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Old 09-24-2005, 03:12 AM   #1
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I have a side panel just under the fridge access cover that is warping. Can't imagine that enough heat is in this area to be the cause. Besides, heat rises.

Does water cause distortion of fiberglass side panels and is there a fix. That is after I find and seal the leak.
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Old 09-24-2005, 03:12 AM   #2
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I have a side panel just under the fridge access cover that is warping. Can't imagine that enough heat is in this area to be the cause. Besides, heat rises.

Does water cause distortion of fiberglass side panels and is there a fix. That is after I find and seal the leak.
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Old 09-24-2005, 05:00 AM   #3
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What are seeing is called delamination - the outer fiberglass skin has separated from the inner layers (usually luan) to which it was bonded when the sidewalls were formed. Sometimes this is just a failure of the gluing process (a wek bond), but it can also be caused by moisture seeping down the interior of the wall. Since it is under the fridge, I would first look at the fridge's water drain line. Few RV manufacturers route the drain line out through the fridge's outer grill (doesn't look pretty). Failure to do so lets the water drip down inside the rig. Usually it evaporates before causing any damage, but sometimes there is too much to dispose of that way. Route the hose outside to get rid of the water. If that's not it, look around the fridge's air chimney at the roof line to make sure water is not running down from there.

After eliminating any potential water leak, you can repair the delamination. Basically you have to put some holes or slits in the outer skin and glue the skin back down, clamping it firmly somehow so it dries flat. This may take some ingenuity! Then fix the holes or slits with a fiberglass gel coat repair kit. But if there was water damage, the inner layers of wood may have deteriorated and require repair or replacement. A product called Git Rot (or similar) for fixing dry-rotted wood can sometimes be used to firm up the underlayer. Other wise you have to cut it out carefully and replace it. You can still salvage the original skin and glue oit back in, then fix the seams with usual fiberglass surface repair techniques.
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Old 09-24-2005, 05:14 AM   #4
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Thank you for your excellent help.

Sounds like a job for a professional tho. Here goes my hard earned money for mfg. goofs.

thanks lots
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Old 09-25-2005, 06:54 AM   #5
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It can be done yourself, but I would not recommend it as your first venture into fiberglass repairs or body work. Like most any major repair work, there are tricks of the trade that come with experience.
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Old 09-29-2005, 02:52 PM   #6
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I would take it to shop that specializes in fiberglass repair. They should be able to find the leak and repair the damage before it gets any worse...
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