GTS Vogue GRP Panel

[LinJohn_5040917]

We have had our 217 for nearly 12 months and have noticed about a dozen cracks appearing on the front GRP panel. They are between the top of the windows and the bottom of the panel joining strip. Has anyone come across this before and if so what was the cause and what was the remedy. We are taking the van into our dealership at the end of the week for a different matter and will point it out to them then. We would like to go ready with some information, in case of the standard response of 'Oh! they are all like that'.

Many thanks

 

[PC_5041700]

Sounds as though it could be the same as I had on a Compass caravan about 10 years ago. The numerous cracks appeared within the first 12 months and were in the same place as yours. We were told that the cracks were in the gel-coating and these were sorted out at the dealership with no recurring problems.

 

[ROY]

We had these appear on our 2002 spectrum below the middle front window after about 12 months.They we caused by "stress" we were told.Fairly easily fixed by a mobile company imployed by swift,rubbed down re-sprayed and gel coated in about 6 hours while we waited at the dealer.This van was later stolen so cannot confirm how long it lasted.Replacement spectrum 2003 had these appear after 6 months just above the floor level along much of the near side.Checked by same mobile company who could not fix them on site,advised van back to factory poss 6 weeks turn arround!! these were due to the side pannel not being correctly fixed to the floor.After lots of complaining to dealer (very helpfull)/swift agreed to a replacement 2004 model spectrum (small charge).These have a different awning rail and fixings so i have been informed.No problems with this van so far,overall a much better product than either of the previous vans.

Would still recomend grp panells due to no dents/scratches even after a hard life.Hope this helps

 

[benfleet2000]

Are these cracks very fine. If they are then they are probably only in the Gel coating. They will be covered by the warranty but you may have to wait as the repairer only visits dealers to repair a batch.

 

[Lucylou]

Hi Lin & John - We had a 1998 215 for a year and traded it in for a 417 which we had for almost 4 years, we never had any such problem on either of the two GTS Models. Incidentally, we have a brand new gas locker lid, for sale, if you are interested please email, bulldogmeghan@aol.com Hope that you get your problem sorted. Thanks Rob

 

[AlanD_5039797]

Hi,we've had a GTS Vogue 415 from new, purchased March this year. The front panel on our 'van has cracks exactly as you describe, it was taken to the supplying dealer for other warranty work to be carried out and the cracks pointed out to the workshop foreman. Apparently this "problem" isn't totally unheard of, we were informed the cracks are only in the gel coat of the GRP and supposedly easily repaired.We were told that once repaired these cracks rarely reappear, unless of course anybody else knows otherwise?