Cracked panel

[Grovester]

Hi All

Just about to book the caravan in for a new rear panel. which isn't cheap. Before I do, I want to be sure this the right choice and would appreciate any help on two questions:-

1) Can this be repaired instead of a full panel replacement?
2) Is it GRP or ABS?

Thanks

 

[Beehpee]

It looks more like it’s wrecked to me rather than just crack but there will be more knowledgeable damage repairers to give their thoughts.
BP

 

[otherclive]

It looks like grp. If the damage is only localised to the lower section and damp hasn’t ingresses into the van there are companies that can repair grp and bring it back to virtually its original appearance with strengths returned as well. What have you been quoted for a new panel……£2.5k+


https://www.practicalcaravan.com/advice/trade-secrets-caravan-bodywork-repairs

 

[Grovester]

I have had two separate quotes both for a rear panel replacement and include VAT

Quote 1 for £4,1k based on photo's
Quote 2 is £4.4k

 

[otherclive]

£4.1k for repairing the panel? What did they quote for replacing it?
Could you not claim on your insurance ?

 

[Grovester]

The quotes are for replacing with a new panel.

 

[Jcloughie]

1) Can this be repaired instead of a full panel replacement?
2) Is it GRP or ABS?

I would be tempted to seek a plastic specialist out. Especially if the damage is confined to below the floor. They will know the type of plastic and if repair is an option. It is very specialised work and over and above what dealers can normally offer.

If they could do it for say £1000. Then it’s happy days.

John

 

[otherclive]

The quotes are for replacing with a new panel.

What was the “ guide price” quote?

 

[Grovester]

Made it clearer. Both are for a replacement rear panel. They have only seen photo's as not easy taking the van all over northwest for quotes

Quote 1 from one dealer; £4,1k based on photo's
Quote 2 from another dealer; £4.4k

Not cheap. I am just interested to know if a replacement panel is my only option i.e. the damage is too bad to repair

 

[otherclive]

Made it clearer. Both are for a replacement rear panel. They have onlt seen photo's as not easy taking the van all over northwest for quotes

Quote 1 for £4,1k based on photo's
Quote 2 is £4.4k

That’s probably about right. Mine was over £3k for an abs panel in 2018 but was a warranty repair.

Best to check out some repairers. Often you will have some exhibiting at caravan and motorhome shows but they will not start up again until 2022. I found a number in the south when I wasn't certain if the warranty would replace my cracked panel. In some respects yours would be a more suitable repair as it’s low down and not caused by flexing of the structure. Yours is just an impact damage. Why not insurance claim? It would put up you premiums but would still be cost effective wouldn’t it?

 

[ProfJohnL]

Made it clearer. Both are for a replacement rear panel. They have onlt seen photo's as not easy taking the van all over northwest for quotes

Quote 1 for £4,1k based on photo's
Quote 2 is £4.4k

It is very difficult to offer a real quote for a job like this simply based on photo. The two estimates you have received are sufficiently similar to suggest they are both costing for the same work, but whether full replacement is needed can only be determined by a professional

 

[otherclive]

Just comparing your damage to the photos in the link to Practical Caravan article the scope of damage doesn’t look a great deal different. But as said only a professional repairer can advise. Some of these companies keep old salvage panels and do a cut and paste so instead of repairing the damage they cut it out and scarf in another piece. Seeing what can be done with motorbike fairings don’t underestimate the skills available, it’s just tracking them down.

 

[audiorob]

You could try this link
Find A Caravan Repairer - Brought to you by Kingfisher Insurance
which I found via the C&CC website searching 'Approved Caravan Repairer' in Google, and see what's available in your area.
Or you might find some car repairers that can handle grp and make good the damage.
It does appear to be grp from the photo as strands from the matting seem evident.
Although it might be assumed that a repair to the area would be less expensive than a whole panel the cracking seems to be quite extensive.
Good luck!

 

[Robert_374373903]

Couple of years ago my fence post move whilst I was coming off the drive. The back corner was broken like your photo . The firm done it including the awning rail as that also got ripped off. He said no problem apart from sourcing the awning rail plastic insert , but even that he got . I think it came under £1400 and could not see where he had repaired it.

 

[Raywood]

It is over several years since I had a back panel replaced under my insurance, that cost was not disclosed, but the damage was rather less than yours. The two quotes are near enough the same for the figures to be about right though. Possibly this is the best time to get it done when the repairers have less work on.
I had a good look at the photo and I think that it is well beyond a repair.

 

[otherclive]

It is over several years since I had a back panel replaced under my insurance, that cost was not disclosed, but the damage was rather less than yours. The two quotes are near enough the same for the figures to be about right though. Possibly this is the best time to get it done when the repairers have less work on.
I had a good look at the photo and I think that it is well beyond a repair.

In 2018 I waited over 5 months for a replacement panel. I doubt things have improved.

 

[DaveA1]

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.

 

[Jcloughie]

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.

Me too see #7.

John

 

[Dustydog]

Looks too far gone to me. What make year and model?
OC asked about insurance ??
Nothing seems to be cheap with caravan body repairs. I agree both estimates are close so at least you know that is the going rate today😥😥

 

[DaveA1]

Hi @Groveater
Just wondering how things are going, whether to repair or replace your rear panel ?

Just to show these are reparable, the photos below show a repair I did on my van.

To park my van on my drive, I reverse so far on my drive, then finish off with the motor mover, the last bit, which is a bit of a dog leg, to the side of my garage.
My banks person (SWMBO) shot off to the toilet, and because I was blocking the road start to reverse without her, clipped the corner of the garage, crushed the corner of the back panel. Didn't take a any photos just after I'd done it, I was not amused.
First pic shows the repair about halfway through, after I'd realigned the different pieces of plastic and started reinforcing it with extra bits of plastic using stuff that is used on motor cycle fairings and stated rubbing down.
The bottom of the repair look like the Amazon delta before I started.
Second after top coat and the third after a bit of blending in.

 

[audiorob]

That looks like an amazing job that even the eagle-eyed could not spot the difference! Perhaps gives some hope to Grovester that his mishap can be corrected perhaps with the only pain in his wallet!

 

[Dustydog]

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?

 

[Jcloughie]

First class job Dave.

John

 

[otherclive]

Hi @Groveater
Just wondering how things are going, whether to repair or replace your rear panel ?

Just to show these are reparable, the photos below show a repair I did on my van.

To park my van on my drive, I reverse so far on my drive, then finish off with the motor mover, the last bit, which is a bit of a dog leg, to the side of my garage.
My banks person (SWMBO) shot off to the toilet, and because I was blocking the road start to reverse without her, clipped the corner of the garage, crushed the corner of the back panel. Didn't take a any photos just after I'd done it, I was not amused.
First pic shows the repair about halfway through, after I'd realigned the different pieces of plastic and started reinforcing it with extra bits of plastic using stuff that is used on motor cycle fairings and stated rubbing down.
The bottom of the repair look like the Amazon delta before I started.
Second after top coat and the third after a bit of blending in.

View attachment 2542View attachment 2543View attachment 2544

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

 

[Moneypit 222]

The OPs panel looks like a fibre glass construction to me. You'd be supprised at what these guys can do. I've seen sports cars with much worse damage than this come back to life. (You can't buy a front wing for a 59 Lotus Elete) By the time they clean the fluff out of the breaks and build the glass from behind it'll be fine.
Take some more pics and send them to some glass specialists. Good luck with it.