Cracked panel

[DaveA1]

First class job Dave.

Really great job. Did you manage to place reinforcing at the back of the crack. If so how and what what ?

John

Well done Dave, that is a brilliant piece of craftsmanship. How did you get the colour match, paint or gel coat coloured? Was your panel,ABS or GRP?

Thanks.

Looked worse than it actually was.

It is ABS (smooth back) and the back had been pushed up and over the inside piece, toward the awning rail and I had to carefully prise it back, it actually clicked back into position very easily, (could breath again) the bottom corner was in, three larger piece's that were still attached, plus a few free pieces, none too small, that could be used.
I knew I had to reinforce the back, as sticking ABS by the edge, is not a good Idea. Bought some two part epoxy resin (something WELD ?) that is used on bike fairings, it has a very short workable life.
Then I laminated some those plastic plant markers, cut them to about 1 1/2" long, then tied the m too a length string. Then I wedged the split open again, covered the plastic in resin and threaded them though the split and pulled them gently back flat against the inside across the split, removing the wedges making sure the two side lined up, one at the bottom of the split, one about half way up, I got another through the hole at the top. Got another support in the bottom, then it was like a jigsaw hoping the resin had enough grip to hold it as it cured, which it did.
Then filled everything with resin, making sure it was push through to the inside.
Had some P38, then I filled, sanded, filled again then sanded again. Sprayed with filler undercoat, then sanded it again, all with wet a dry.

My lad got the paint, which matched almost perfectly, can't remember what it was called, it certainly wasn't Halfrauds. although the filler under coat I used was, the Orange/Grey stuff.

My big worry at the time, was that I had not got enough support at the back, but that was three years ago. So Far So Good.

Thought showing it would encourage the OP to have it repaired.

 

[otherclive]

Thanks.

Looked worse than it actually was.

It is ABS (smooth back) and the back had been pushed up and over the inside piece, toward the awning rail and I had to carefully prise it back, it actually clicked back into position very easily, (could breath again) the bottom corner was in, three larger piece's that were still attached, plus a few free pieces, none too small, that could be used.
I knew I had to reinforce the back, as sticking ABS by the edge, is not a good Idea. Bought some two part epoxy resin (something WELD ?) that is used on bike fairings, it has a very short workable life.
Then I laminated some those plastic plant markers, cut them to about 1 1/2" long, then tied the m too a length string. Then I wedged the split open again, covered the plastic in resin and threaded them though the split and pulled them gently back flat against the inside across the split, removing the wedges making sure the two side lined up, one at the bottom of the split, one about half way up, I got another through the hole at the top. Got another support in the bottom, then it was like a jigsaw hoping the resin had enough grip to hold it as it cured, which it did.
Then filled everything with resin, making sure it was push through to the inside.
Had some P38, then I filled, sanded, filled again then sanded again. Sprayed with filler undercoat, then sanded it again, all with wet a dry.

My lad got the paint, which matched almost perfectly, can't remember what it was called, it certainly wasn't Halfrauds. although the filler under coat I used was, the Orange/Grey stuff.

My big worry at the time, was that I had not got enough support at the back, but that was three years ago. So Far So Good.

Thought showing it would encourage the OP to have it repaired.

Thank you for the explanation, and as you say tge repair still looks good after three years. Great job.
I had to repair an ABS vanity unit fortunately I could feel behind it and used epoxy putty to reinforce the jig saw. Then I use an epoxy fluid plus filler called Plast Aid which I used to build up the front face. After some final sanding and polish it was almost physically invisible, but there was a slight colour shade mismatch. But at the base of the sink vanity unity you didn’t really notice it.

 

[Beachball]

Well done Dave that looks brilliant keep up the good work

 

[DaveA1]

Just a point, I repaired my van about three years ago. still looks the same as the pics above.

 

[Beachball]

Just a point, I repaired my van about three years ago. still looks the same as the pics above.

Looks like you are very handy with your hands if that how it turns out well done

 

[Grovester]

Looks like GRP That is repairable. As has been said look too repair it.

Particually if the rest of the panel is OK and the van is dry. I am of the opinion leave well alone, disturbing the rear panel can open many cans of worms.

Maybe that's just me, so there you are.

I agree. The worse Damage is at the bottom where it is causing no problems. The panel is all good otherwise and I am not kean for the panel to be removed and replaced. Some new panels don’t even have the window cut out.. Repairer can patch and resin the cracked section from the back out of site. Being repaired for £1500

 

[Hutch]

I agree. The worse Damage is at the bottom where it is causing no problems. The panel is all good otherwise and I am not kean for the panel to be removed and replaced. Some new panels don’t even have the window cut out.. Repairer can patch and resin the cracked section from the back out of site. Being repaired for £1500

Having worked on GRP, I would say the same, but on cost I have no idea.

 

[Grovester]

The price includes a few other minor chips on the rear panel not shown in the photo. And includes a small crack on the front too where I motor moved the caravan into a wall. again low down and not causing any problems. Happy with the outcome and I know the two guys working on it as they have been at the dealership for a very long time and fitted numerous panels and repairs. They trained me on my first caravan 12 years ago and service it every year. They also came to my house to look at it and we discussed the options.

 

[DaveA1]

The price includes a few other minor chips on the rear panel not shown in the photo. And includes a small crack on the front too where I motor moved the caravan into a wall. again low down and not causing any problems. Happy with the outcome and I know the two guys working on it as they have been at the dealership for a very long time and fitted numerous panels and repairs. They trained me on my first caravan 12 years ago and service it every year. They also came to my house to look at it and we discussed the options.

Plenty of pic's when finished, Please.