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How do you repair the rear inner fender? [message #213389] Fri, 05 July 2013 20:02 Go to next message
bpimm is currently offline  bpimm   United States
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I got the leaky water heater out and found a lot of damage to the inner fender, it's busted up pretty bad. What material are these made of and can they be repaired?

Without flash to show holes.
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/bdpimm/1973%20GMC%20Motor%20home/IMG_6420.jpg

With flash to show inside condition.
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/bdpimm/1973%20GMC%20Motor%20home/IMG_6421.jpg

The solid area between the cracks is split in a couple places as well.

Wondering if epoxy or polyester resin will bond to the existing plastic, if it will I can build up a new top with glass cloth and which ever resin will bond.

Brian
73 26' unknown model


Brian & RaeDean 1973 26' #383 Washougal WA
Re: How do you repair the rear inner fender? [message #213392 is a reply to message #213389] Fri, 05 July 2013 20:26 Go to previous messageGo to next message
GeorgeRud is currently offline  GeorgeRud   United States
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If there is enough solid material at the edges, you could try to pop rivet some plastic over the damaged area.

A more permanent repair would be to just replace the entire wheel well with either a good used one from a wreck, or I believe JimK sells new, fiberglass replacements. As torn us as that one looks, I'd probably go for the replacement wheel well. Plastics don't bond so well in a stressed area where road debris is constantly being thrown up at them.


George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach
Re: How do you repair the rear inner fender? [message #213397 is a reply to message #213389] Fri, 05 July 2013 20:45 Go to previous messageGo to next message
C Boyd is currently offline  C Boyd   United States
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Sir: it is my understanding that the 73-74 had different rear wheel wells from the 75-78 models. The early models have flat top wheel wells and if the bags are empty the tires will hit the top of the wheel wells and this probably contributed to your problem especially if the coach was moved or driven with the bags down. The 75-78s have a bump in the wheel wells to prevent interference when the coach is at its lowest point. Best thing would be to replace with later model wheel wells.
I am thinkin they are made of pvc and can be glued with pvc glue or plastic weld epoxy made for pvc. Hopefully someone that knows more than me will chime in. I have a set but it is a long walk to Tenn.


bpimm wrote on Fri, 05 July 2013 21:02

I got the leaky water heater out and found a lot of damage to the inner fender, it's busted up pretty bad. What material are these made of and can they be repaired?

Without flash to show holes.
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/bdpimm/1973%20GMC%20Motor%20home/IMG_6420.jpg

With flash to show inside condition.
http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/bdpimm/1973%20GMC%20Motor%20home/IMG_6421.jpg

The solid area between the cracks is split in a couple places as well.

Wondering if epoxy or polyester resin will bond to the existing plastic, if it will I can build up a new top with glass cloth and which ever resin will bond.

Brian
73 26' unknown model




C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
Re: How do you repair the rear inner fender? [message #213401 is a reply to message #213397] Fri, 05 July 2013 21:01 Go to previous messageGo to next message
bpimm is currently offline  bpimm   United States
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I think replacement is a good option for later, it looks like the bathroom would have to come out to replace it and that's a bit more than I want to tackle right now. I'll see if urethane will stick to it if it will I have some 1/8 plastic sheet to make a patch out of. pop riveted with urethane should seal temporarily.

Brian & RaeDean 1973 26' #383 Washougal WA
Re: How do you repair the rear inner fender? [message #213402 is a reply to message #213389] Fri, 05 July 2013 21:04 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Luvn737s is currently offline  Luvn737s   United States
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Mine are busted at the rear, so if anyone finds a fix I'd be happy to learn about it. My 73 doesn't have removeable liners.

Randy
1973 26' Painted Desert
Ahwatukee (Phoenix) AZ
Re: [GMCnet] How do you repair the rear inner fender? [message #213404 is a reply to message #213389] Fri, 05 July 2013 21:17 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Mr ERFisher is currently offline  Mr ERFisher   United States
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> I got the leaky water heater out and found a lot of damage to the inner
> fender, it's busted up pretty bad. What material are these made of and can
> they be repaired?
>
> go here
http://gmcmotorhome.info/skin.html
and read front and rear wheel liners

gene



> Without flash to show holes.
>
>
> With flash to show inside condition.
>
>
> The solid area between the cracks is split in a couple places as well.
>
> Wondering if epoxy or polyester resin will bond to the existing plastic,
> if it will I can build up a new top with glass cloth and which ever resin
> will bond.
>
> Brian
> 73 26' unknown model
>
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--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
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Re: How do you repair the rear inner fender? [message #213406 is a reply to message #213389] Fri, 05 July 2013 21:27 Go to previous messageGo to next message
A Hamilto is currently offline  A Hamilto   United States
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bpimm wrote on Fri, 05 July 2013 20:02

I got the leaky water heater out and found a lot of damage to the inner fender, it's busted up pretty bad. What material are these made of and can they be repaired?
...
Wondering if epoxy or polyester resin will bond to the existing plastic, if it will I can build up a new top with glass cloth and which ever resin will bond.

Brian
73 26' unknown model
Might be ABS. If you can find some PVC panels, you might "experiment" with the single adhesive cement formulated for three types of plastic: PVC, CPVC and ABS. Are those 4' X 8' plastic panels at the home centers PVC or what? The plastic fence posts would make good edge corners if you cut them lengthwise on all four sides.

Be careful. If your repair lasts as long as you own it, but fails as soon as you sell it, you will be the evil PO.
Re: [GMCnet] How do you repair the rear inner fender? [message #213411 is a reply to message #213404] Fri, 05 July 2013 21:54 Go to previous messageGo to next message
bpimm is currently offline  bpimm   United States
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Thanks Gene that's some good reading. they went to SMC at #1022, mine is #383. I'll see what kind of temporary patch I can come up with.

Brian & RaeDean 1973 26' #383 Washougal WA
Re: [GMCnet] How do you repair the rear inner fender? [message #213419 is a reply to message #213397] Fri, 05 July 2013 22:22 Go to previous messageGo to next message
sgltrac is currently offline  sgltrac   United States
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The rear wheel wells in my 77 royale are fiberglass. I can't see the link to your photos on your post so I have no idea if the earlier wells are plastic or not. If they are fiberglass, repair is quite easy with resin and mat. If they are abs plastic , fiberglass resin and mat will also work well. If they are a thermoset plastic which is flexible then fiberglass is not a good option and I would opt for rivets and thin aluminum sheet followed by a brushed coat of flexible sealer.
All of the rear wheel wells are removable. It's just a question of how much cabinetry needs to come out first.

Todd Sullivan

Sully
77 royale
Seattle
On Jul 5, 2013, at 6:45 PM, Charles Boyd <covered-wagon@comcast.net> wrote:

>
>
> Sir: it is my understanding that the 73-74 had different rear wheel wells from the 75-78 models. The early models have flat top wheel wells and if the bags are empty the tires will hit the top of the wheel wells and this probably contributed to your problem especially if the coach was moved or driven with the bags down. The 75-78s have a bump in the wheel wells to prevent interference when the coach is at its lowest point. Best thing would be to replace with later model wheel wells.
> I am thinkin they are made of pvc and can be glued with pvc glue or plastic weld epoxy made for pvc. Hopefully someone that knows more than me will chime in. I have a set but it is a long walk to Tenn.
>
>
> bpimm wrote on Fri, 05 July 2013 21:02
>> I got the leaky water heater out and found a lot of damage to the inner fender, it's busted up pretty bad. What material are these made of and can they be repaired?
>>
>> Without flash to show holes.
>>
>>
>> With flash to show inside condition.
>>
>>
>> The solid area between the cracks is split in a couple places as well.
>>
>> Wondering if epoxy or polyester resin will bond to the existing plastic, if it will I can build up a new top with glass cloth and which ever resin will bond.
>>
>> Brian
>> 73 26' unknown model
>
>
> --
> C. Boyd
> 76 Crestmont
> East Tennessee
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Sully 77 Royale basket case. Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list) Seattle, Wa.
Re: How do you repair the rear inner fender? [message #213420 is a reply to message #213389] Fri, 05 July 2013 22:25 Go to previous messageGo to next message
JohnL455 is currently offline  JohnL455   United States
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There is a roofing product called "Throught the Roof" for around stacks and vents. It's clear and comes in quarts. It's similar to the clear Goop in a tube products. If you were to rivet new material in place and seal with that it would be watertight. I used it to seal firewall to body air leaks on mine and it is tough and flexibie but not stretchy like dreaded silicone. Used a 1" brush.

John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
Re: How do you repair the rear inner fender? [message #213423 is a reply to message #213420] Fri, 05 July 2013 22:30 Go to previous messageGo to next message
bpimm is currently offline  bpimm   United States
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I like that idea, I'll look into it.


JohnL455 wrote on Fri, 05 July 2013 20:25

There is a roofing product called "Throught the Roof" for around stacks and vents. It's clear and comes in quarts. It's similar to the clear Goop in a tube products. If you were to rivet new material in place and seal with that it would be watertight. I used it to seal firewall to body air leaks on mine and it is tough and flexibie but not stretchy like dreaded silicone. Used a 1" brush.



Brian & RaeDean 1973 26' #383 Washougal WA
Re: [GMCnet] How do you repair the rear inner fender? [message #213424 is a reply to message #213419] Fri, 05 July 2013 22:35 Go to previous messageGo to next message
bpimm is currently offline  bpimm   United States
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They're a flexible black plastic doesn't feel like PVC or ABS and is kinda stringy when sanded so I'm thinking a riveted patch panel of aluminum or plastic is going to be the short term fix. I have a sheet of plastic, I need to hammer test it and see if it's tough enough.

sgltrac wrote on Fri, 05 July 2013 20:22

The rear wheel wells in my 77 royale are fiberglass. I can't see the link to your photos on your post so I have no idea if the earlier wells are plastic or not. If they are fiberglass, repair is quite easy with resin and mat. If they are abs plastic , fiberglass resin and mat will also work well. If they are a thermoset plastic which is flexible then fiberglass is not a good option and I would opt for rivets and thin aluminum sheet followed by a brushed coat of flexible sealer.
All of the rear wheel wells are removable. It's just a question of how much cabinetry needs to come out first.

Todd Sullivan

Sully
77 royale
Seattle
On Jul 5, 2013, at 6:45 PM, Charles Boyd <covered-wagon@comcast.net> wrote:




Brian & RaeDean 1973 26' #383 Washougal WA
Re: How do you repair the rear inner fender? [message #213431 is a reply to message #213389] Fri, 05 July 2013 23:15 Go to previous messageGo to next message
midlf is currently offline  midlf   United States
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bpimm wrote on Fri, 05 July 2013 20:02

I got the leaky water heater out and found a lot of damage to the inner fender, it's busted up pretty bad. What material are these made of and can they be repaired?

Brian
73 26' unknown model



According to the '73 MM, page 1-16, "The wheel houses are made of plastic polyethylene."


Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
Re: [GMCnet] How do you repair the rear inner fender? [message #213436 is a reply to message #213424] Sat, 06 July 2013 01:39 Go to previous messageGo to next message
sgltrac is currently offline  sgltrac   United States
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Some 5 gallon paint buckets might make for good donor material.

Todd Sullivan

Sully
77 royale
Seattle

On Jul 5, 2013, at 8:35 PM, Brian Pimm <brian@pimmlabs.com> wrote:

>
>
> They're a flexible black plastic doesn't feel like PVC or ABS and is kinda stringy when sanded so I'm thinking a riveted patch panel of aluminum or plastic is going to be the short term fix. I have a sheet of plastic, I need to hammer test it and see if it's tough enough.
>
> sgltrac wrote on Fri, 05 July 2013 20:22
>> The rear wheel wells in my 77 royale are fiberglass. I can't see the link to your photos on your post so I have no idea if the earlier wells are plastic or not. If they are fiberglass, repair is quite easy with resin and mat. If they are abs plastic , fiberglass resin and mat will also work well. If they are a thermoset plastic which is flexible then fiberglass is not a good option and I would opt for rivets and thin aluminum sheet followed by a brushed coat of flexible sealer.
>> All of the rear wheel wells are removable. It's just a question of how much cabinetry needs to come out first.
>>
>> Todd Sullivan
>>
>> Sully
>> 77 royale
>> Seattle
>> On Jul 5, 2013, at 6:45 PM, Charles Boyd <covered-wagon@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>
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Sully 77 Royale basket case. Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list) Seattle, Wa.
Re: [GMCnet] How do you repair the rear inner fender? [message #213437 is a reply to message #213411] Sat, 06 July 2013 02:15 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mike miller   United States
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bpimm wrote on Fri, 05 July 2013 19:54

Thanks Gene that's some good reading. they went to SMC at #1022, mine is #383. I'll see what kind of temporary patch I can come up with.


#0383.

That is fairly early.

You'll find lots of other "special features" of your early coach here: <http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g3475-production-changes.html>

The note about changing to fiberglass wheel wells was with TZExx4V101022. Note this is a 1974 coach (not a 1973) as early 1974's still had the plastic wheel wells.



Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo' http://m000035.blogspot.com
Re: How do you repair the rear inner fender? [message #213544 is a reply to message #213389] Sat, 06 July 2013 20:38 Go to previous messageGo to next message
bpimm is currently offline  bpimm   United States
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I came up with a temporary fix that should hold until I can gut it and replace the fenders. The plastic was deformed and I couldn't bend it by hand to get it aligned enough for rivets so I took a piece of MDF that has a coating on it that looks waterproof, it's the platform that the belt runs on on a treadmill I parted out, I cleaned the plastic and put on a liberal amount of automotive seam sealer. I then screwed up from underneath with 3/4" Sheetrock screws with washers, by starting in one corner and adding screws about every 1.25" I was able to pull the liner back up to the MDF and got a good squeeze out of the seam sealer. I think it should hold for a year or two. Where the crack went over the edge I cut a piece of plastic off of the Dash of the same treadmill that had about the same curve and attached it the same way.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/bdpimm/1973%20GMC%20Motor%20home/IMG_6422.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/bdpimm/1973%20GMC%20Motor%20home/IMG_6423.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/bdpimm/1973%20GMC%20Motor%20home/IMG_6424.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/bdpimm/1973%20GMC%20Motor%20home/IMG_6425.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m57/bdpimm/1973%20GMC%20Motor%20home/IMG_6426.jpg

The other side is in as bad of shape so I'll have to see if I can do the same thing there.

That's enough for today, time for Mexican food and a margarita.





Brian & RaeDean 1973 26' #383 Washougal WA
Re: How do you repair the rear inner fender? [message #213581 is a reply to message #213544] Sun, 07 July 2013 09:10 Go to previous messageGo to next message
midlf is currently offline  midlf   United States
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bpimm wrote on Sat, 06 July 2013 20:38

The other side is in as bad of shape so I'll have to see if I can do the same thing there.

That's enough for today, time for Mexican food and a margarita.






Based on the pictures you posted this appears to be the classic "ran with no air in the bags" wheel well failure. Tire pushes up into the wheel well cracking it. If driven that way the tire cuts/burns a hole in the liner. The location and shape of your hole screams TIRE.


Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
Re: How do you repair the rear inner fender? [message #213588 is a reply to message #213581] Sun, 07 July 2013 10:07 Go to previous messageGo to next message
bpimm is currently offline  bpimm   United States
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As do the rub marks all around the holes on the outside. I have no doubt that is what happened, Backed up by the melted main airline and the schrader valves in the bags.


[/quote]

Based on the pictures you posted this appears to be the classic "ran with no air in the bags" wheel well failure. Tire pushes up into the wheel well cracking it. If driven that way the tire cuts/burns a hole in the liner. The location and shape of your hole screams TIRE.
[/quote]


Brian & RaeDean 1973 26' #383 Washougal WA
Re: [GMCnet] How do you repair the rear inner fender? [message #213605 is a reply to message #213588] Sun, 07 July 2013 11:30 Go to previous message
sgltrac is currently offline  sgltrac   United States
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Brian,

After you patch the wells stop on by my shop next time you are in Seattle. You can check out my Sullybilt rear airbag kit which has a built in internal bump stop to prevent tire contact with the wheel well. All testimonials of ride quality put it at least as good as oem with most saying improved over oem

Sully
77 royale
Seattle



On Jul 7, 2013, at 8:07 AM, Brian Pimm <brian@pimmlabs.com> wrote:

>
>
> As do the rub marks all around the holes on the outside. I have no doubt that is what happened, Backed up by the melted main airline and the schrader valves in the bags.
>
>
> [/quote]
>
> Based on the pictures you posted this appears to be the classic "ran with no air in the bags" wheel well failure. Tire pushes up into the wheel well cracking it. If driven that way the tire cuts/burns a hole in the liner. The location and shape of your hole screams TIRE.
> [/quote]
>
> --
> Brian & RaeDean
>
> 1973 26' #383
>
> Washougal WA
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Sully 77 Royale basket case. Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list) Seattle, Wa.
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