FIBERGLASS DELAMINATION

[PALEFACE]

My 99 Coachmen class C has fiberglass delamination in front of the window about 12" to 18" on each side of the overhead. It appears I will have to remove the screws on the edge seal, move the seal out of the way, peel back the fiberglass and apply some kind of adhesive between the fiberglass and the wood. The areas are clean and dry underneath so that is no problem.

Local dealer estimated six hours at $151/hour which is about double what I would pay to have it done for me (also double the time I estimate).

Does anyone have any experience with this?

[fcooper]

There is a lot of good information about delamination repair in this post on IRV2. See link below:

delam repair

Fred

[Dale_Traveling]

I fixed a section on my coach below the floor line so I was able to get to the back of the glass easily. What I thought would be a small section turned out to be a whole lot bigger. The 10% visible pretty much fit. The thin ply wicked water very efficiently.

[Dave___Ginny]

I asked a technician how to fix delamination and he said they cut the fiberglass out and then use bondo.

[2bzy2c]

Terryallan wrote:

mike brez wrote:

Durn son. You need a new wall.

Nah. A little Red Max and it'll look jest fine.

[Terryallan]

mike brez wrote:

Durn son. You need a new wall.

[mike_brez]

[jsikora]

Its not really as bad as everyone is saying. I have had to do 3 locations on my 5th wheel. I now have fiberglass sitting awaiting spring to fix the other side. the issue is water between the panel and wall. the luan plywood they use will most likely need replaced. The fiberglass is about 1/8" thick and will bend some but I have had to cut it behind the window do all the repairs then glue it back on. I put a trim piece over the seem and it appears ok now. The biggest issue is it will grow....

[TriumphGuy]

I've had to do work like this before. I recall being told that what you see on the outside is 10% of the damage. I'd consider the estimate you've gotten not bad at all thinking back to what I went through. ..

[ScottG]

His estimate s a bargain for that much work.
But keep in mind that it was an estimate and not a quote. It may take more work once he finds out what is going on behind the surface - and that's reasonable.

[rgatijnet1]

Can you get at the panel from the inside?
If you can you can apply glue on the inside and push the panel in from the outside. You should be able to rig up some kind of a rigid frame that you can work from to use a wedge and a piece of plywood to hold the delaminated area in the correct position.

[Terryallan]

Peel back the fiberglass???? Have you ever worked with fiberglass??? Fiberglass is rigid, as a general rule it does not bend easy, or at all. It will break before it bends. You may be able to pull it off the wood a 1/8" or so. But unless you break it. You will not move it far enough to get resin behind it with out the proper tools, and even if you could, how are you going to hold it together while the resin dries.? It will prolly have to be cut off past where it has turned loose, reglassed, and gel coated. Then sanded smooth, and buffed out. Will take a while to do it right.

Another option is to replace the entire panel.

Were I you. I would let the pros do it. It is a pretty major undertaking.

[2bzy2c]

Unless you have a good working knowledge of repairing fiberglass, I would caution you away from attempting it. Your comment about "peeling back" the fiberglass tells me you might be headed for trouble.

The rate (hours) you have been quoted frankly is a pretty good deal. Further, you will probably get a warranty on the work.

I have no idea on your abilities, but honestly, I admire your energy, but the smart money says have it done....Unless you are confident in your fiberglass abilities.