I need some special tools

[SheffSean]

My damp restoration is proceeding apace with most of the rotten timber replaced with new wood, I'm going to re bed all of the outside aluminium strips on my van but I'm in need of the tool to instal the 12mm plastic awning rail strip once it's complete, the tool will preserve my sanity as there will be 50 metres of the plastic strip to instal, as I'm also fitting new window seals throughout I will need the tool to instal that plastic infill strip too, I've looked on eBay but I can't find either, can some kind person post me a link please, thanks in advance.

Sean.

 

[paws]

Hi Sheffsean
Masses of good information on how to do it and the tools needed from here:
http://www.practicalcaravan.com/forum/technical/45446-can-anyone-help
It seems the most important tool is a "dry hot day".... there's not too many of those around at the moment, where I am now, but maybe this could be just the excuse you need to take the van over to Spain or somewhere for a few days!
Good luck with the restoration, and WOW! 50 m of strip to fit, that's a lot of strip, but I guess the window strips take a fair bit... hope you can get the tool mentioned in the topic link as this could make the job a little easier..
All best
paws

 

[Sproket]

Have a look at this tool it's not cheap hmy:

 

[Beehpee]

I replaced the infill on both awning rails last year and all I used was a plastic trim tool that you'd get from halfords for probably less than a tenner for a set of various shaped types, I did it on a hot/warm day and soaked the infill in very hot water which I had in a bowl on the floor and used it straight from the bowl, really easy because it was so pliable, make sure to leave some excess at the ends so that as it cools and contracts it doesn't leave a gap.

BP

 

[colin-yorkshire]

made one out of a wire coat hanger

 

[Jaydug]

When I replaced mine I also kept it warm with a bucket of water but |I found a couple of old table knives were useful.

 

[SheffSean]

Loads of great advice guys, many thanks indeed, if the Herzim tool was around £20 I could justify paying that but nearly £50 is rediculous, I know 50 metres sounds a lot but we're also going to fit a new door as ours is sprained at the bottom, Spain? I don't even own a passport, I think I'll use the hot water method and either my nails or the table knives, this might sound sad but I'm enjoying doing this restoration job, but it would have been a lot more difficult and painful in the wallet region without you guys, many thanks again.

Sean.