Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: Crack in side trim (Read 331 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
Crack in side trim
Hi guys!

Seeking advice on how to repair crack in the rear side/corner trim that suddenly appeared today.

 It was not there a few days ago when we waxed the LD.

It looks like a scratch to me, but DH says it is a crack. Any advice on DIY repair is appreciated!

I can upload more pics if needed.

Thanks
Corky
2013 TK
Re: Crack in side trim
Reply #1 –
We discussed this a month ago.
Hairline cracks-rear corners

The 3M tape is clear and will last a long time, it can be removed and replaced in the future if the tape yellow starts to loosen.
The crack is the result of flexing and thermal expansion and contraction, it will never stop so the repair needs to be flexible.
Any sealant will eventually pop out.

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: Crack in side trim
Reply #2 –
Corky,

You might consider buying one of those corner brackets that helps to secure the end caps to cover that crack.   Actually, I’d buy 2 of them from the Factory so as to match both sides.  If those brackets actually cover the crack, then I’d use a thin bead of sealant over the crack before attaching the brackets with stainless steel screws. 

That would be one of my solutions.
Re: Crack in side trim
Reply #3 –
Hi Ed

You mean buy a bracket from the mothership?
2013 TK
Re: Crack in side trim
Reply #4 –
We have a crack on one side.  My husband is a vintage car enthusiast, and was once published in the Car Craft magazine with his Mustang restoration.  So when we took it from indoor cold storage 18 months ago post Minnesota winter.  I was so sad to see the crack.  He did the 3M tape.  It's in storage right now.  If I find a photo of the repair  I'll post it.  Or at weeks end  I can post the repair with 18 month aging to it.

Nadine
Re: Crack in side trim
Reply #5 –
Great!  I would love to see the before and after photos and a short description of how to do it. 

DH wants to use regular clear package tape on it.  I am worried all the paint will be ripped off when we remove the tape.  Hope to make the trek to the mothership for a real repair but that is not in the cards right now. 

Any DIY help will be greatly appreciated!
2013 TK
Re: Crack in side trim
Reply #6 –
We're picking it up from storage at weeks end.  ETA Friday.   I'll post the after photo  once taken. 

Nadine
Re: Crack in side trim
Reply #7 –
Quote from: corkydeltadog  - 
DH wants to use regular clear package tape on it.  I am worried all the paint will be ripped off when we remove the tape.  Hope to make the trek to the mothership for a real repair but that is not in the cards right now. 
Any DIY help will be greatly appreciated!

Do not use packing tape, it isn't designed for UV exposure and will yellow and possibly fall apart.
Use a tape designed for this application.
Application isn't hard, the surface needs to be very clean, tape across the crack and trim any overhang with an Exacto knife or sharp single edge razor blade.

Don't be surprised to have to replace the tape in a few years, any repair will need replacing at some point.
This 'is' the repair, the Factory can replace the end cap and then repaint it, expect to pay a lot for this and there is no guarantee it will not happen again, cracks in the end caps are very common and not considered a warranty item.

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: Crack in side trim
Reply #9 –
Quote from: Ed & Margee  - 
That would be one of my solutions.  I think someone on the Forum did that a few years ago.  Hope this helps.

The brackets are made to cover the gap between the upper and lower rear end caps. They will need painting to match and while better looking, they are cosmetic and do not permanently cure the potential leakage problem, any sealant under the bracket will continue to flex and eventually breakdown. Since the crack isn’t visible anymore, future leakage will go unnoticed .The same goes for rigs with the brackets installed during manufacturing, the seal needs renewal eventually.
I prefer to keep cracks visible after repairs, so any breakdown inthe sealant can be seen. The clear tape allows this.
This should be taken seriously, I have seen too any LDs with rear corner rot, caused by leaking caps or rear windows.

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: Crack in side trim
Reply #10 –
Hi everyone!

Thanks for all the input regarding the hairline crack.

We have decided to use Captain Tolley's and then put the 3M Paint film over that.  We have placed the order and  we are awaiting delivery.

Meanwhile, we have the LD in the driveway and rain is expected this afternoon with strong winds.  Granted the weatherman is not 100% right all the time, but I do wonder if we should drive the LD over to the covered storage unit to prevent water getting in the crack.  OR will that make the crack bigger, longer, wider, worse???

  Should we temporarily use some tape to hold it in place and then drive it over?

Or keep in the driveway until we can do repairs and hope for the best regarding the weather?   :o YIKES!!!
2013 TK
Re: Crack in side trim
Reply #11 –
If it were me (and I don't yet have one), I would put it into covered storage since you have that option.  I would never let water remotely think about getting into any rv.  I have mold illness so maybe that is just me but ah, NO RAIN.
Re: Crack in side trim
Reply #12 –
Quote from: corkydeltadog  - 

We have decided to use Captain Tolley's and then put the 3M Paint film over that.  We have placed the order and  we are awaiting delivery.
Meanwhile, we have the LD in the driveway and rain is expected this afternoon with strong winds.  Granted the weatherman is not 100% right all the time, but I do wonder if we should drive the LD over to the covered storage unit to prevent water getting in the crack.  OR will that make the crack bigger, longer, wider, worse???
Should we temporarily use some tape to hold it in place and then drive it over?
Or keep in the driveway until we can do repairs and hope for the best regarding the weather?   :o YIKES!!!

Relax, this isn't the end of the world, it's a common problem that only becomes an issue when it isn't repaired for a long time.
If you are going to tape it, don't bother with the Captain Tolley's, it will not hold the pieces in place and will serve no purpose.
I would clean the end cap's surface and apply the tape, it shouldn't take more than five minutes.

If you can't do it today, you can apply any tape that will release cleanly. Gorilla clear tape is my preferred temporary tape, it doesn't leave a lot of adhesives behind when it is removed.

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: Crack in side trim
Reply #13 –
Thanks Larry and Donnanddavid!

  We don't have Gorilla clear tape but have masking tape that should come loose easily.

I do think we will put it in covered storage (thanks Donnanddavid) since it has sat out enough in this 98 degree sun.  It will take a few days to get the real stuff to fix it and we can do the real repairs in the shade.

 As far as the Captain Tolley and 3M goes, DH says he is a "belt and suspenders" guy and want to do both  :D

Thanks again and will let you know how it all comes out!
2013 TK