Winnebago Sightseer Hood Bracket Repair

[pace89]

The left hood bracket failed (seperated from the fiberglass) on our 2004 Winnebago Sightseer 35N. If interested in our solution for repair see photos at: Picasa Web Albums - Terry & Bev + Cookie - Hood Bracket ...

[RVJeeper]

Terry, thanks for sharing the details of your repair. We have a Sunova and I've seen the same failure of the adhesives on the front metal parts and was scratching my head as to how to repair. One question: what kind of adhesive did you use for the repairs and where did you get it?

[pace89]

Hi Ron. The product that I used is a contact adhesive called "Goop" there are several versions of it I used the Automotive version. I to was at a loss about what to use so I thought that I would try that. I have not taken a trip yet but
so far the static load is holding fine & with the elongated slots I was able to adjust the hood so it easily opens/closes just with a little side pressure on the key. I bought the "Goop" at the local "Autozone" automotive parts store. The hard part was trying to make the old adhesive as flat as possible. Since you also have a Sunova; very similar to a Sightseer you may be interested in the other
changes that we have made to our coach. When you view the Hood repairs in "Picasa" click on web albums & there are several more projects that you may be interested in.

[rgrstndgby]

Ron said..........

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVJeeper Terry, thanks for sharing the details of your repair. We have a Sunova and I've seen the same failure of the adhesives on the front metal parts and was scratching my head as to how to repair. One question: what kind of adhesive did you use for the repairs and where did you get it?

Ron, et al..instead of re attaching your hood with adhesive ( which is certainly a good option, tho I would use something like JB Weld) maybe you would consider bolting it back in place. When mine seperated last summer on my Adventurer, circumstances dictated bolting it back on, 2 ea. 1/4-20x 1" cap screws per side, and it has turned out to be very handy, no more working "over the hood", when doing routine maint. I know it can be otherwisw unbolted, but this is really easy. Just make certain of the hood/opening alighnment before drilling...rgr

[RVJeeper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pace89 Hi Ron. The product that I used is a contact adhesive called "Goop" there are several versions of it I used the Automotive version.

I've used Goop over the years for gluing all sorts of stuff! Sounds like a good choice. We don't have a problem with the hood hinge yet, just the metal grille piece below it that has come loose on one end and now thumps in the wind going down the road.

Your coach remodeling projects came out looking awesome. The 32" LCD TV in the front compartment is probably our next project. Have you had any problem with vibration or movement of the TV while traveling? I had in mind to hard mount the TV but using that space behind it for storage makes a lot of sense.

[pace89]

Hi Ron. We have put about 4,000 miles on the coach since the LCD TV Mod & it has held up fine. I bought a roll of 2 sided velcro from Harbor Freight & using one screw one each side in the inside compartment I attached a 20" or so piece then overlap them over the bottom front of the TV, then I put an 1" or so piece of sticky velcro on the edges of the TV where the velcro wraps around (before you overlap them) to stop it from slipping down. It works good & also provides easy access to the rear storage compartment.

[pace89]

Hi Rgrstndgby. I agree with your bolting the hinge back on, & JB Weld is also a good choice. I was not sure what to use & tried the "Goop". I also bolted it back on with the metal strip & ss nuts/bolts/fender washers. I have seen some posts on this issue where the hood is modified to open up instead of down & think I would have opted for that if I had more info on how it was done.