cap (which most are).
  • MPI_Mallard's avatar
    MPI_Mallard
    Explorer
    Sep 04, 2013
    You should call Cedar Creek's Warranty dept' and they will help you on how to remove the front cap properly, those guy's are a ton of help!!

    Cedar Creek-Justin (260)593-2598
  • GrandmasHome's avatar
    GrandmasHome
    Explorer
    Sep 04, 2013
    Dayle1 wrote:
    Sounds right. There may be a few more screws across the center of the panel. Also, the fiberglas skin is flexible and brittle, so better if you have help so it doesn't crack especially where screws have already created flaws in the panel.


    I'm relying on the flexibility of the bulkhead fiberglass so front fiberglass end cap doesn't have to be manipulated. But wood may extend over front end cap bottom - and then - well, you get the picture.
  • GrandmasHome's avatar
    GrandmasHome
    Explorer
    Sep 04, 2013
    Durhamcutter wrote:
    Had to have the front cap removed for some inside repairs and was told it took 5 men to take it off and the same to get it back on so good luck, I didn't have the guts to try it on my own.


    My hope is to not have to move the front cap at all. But will definitely post if front cap is involved.
  • Durhamcutter's avatar
    Durhamcutter
    Explorer
    Sep 04, 2013
    Had to have the front cap removed for some inside repairs and was told it took 5 men to take it off and the same to get it back on so good luck, I didn't have the guts to try it on my own.
  • Dayle1's avatar
    Dayle1
    Explorer II
    Sep 04, 2013
    Sounds right. There may be a few more screws across the center of the panel. Also, the fiberglas skin is flexible and brittle, so better if you have help so it doesn't crack especially where screws have already created flaws in the panel.

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