Replacing a wheel spat
Last year we had a blow out on one tyre of our twin axle, this resulted in damage to the wheel spat, but the van was OK otherwise. Dealer patched up the spat, but we have finally got around to purchasing a new one.
Being a twin axle, the spat is quite large, and I have heard several tales of spats being lost without trace, so wondering what is the best way to fix the new one in place.
The manufacturers say not to trust the original fixing clips, if indeed they are still there, but to glue it in place, and there are 4 or 5 blocks bonded to the back of it to apply the glue to. They have suggested "No more nails" or "Stixall" or "Gorilla Glue".
Can anyone who has done a job like this recommend which of these would be best?
And should I also seal the top edge of spat to body of van junction, to prevent water and dirt getting trapped?
Comments
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I've bonded a few things to my caravans, including an awning rail.
Gorilla Glue would not be my choice as it is a messy foaming polyurethane glue.
The likes of no more nails, liquid nails etc would work, but you must not use a water based version in the low temperature and damp weather we have at present.
My choice would however be the one time industry default setting of Sikaflex. This is a non setting adhesive mastic sealant that cures to a stiff rubber type consistency. It used to be hideously expensive at about £12/14 a tube, but it is now available form the likes of Screwfix or Toolstation for a lot less.
Colin
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Thanks both! I was thinking of Sikaflex too, have used it before, on our previous caravan. Not needed to do any exterior repairs on this one before.
Just need some decent weather to get out there to do it, far too cold and wet at present. Either that or pay our dealer to do it when it goes for service in 4 weeks time.
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If you can get some small stainless steel self tappers in then all the better. They will keep the spat in place whilst the Sikaflex goes off and gives that extra piece of mind.
Colin
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Having had the same thing happen to us on the A64 to York some years ago I had to replace the nearside wheel spat on our van I used silicone sealer which couler matched the spat and also used 2 s/steel self tapping screw ,that was 6 ears ago and it it still firmly secured, just use a quality s/sealer product
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We use CT plus on numerous locations when repairing coaches and wouldnt use anything else.
The body work on a coach especially a modern coach flexes even more with todays roads
Its not cheap and available in different colours from Wickes and oline tho we buy in bulk and is applied with a standard silicone gun.
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Fair point flatcoat, but original is not always best. Our vans are built to a specification to make the manufacturer a profit. It is quicker and cheaper for them to use a couple of screws instead of screws and adhesive.
Colin
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This is the part in question, no screw holes, and nervous about drilling some!
https://caravanpanels.com/sterling-caravan-twin-wheel-spat-002-2952-p.asp
Our van is 15 years old and Swift no longer supply parts for it, but the part from CP is identical to the one still intact on the van.
If I do drill it for screws, where should they be positioned?
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I cannot see a flange on the outside on the spat where it would sit next to the van, so I'm guessing it must be on the inside. I'd be tempted to put three screws along the top edge and one low down each end, about 70mm up from the bottom possibly.
Colin
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Hmmm.....I am starting to think I might ask our dealer to fit it!
When OH booked the service she did discuss it with them, and they are happy to do it if required.
Do not remember seeing a flange inside, but it is a while since it arrived, need to check, It is sitting out inside the van at the moment.
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