should i glue?

[caseboy]

i'm into rebuilding the front of my "74" 10'cabover.i'm unsure whether to put some seal/adheasive into the space between the outer skin of the arch and the wood inside covering the whole surface or just sealing along the edge.i seem to think if i do the whole surface, i will ad some strength to the structure as the new wood doesn't extend much past the arch rearward.hopefully, those of you who have rebuilt this area or who have ideas can help me

thanks in advance
wes

 

[Mike S.]

I redid the top of my 94 CO last year. Glued everything with Gorilla glue. My theory is that the top should not flex as much as the bottom as it rely is held on by the four rams. The 94 has spray foam insulation that keeps it tight anyway. On the outside I also added a 1/8 ply Baltic birch to stiffen the sides. We have used it over 90 days now over some 4x4 roads(trails) and it is still as good as new. my 2 cents worth for what that's worth today. Have fun!

 

[caseboy]

thanks for the thoughts. i'm leaning that way.

wes

 

[Mike S.]

Wes, I have two of the radius pieces of aluminum that fit on the top front leading edge. if you are still working on your Alaskan you can have them. After I put the extra plywood on they would not fit so they are just sitting in the shop. Let me know we can figure a way to get them to you. Cheers,

 

[caseboy]

thanks mike,

i've got one corner built up and the second corner torn apart right now. i don't think i will have a problem fitting them unless i forgot something or do something stupid in the shop to them.i did come out a little on my radius on the inside, but i think i can just seal the heck out of it when i put the strip on.it matches the outside one just great(they weren't quite the same curve)i won't put them on until both sides and the front are rebuilt.i may be calling you back for them(**** happens sometimes).i will be looking at new ideas to replace the carpet strips and corner carpet pieces by the slides. i'd like to use some sort of rubber flap or weather stripping perhaps. what did you do ?

thanks for your help,
wes

 

[Mike S.]

Wes, Rebuilding Alaskans is FUN just keep telling yourself that and carry on. Now the stuff by the slides, Bryan at Alaskan gave me some vinyl rope that you staple on as a seal it didn't last long so my wife made some new pieces out of a round rubber seal stuff they use in the construction industry she covered it with a cloth stuff that I got from a paper plant. This is tough stuff it will wear like iron and never rot. I will make some more to use as a seal around the cab over sides. Cheers Mike

 

[caseboy]

great idea,can you shoot me some pics of the type of seal you used to make it? either on post or e-mail if it's easier

cty87300@centurytel.net

thanks wes

 

[Mike S.]

Sorry to take so long to reply Wes, with they nice weather we have been out and about.

The vinyl - rubber stuff I used I got from my son who is a contractor in Vancouver. I will be seeing him this weekend and will find out the name of the stuff and where he purchase it. I need to make some more to finish mine off.