Community Forums

Ali · 08-26-2018, 10:18 AM

Hello Everyone,

I am looking for some advice on how to fix compartment door panel separation on our 2000 Monaco Windsor 40PBS.

I've noticed at least two of the bottom compartment door panels are separating from outer panel to panel frame (see pics below)

Any DIY Monaco owner dealt with this issue before? Any advice how to fix this?

Thank you
Ali

RamiDav · 08-26-2018, 11:07 AM

I have repaired mine , cleaning the areas is probably the hardest part .

You need to buy 3M VHB tape ( very high bond ) it comes in a thin and
a thicker version .
I used the thicker , 1/2 inch wide

I bought mine on Amazon along with their 3M adhesive remover that works .

There are so many to choose from but this is what I bought .

3M RP25/GRY055 Scotch RP25 VHB Tape: 1/2" x 15 ft, Grey 3M 03618 Adhesive Remover - 12 oz.

Measure and buy extra , it takes a lot .

Get the surfaces clean then insert something as a prop to keep a gap

while you apply the tape because this stuff really sticks .
Of course you can take the door completely apart but I chose not to .

Ray

gonzo136 · 08-26-2018, 01:35 PM

If you want it to last Google "prep aluminum for epoxy". It is very important to prep the surface before epoxying. While aluminum does not rust, it does get a patina on the surface. Which fills in the voids that the epoxy binds to.

peterdube · 08-26-2018, 01:56 PM

Drill two holes ,install two rivets and paint head of rivets. Problem solved. Good solid fix. Hope this helps. Peter in Maine.

8.3Oilbuner · 08-26-2018, 07:56 PM

Hi Ali; Had the same thing on our 2001 Windsor after I bought it in 2015. Someone tried using silicone adhesive. That failed and the door looked like yours. Went up to our local Ace hardware and started reading tubes of construction adhesive. Gorilla Glue makes a construction adhesive that bonds aluminum. The worst part was cleaning the old silicone off. Did not want to bend the skin too far out and put a crease in it. Cleaned all the silicone off and wiped door frame with brake clean. Put bead of the Gorilla construction adhesive on door frame. You have about 20 min. to work with it. Used C clamps with 2X4's wrapped with towels for the outside painted surface and the steel part of the clamp on the frame. After clamping, remove excess adhesive. Let sit overnight. Just follow directions on tube. Has worked great. Never has had another separation. Fixed two other doors that were just staring to separate. Just shot the adhesive in with the nozzle on the tube and clamped. Hope this info helps! Ali, from what I understand, the reason this happens is owners letting the door drop and slam shut. I have never done this and had no problem on our previous 2000 Monaco Windsor that we were just the second owners. Just some FYI!