Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic)
FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) [message #301173] |
Fri, 27 May 2016 02:16 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030 Registered: January 2004 Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I have seen other people mention this stuff but never looked at or worked with it. At the GMC Eastern states rally I installed (with help) some CR Lawrence side windows. In the process I found that the existing walls around the windows were deteriorated to the point that they need to be replaced. I originally was looking for something that would not rot or deteriorate over time.
I found FRP at Menards and Home Depot and decided to give it a try. I originally was going to use it and glue some 1/4 headliner foam to it. Then I was going to cover it with a textured vinyl fabric. As I proceeded through this project I decided to just use the FRP as it is and forgo foam and fabric covering. I could always add the foam and fabric later if desired. I also had some valances that I did not like so I made new ones out of the FRP scraps. I have not completed this yet but hope to do so in a day or two.
I am impressed with FRP. I bought one sheet of the "Crushed ICE version" FRP for about $24.00. I also bought some 8 foot long edge strip for corners, joining sheets, end end trim. The strips were $2.24 each.
This stuff is indestructible. I do not know it's insulation value. Since it is hard surfaced I also do not know how it will be on sound.
It is very thin and flexible. I think it is about .090". The nice thing is it works just like wood. I tried a hole punch on it because my 50 year old 1/2" drill just died. I could not dent the stuff. So after buying a new 1/2" drill, I drilled it just like wood. I cut it using my radial arm saw and my saber saw just like wood. I was able to plane it, file it, and sand it just like wood. I also glued it, using $1.99 polyester epoxy from Harbor Freight. I glued corner pieces made from curved FRP to some corner trim strips to make each of my valances. It set up perfectly. Now my valances can snap together into the corner trim and could be taken apart at will in the future. I have not done the cross piece on the bottom yet, but I intend to make it the same way.
I intended to mount the valances with screws but decided to try double faced semi-permanent foam tape instead. If this does not work then I will screw then on but so far I have used zero screws in this project
So if you are remodeling consider using this FRP stuff.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
|
|
|
Re: [GMCnet] FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) [message #301175 is a reply to message #301173] |
Fri, 27 May 2016 05:24 |
Mr ERFisher
Messages: 7117 Registered: August 2005
Karma: 2
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Here are some examples
http://gmcmotorhome.info/living.html#head
On Friday, May 27, 2016, Ken Burton wrote:
> I have seen other people mention this stuff but never looked at or worked
> with it. At the GMC Eastern states rally I installed (with help) some CR
> Lawrence side windows. In the process I found that the existing walls
> around the windows were deteriorated to the point that they need to be
> replaced. I originally was looking for something that would not rot or
> deteriorate over time.
>
> I found FRP at Menards and Home Depot and decided to give it a try. I
> originally was going to use it and glue some 1/4 headliner foam to it.
> Then I
> was going to cover it with a textured vinyl fabric. As I proceeded
> through this project I decided to just use the FRP as it is and forgo foam
> and
> fabric covering. I could always add the foam and fabric later if
> desired. I also had some valances that I did not like so I made new ones
> out of
> the FRP scraps. I have not completed this yet but hope to do so in a day
> or two.
>
> I am impressed with FRP. I bought one sheet of the "Crushed ICE version"
> FRP for about $24.00. I also bought some 8 foot long edge strip for
> corners, joining sheets, end end trim. The strips were $2.24 each.
>
> This stuff is indestructible. I do not know it's insulation value. Since
> it is hard surfaced I also do not know how it will be on sound.
>
> It is very thin and flexible. I think it is about .090". The nice thing
> is it works just like wood. I tried a hole punch on it because my 50 year
> old 1/2" drill just died. I could not dent the stuff. So after buying a
> new 1/2" drill, I drilled it just like wood. I cut it using my radial arm
> saw and my saber saw just like wood. I was able to plane it, file it, and
> sand it just like wood. I also glued it, using $1.99 polyester epoxy from
> Harbor Freight. I glued corner pieces made from curved FRP to some corner
> trim strips to make each of my valances. It set up perfectly. Now my
> valances can snap together into the corner trim and could be taken apart
> at will in the future. I have not done the cross piece on the bottom yet,
> but I intend to make it the same way.
>
> I intended to mount the valances with screws but decided to try double
> faced semi-permanent foam tape instead. If this does not work then I will
> screw then on but so far I have used zero screws in this project
>
> So if you are remodeling consider using this FRP stuff.
>
>
>
>
> --
> Ken Burton - N9KB
> 76 Palm Beach
> Hebron, Indiana
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
|
|
|
Re: FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) [message #301178 is a reply to message #301173] |
Fri, 27 May 2016 07:31 |
77Royale
Messages: 461 Registered: June 2014 Location: Mid Michigan
Karma: 6
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I did my entire ceiling and a few walls with FRP, Agree with everything Ken said. I did find it is somewhat heat sensitive when cutting. The colder the panel the more it wants to chip. The warmer the panel it cuts without any chips. As I did my ceiling in January I used the furnace to heat up a few panels at a time while I was installing them.
I also found from another GMCer, some panel transition pieces which were a life saver and fit perfectly.
http://www.nudo.com/p_vinyl_trim.php?crumb=%3Ca+href%3D%27l_extrusions_trims.php%27%3EExtrusions/Trims%3C/a%3E
I could not buy direct from the company, I had to order a few sticks through a building supply. I used Number 47. Its a two piece cap and retainer. Came out super nice. I would say you dont need too many rivets through the FRP. Once the cap is snapped into the retainer it is solid and not going anywhere.
With little ones, this is so nice to hit with a sponge and a bit of simple green or windex. No issues drilling through it and popping a few rivets to stick it to the ceiling.
Through the last few heat and cold cycles I have not had any buckling or sagging.
77 Royale, Rear Dry Bath. 403, 3.55 Final Drive, Lenzi goodies, Patterson carb and dizzy.
Mid Michigan
[Updated on: Fri, 27 May 2016 07:33] Report message to a moderator
|
|
|
|
|
|
Re: [GMCnet] FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) [message #301201 is a reply to message #301183] |
Fri, 27 May 2016 16:46 |
Dolph Santorine
Messages: 1236 Registered: April 2011 Location: Wheeling, WV
Karma: -41
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I'm using Coroplast for the ceiling (covered with hull liner) and FRP on the walls covered in Pleather.
If I did it again, it would all be Coroplast.
The ceiling was free from Pat McGeehan for Senate and the WV GOP
Depending on your primary schedule, there may still be some free out there.
Or wait till November.
Dolph Santorine
DE N8JPC
Wheeling, West Virginia
1977 ex-Palm Beach TZE167V100820
1-ton, Sullybuilt Bags, Reaction Arms, 3.70 LSD, Manny Transmission, EV-6010,
> On May 27, 2016, at 9:29 AM, Keith V wrote:
>
> I'm using Coroplast, its a corrugated plastic, for my headliner and walls. It's plastic insulated and I can cut it with a razor knife.
> It holds up to headliner adhesive too I cover it with fabric or such
> I get it at home depot for $20
>
>> Date: Fri, 27 May 2016 07:14:33 -0600
>> To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
>> From: jbrady2@gmail.com
>> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic)
>>
>> I couldn't find any without that odd texture (wavy, not flat)
>> I ended up going to a sign shop and getting foamed PVC. It's not as durable, but it looks nicer IMHO
>> --
>> Justin Brady
>> http://www.thegmcrv.com/
>> 1976 Palm Beach 455
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
|
|
|
|
Re: [GMCnet] FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) [message #301208 is a reply to message #301204] |
Fri, 27 May 2016 21:14 |
Justin Brady
Messages: 769 Registered: April 2015 Location: Bell Buckle, TN
Karma: 11
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Just an update to this.
The foamed PVC looked great, but building walls took its toll, it dents easily. Went back to the sign shop today to get more and left with aluminum sheets instead.
.04" thick white. They look great! A little harder to work with than the PVC but a lot more durable and we like they ay they look a little better
Justin Brady
http://www.thegmcrv.com/
1976 Palm Beach 455
|
|
|
Re: [GMCnet] FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) [message #301216 is a reply to message #301173] |
Fri, 27 May 2016 22:06 |
powerjon
Messages: 2446 Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
|
Senior Member |
|
|
The use of a FRP or plastic type material for headliner and side walls has been used in our coaches for at least 20 years+. It provides a durable material when used for headliner replacement and sidewalls and is impervious to water leaks is easy to clean up and looks nice. It has one major drawback and that is noise control. As for Ken H it will not be an issue, but for others the reflective sound can be quite harsh, both in going down the road with road noise and with voice conversation and TV and Music. I have know several GMC’ers who’s wives that have headliner material added to reduce the noise. Just my personal observation, others results may vary!
JR Wright
78 Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion
Michigan
> On May 27, 2016, at 3:16 AM, Ken Burton wrote:
>
> I have seen other people mention this stuff but never looked at or worked with it. At the GMC Eastern states rally I installed (with help) some CR
> Lawrence side windows. In the process I found that the existing walls around the windows were deteriorated to the point that they need to be
> replaced. I originally was looking for something that would not rot or deteriorate over time.
>
> I found FRP at Menards and Home Depot and decided to give it a try. I originally was going to use it and glue some 1/4 headliner foam to it. Then I
> was going to cover it with a textured vinyl fabric. As I proceeded through this project I decided to just use the FRP as it is and forgo foam and
> fabric covering. I could always add the foam and fabric later if desired. I also had some valances that I did not like so I made new ones out of
> the FRP scraps. I have not completed this yet but hope to do so in a day or two.
>
> I am impressed with FRP. I bought one sheet of the "Crushed ICE version" FRP for about $24.00. I also bought some 8 foot long edge strip for
> corners, joining sheets, end end trim. The strips were $2.24 each.
>
> This stuff is indestructible. I do not know it's insulation value. Since it is hard surfaced I also do not know how it will be on sound.
>
> It is very thin and flexible. I think it is about .090". The nice thing is it works just like wood. I tried a hole punch on it because my 50 year
> old 1/2" drill just died. I could not dent the stuff. So after buying a new 1/2" drill, I drilled it just like wood. I cut it using my radial arm
> saw and my saber saw just like wood. I was able to plane it, file it, and sand it just like wood. I also glued it, using $1.99 polyester epoxy from
> Harbor Freight. I glued corner pieces made from curved FRP to some corner trim strips to make each of my valances. It set up perfectly. Now my
> valances can snap together into the corner trim and could be taken apart at will in the future. I have not done the cross piece on the bottom yet,
> but I intend to make it the same way.
>
> I intended to mount the valances with screws but decided to try double faced semi-permanent foam tape instead. If this does not work then I will
> screw then on but so far I have used zero screws in this project
>
> So if you are remodeling consider using this FRP stuff.
>
>
>
>
> --
> Ken Burton - N9KB
> 76 Palm Beach
> Hebron, Indiana
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
|
|
|
Re: [GMCnet] FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) [message #301219 is a reply to message #301216] |
Fri, 27 May 2016 22:44 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726 Registered: March 2004 Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I used FRP in the X-PB which my son now has. Sure 'nuff, like JR said, I
thought the sound proofing was great! And for KenB, it will be PERFECT!
:-)
Seriously, the carpet covered tile board (from Lowes/HD) I used for my
ceiling and walls is probably the best choice of all. WIth the melamine
coated surface out, it's almost as impervious to water as FRP. And the
semi-porous "brown"/down side cooperates wonderfully with contact cement.
It's main drawback is that it's probably 3-4 times as heavy as FRP. Its
rigidity makes up for that, IMHO.
Ken "1/2 Ear" H.
Good friend of Ken "0 Ear" B.
On Fri, May 27, 2016 at 11:06 PM, John Wright
wrote:
> The use of a FRP or plastic type material for headliner and side walls has
> been used in our coaches for at least 20 years+. It provides a durable
> material when used for headliner replacement and sidewalls and is
> impervious to water leaks is easy to clean up and looks nice. It has one
> major drawback and that is noise control. As for Ken H it will not be an
> issue, but for others the reflective sound can be quite harsh, both in
> going down the road with road noise and with voice conversation and TV and
> Music. I have know several GMC’ers who’s wives that have headliner
> material added to reduce the noise. Just my personal observation, others
> results may vary!
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
|
|
|
Goto Forum:
Current Time: Fri Sep 27 11:55:21 CDT 2024
Total time taken to generate the page: 0.00908 seconds
|