Thermo-Panel Separation

[ItsyRV]

Looking for any opinions or advice on old Winnebago first gen Thermo-Panel separation of adhesive. Large flat wall area has developed a bubble. My usual tech guy said the fiberglass panel's adhesive has probably pulled from the foam due to air penetration and super heating from the recent continued 110+ degree day temperatures. He showed me how when I brought it inside and he cooled the entire surface, the panel laid flat against the wall. If you press the panel hard against the wall, it re-sticks in some paces but pops away when temps rise again. It's not a delamination as there isn't any actual luan or plywood between the fiberglass and the aluminum/foam core structure.

My concern is the fix. He said its a bit of a problem because ideally you want a low viscosity liquid to coat the areas, but most are slow curing. In this case you want adhesive properties (not so much stiffening or re-laminating) which is best done when using fast curing adhesives. He also said that unlike de-lamination where your using flat pressure to bond all the pieces in pace as it cures, this is more like getting an air bubble out of a decal before the glue sets through a pinhole or slit. He does have special adhesives for this type of use but it's not really a DIY system as it also includes an injector and vacuum systems.

Has anyone every did their own Thermo-Panel re-gluing? What adhesive did you use (we said to be sure it's safe for the foam and won't melt it). Thanks in advance for any advice or opinions.

[pauldub]

Delam Repair Kits The resin is an SLV (super low viscosity) resin that you could likely buy from many other suppliers if you prefer.

[ksg5000]

I had something similar and after talking with West Marine (boats have plenty of delam issues) decided to go with a medium cure epoxy (forgot which one) and held the side in with a DIY setup. I drilled a couple of holes and used a large syringe to inject. The epoxy was sanded flush with exterior and I used a dab of touch up paint to cover the holes. At any rate - consider talking with boat shop about your problem - they may have more specific suggestions. Hope this helps.

[pianotuna]

Hi,

I drilled some holes and used great stuff foam. I covered the holes with Eternabond. Not pretty--but it did work. In my case it was a 1987 Citation Supreme with a filon exterior.

Mine came apart in Mesa AZ when it was 117 F outside.