| sfbuckaroo |
Sun Feb 15, 2004 2:51 pm |
|
I had my 77 Westy for one week and one day when I drove into a street tree with the top up. [-X Guess I should have read Campmobiles for Dummies before I even turned the key.
The canvas was in near-perfect condition and the fiberglass top was totally straight. The evil tree ripped a 4 inch hole in the canvas on the side near the front seam, plus a smaller hole below, plus left some sap on the canvas. At first I thought the fiberglass top was unscathed, but upon closer examination I see hairline cracks on the front, where the short metal brace is connected (I'm guessing the little guy earned his pay on this one) and all along the passenger side where the top makes a right angle to the side. All the cracks are along the inside of the top only; outside there are no signs of damage.
The rubber seal is no bulging out on the damaged side, and the side fiberglass panel is slightly warped. It's hard to say, but it looks like the seal might be separated from the busbody enough to allow air and moisture into the sacred canvas chamber.
All this leads to a number of questions:
1. How to repair the hideous canvas tears in a way that will be water proof and aesthetically acceptable? I am thinking the best solution is to sew on a patch of matching color but have had no luck finding a sourcefor the matching canvas. Secondarily, I am hardly a seamstress and wonder if anybody has any suggestions about who to approach that might be able to sew on the patch in situ. Once I do this, I will need to seal the seams, any suggestions here?
2. How best to clean the sap from the canvas?
3. Do I need to worry about the hairline cracks? Should I try to fill them with some kind of bonding agent? Is the crack around the metal brace of special concern? (I worry that this one might undergo more stress than the others, and am thinking that another brace next to it would reduce the risk of further cracking.)
4. Do I need to worry about the slight warp? Does it make a difference if the rubber is sticking out? I was thinking that a thicker seal in the warped area might be in order-- unless of course there was a way to eliminate the warp.
Thanks! |
|
| orangeeyesore |
Sun Feb 15, 2004 5:05 pm |
|
| first of all you must remember that these things happen and it will be ok :D secondly, i am no pro at these kinds of things but i'll give it a try. the best way to fix the rips is to take the canvas out, fix it and re-install it. i would'nt want to try to fix it in the bus. new canvas is quite expensive so save your pennies. i know you just got this bus so do the important stuff first...( the mechanical stuff ) is far as the cracking and warping of the fiberglass..... it is going to cause problems at some point is my guess. if the seals arent good they are gonna leak some. im sure someone will be able to help more than i have..good luck. |
|
| christian |
Mon Feb 16, 2004 1:11 am |
|
For the sap use Goof OFF!!! << The best stuff. Oh and remember to scrub real hard. - You can get this stuff at your local HOME DEPOT!!
For your canvas.. If it were me i would apply a patch kit inside the canvas (so it does not show), secondly i would sow it up just like you said ... if you are missing some canvas... go to a tailor or fabric store...
And for your rubber i would make sure that is water sealed you dont want any rain inside your bus.. If you arnt sure if its sealed test it... take some water and spill it on your top.. see if it goes through...
I am not that knowledgeable in busses so i dont know if any of these ideas will work except the Goof Off.. Get that its probably guarenteed to get that sap off!
Late |
|
Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group
|