05 Itasca Horizon Engine Access Cover

[mjurgen889]

My wife and I recently purchased a very well taken care of 05 Itasca Horizon - 400HP turbo engine. We took it out last Saturday to fill up and take some pictures. After walking around the rear of the coach, I discovered the painted fiberglass panel that attaches to the metal engine access frame was detached - we were lucky it didn't fall to the ground or on a vehicle following or just get damaged.

I need to know what adhesive would be best to re-attach the fiberglass panel to the metal frame. Obviously I need to clean off the old adhesive from both pieces, but I want to apply the correct adhesive. The adhesive applied at the factory came from a caulking type tube and is black in color. Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks!

Mike

[Petro]

Mike;

My suggestion is to call Winnebago. 800-537-1885 They should be able to help you.

Don

[Martind4]

I think the stuff Winnie uses is called "Plexus", or at least that's what they show in their catalog. It might be available from a marine supply store but takes a special mixing gun to apply.

Some folks have had good luck with JB Weld, just make sure the area is cleaned well and you allow enough time for it to cure before moving.

My local body shop loaned me a 3M caulking/mixing gun for a 2 part 3M product. I bought the material from an auto parts store and planned to purchase the applicator until I found out it costs $450.

The fallback solution is to attach with small stainless steel thru bolts/nuts.

[Alan24601]

I used the 3m automotive panel adhesive to repair my doors that were damaged by an errant concrete post. Takes a two part caulking gun but wors

[SVTotem]

"The fallback solution is to attach with small stainless steel thru bolts/nuts."

This is the approach I used. With countersunk bolts the modification is not visible with the grill closed. Use nylock nuts and it is bullet proof.

[Old Snipe]

I had the same issue and used a heavy duty epoxy I picked up at Lowe's. It has worked very well.

The last thing I would use is what Winnebago recommends, you'd have the same problem again because it failed in the first place.

Best Regards!

[doorguy]

On our 04 Journey, the front generator access cover came loose where the hinge is "glued" to the front cap. I used JB Weld and pop rivets to re-attached the hinge to the front cap(it does not show because it is behind the access cover) and clamped it o'nite. I believe the JB Weld in itself would have been sufficient but I always over correct a situation. The only problem was, it was hot, sun beating down on the front of the coach and the JB Weld dripped on my shirt and I rubbed it up against the front cap. Didn't notice it till the next day, which was too late to remove. Had to have the front cap from windshield down repainted. It wasn't cheap but the acess door mounting will never fail again. I've used JB Weld in numberous applications and it has always worked.

[txdutt]

used a liquid nail adhesive on the hood of mine when I found the hood starting to detach along the frame assy, had the same original black gunk--so far so good--if you go that route be sure to use the correct one-PL Premium polyeurathane

[mjurgen889]

Thanks to all you recent posters! I emailed Winnebago earlier this week and received a call from them yesterday - very nice service. The rep suggested the product they use (mentioned above), Plexus, and also the 3M line. By the way, Plexus is the name of the adhesive line, not the specific adhesive, so if you go that route, you'll have to determine which specific adhesive to use. I'm going to use 3M 8219 which is designed for fiberglass to metal applications and also investigate counter sinking some SS screws as a backup. Thanks again for all the help - that's what makes this a great forum!

Mike

[ditto]

I understand this is a common problem...issue is poor prep work at factory I was told...be sure to prep both pieces before the new adhesives...