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Topic: End caps, Screws? PLS40? 5200? (Read 351 times) previous topic - next topic
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End caps, Screws? PLS40? 5200?
I’ll be ready to put my end caps back on after I finish my rot repair, still have to repair the lower 2x4 and then I plan to liberally apply PLS40 over all exposed wood to ensure I had a good seal.

As far as reattaching end Caps, I want to use 5200 but fear that servicing the end caps in the future if needed would be a disaster considering how permanent it is. I am also worried about sealing the joint where the caps meet, I don’t want sealant at the joint to cause cap separation down the road due to expansion.

Per Larry’s pictures it looks like he used screws to affix his caps, I’m guessing the screws are bedded when the sealant is still wet to seal the screws themselves, has anyone had any issues with this method?

I’d prefer to use PL S40 for the entire job, and then seal the end cap seam with eternabond, I’m guessing if I affix end caps with screws that should give me a lasting repair. 

Lastly, in my situation the seam at the end cap joint was compromised and allowed water intrusion, considering the flexibility and quality of eternabond tape that seems to be the only sure way to seal off that portion of the caps, now that I’ve had mine apart is surprising how many opportunities water has to enter the wooden structure around the rear corners. I hope this repair will last long enough for me to forget the headache!
2000 RB
Re: End caps, Screws? PLS40? 5200?
Reply #1 –
Quote from: Cor2man  - 
I am also worried about sealing the joint where the caps meet, I don’t want sealant at the joint to cause cap separation down the road due to expansion.
Per Larry’s pictures it looks like he used screws to affix his caps, I’m guessing the screws are bedded when the sealant is still wet to seal the screws themselves, has anyone had any issues with this method?
I’d prefer to use PL S40 for the entire job, and then seal the end cap seam with eternabond, I’m guessing if I affix end caps with screws that should give me a lasting repair. 

Pre-drill the end cap's screw holes slightly oversize to prevent cracking of the cap's plastic.
The screws are bedded into the fresh adhesive, the screw's main purpose is to position the caps in position while the sealant cures. The screws also help prevent the caps from loosening in the future .

I pre-position the caps, before gluing, in place to determine what to mask off and where to drill the holes in the caps and the screw pilot holes in the corner walls.
Masking everything off that you want to keep polyurethane off of will save you a lot of time in cleanup.
Tape all of existing paint on the sides and rear. Once the cap is glued and screwed down, remove the excess sealant and finish the edges with a wet, gloved finger and once you are satisfied, immediately remove all of the masking tape.
Using the 5200 FC to glue the caps can provide a long lasting repair along with smooth, clean edges .
Window and seam sealing | Flickr
You will definitely want to wear disposable gloves when using polyurethane, while sealing, I will wear up to three pairs of gloves at once, peeling them off, one at a time, as they get contaminated.
5 mil Nitrile Powder-Free Gloves 100 Pc Large

The gap will continue to flex,  the best you can do is to seal it with polyurethane and then cover it with Eternabond.
Regularly inspect the gap to make sure the seal is still intact.

Regular two-part epoxy will work on the caps but the specific plastic epoxy works even better.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: End caps, Screws? PLS40? 5200?
Reply #2 –
Good to hear, this is how I’ll go about it all. Not sure how many bottles of 5200 it will take but if it’s all it’s cracked up to be I’d rather deal with that over cheaper stuff. I will however use the locktite to seal the wood behind the caps.

So my window is removed and the OEM seal was a P-Shaped Edpm gasket along with strategical placed poly sealant at the AL skin seams. Looking through the forum archives people describe the gasket as a D shape and I am having a hard time getting the same size dP shape gasket. Does anyone have an input as to the extrusion profile/sizing of the gasket being used by the factory now?

Obviously I could source a gasket from the mothership but “STEEL” rubber products is 5 minutes from my house so getting new gasket material from them would be a better option for me.
2000 RB
Re: End caps, Screws? PLS40? 5200?
Reply #4 –
Haha When I typed bottles is was referring to caulk gun cartridges...so I guess I’m going to be wishing I had a electric caulk gun when applying this stuff? Sounds like a good time indeed.
2000 RB
Re: End caps, Screws? PLS40? 5200?
Reply #5 –
Quote from: Cor2man  - 
Haha When I typed bottles is was referring to caulk gun cartridges...so I guess I’m going to be wishing I had a electric caulk gun when applying this stuff? Sounds like a good time indeed.

The 10-oz tubes are easy to use as long as the product isn't old.
Before applying, wipe all surfaces to be glued one last time with acetone or lacquer thinner.
Wish I could help with the gasket, let us know if you find the right gasket shape.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: End caps, Screws? PLS40? 5200?
Reply #7 –
I’m simply wondering what design the gasket from the factory is...because I have looked everywhere and cannot seem to find the exact gasket as the original.
2000 RB
Re: End caps, Screws? PLS40? 5200?
Reply #8 –
Try rvwindow.com (Pelland Enterprises). I will look for the item number of the window gasket I bought from them for my 2003; will post the information if I find it. I don’t want to rely on my memory! 😳
2003 TK has a new home
Re: End caps, Screws? PLS40? 5200?
Reply #9 –
*IF* this is the window gasket you’re referring to, the number is H109-376 on the Pelland  website in my previous post.  It’s sold by the foot (pricey, but with the number, you may be able to find cheaper from a different vendor), available in black or white, and is the same seal that the factory uses, at least it is on my 2003.

HTH.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: End caps, Screws? PLS40? 5200?
Reply #10 –
Very interstesting...this is a very different cross section than what mine had.  That being said I’m guessing I can pick something similar from my local source.
2000 RB