Repairing cracked A-frame cover / fairing

[Andygee70]

Got the filler delivered today so going to give that a go tomorrow. Will post pics to show progress 👍

 

[Andygee70]

Just a quick update, filled in all the cracks and the big hole and I’ve left it for 2 days before sanding with 100 then 600 wet and dry. Looking really good and it passed the finger test. Bought some Hycote primer and the Fiat 249. The primer’s gone on today, with probably 5 coats. I’ll let it harden for 24 hours before sanding if tomorrow. Quite happy with the progress so far.

 

[Andygee70]

All primer coats have been finished, probably 15 thin coats in total. It’s not perfect but not too bad. 24 hours now for it to harden before starting the top coats.

 

[IanB1485]

Nice Job , Well done

 

[Andygee70]

Nice Job , Well done

Thanks Ian 👍

 

[audiorob]

Amazing job and doubtless a lot stronger now than when it left the factory!

 

[Andygee70]

Amazing job and doubtless a lot stronger now than when it left the factory!

Thanks for the kind words Rob 👍 My problem is I lack patience, so to have done everything in sensible stages and left stuff to harden and cure properly has been the secret. I really took my time with the filler sanding. Forgot to take pictures of that stage but it took me a while to get it right. Final stages now and will really take my time with layering up the top paint coat. I’ll probably try to get the cover back on this weekend, weather permitting.

 

[borderbilly]

looking guid

 

[audiorob]

Might say you’ve done a cracking job there!

 

[Andygee70]

Getting to the business end of the project. Layered around 10 coats of the paint and it’s looking smooth but a little dull. So ordered some lacquer today to give it a nice finish. Will let the paint cure now for 24 hours before the final few coats of lacquer.

 

[Andygee70]

Does anyone know of the ‘adhesive’ that’s used under the steps of the fairing? Basically being used to stick the cover to the A frame. When I took the cover off it had a malleable gum-like substance that I was able to scrape off. Felt a little like industrial blutack. I was going to use gripfill as a replacement but I wonder if that would be too rigid.

 

[Martin_E]

It could have been none setting mastic tape like this (as an example)

White Non-Setting Mastic Sealant Strip - Caravan Stuff 4 U

www.caravanstuff4u.co.uk

 

[Andygee70]

It could have been none setting mastic tape like this (as an example)

White Non-Setting Mastic Sealant Strip - Caravan Stuff 4 U

www.caravanstuff4u.co.uk

Yeah I’ve seen something similar - non setting bedding mastic - Seamseal CV 👍

 

[Hutch]

Andy, when I have seen non slip step "tape" it has always been sticky backed, so no glue needed.
Nice job you have done there. 👍

I have just re-read your post, sorry I thought it was the step tape.

On my wife's mobility scooter the cover over the batteries, is held down with velcro tape, you can get some heavy duty stuff, that might help hold the cover down.

 

[toad a caravan]

If you use lacquer from a rattle can it will yellow and possibly be effected by rain,,the finish you have is possible when the "mist' from the can hits the surface it forms "plates" .If a cross section of the layers could be seen they would look like a mountain range,which is quite normal,once a sprayed it is usual to sand down with a very fine wet and dry paper,(1000 grit used with water,a drop of soap liquid would do no harm as the moulding isn't metallic".this is then followed using a fine polish (farecla).

 

[IanB1485]

W4 caravan mastic is used come in either grey or white and in different widths and thicknesses .I also seen self adhesive velcro strips used and good old fashioned blocks of wood as spacers and screws with the plastic caps.

 

[toad a caravan]

This of my 92 Abbey

 

[Andygee70]

If you use lacquer from a rattle can it will yellow and possibly be effected by rain,,the finish you have is possible when the "mist' from the can hits the surface it forms "plates" .If a cross section of the layers could be seen they would look like a mountain range,which is quite normal,once a sprayed it is usual to sand down with a very fine wet and dry paper,(1000 grit used with water,a drop of soap liquid would do no harm as the moulding isn't metallic".this is then followed using a fine polish (farecla).

Hi - thanks for the advice. I’ll do that then. Sand down the lacquer with the 1000 grit wet and dry. If I’m going to do that how many coats of the lacquer do you suggest I spray on? I’ve gone very light on the lacquer uk to now, around 4 coats in total.

 

[Andygee70]

This of my 92 AbbeyView attachment 8202

Wow, amazing job 👍