HMS Beagle wrote:
I'll stick to my story: they are a sandwich, not just fiberglass structure, and the interior paneling is put in in the mold. Take a look at this recent article in Truck Camper Magazine, in particular scroll down to the photo of the interior paneling being installed in the mold. Also several photos of top and bottom halves being pulled from the mold, with paneling already installed. When I ordered mine from the factory in 1996 I was specifically told this is how it was done and it appears still is. They use a contact adhesive and pound it with rubber mallets to ensure contact. You cannot do that out of the mold. There are other pictures showing them assembling top and bottom with paneling in place.
If you think the fiberglass is the only structure, pull the paneling, foam, and wood stiffening out of the roof of one and walk across it. I guarantee you will think again.
From TC Magazine:
now thats real weird, they were doing that but out of the mold but different. they placed all the foam in first then sprayed it and placed the interior wall surface in. they do have a big press that can make full lamanated panels but the guy said it hasn't been used since before they reopened and if I remember right it has somthing to do with them using cnc cut foam kits. what I saw was them placing foam jigsaw puzzel pieces in then like I said it was sprayed with adhesive and the wood placed in. I'll definatly have to ask them about it when I go in next month, maybe they just needed the mold right away to start another? they are way behind.
Steve
