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Hi,

I have started a damp project recently and got right peeved with the grunge on the awning rail I dug the first out with bits of wood took ages as well; So the next one I got the pressure washer on it after a quick wash with white spirit and the rail was cleen within 2 min, only thing is do it somewhere out the way as the grunge goes everywhere..

Also new window rubbers when you have put them in you have the insert to put back; the first one took ages with a flat screwdriver so on the second I used a spoon handle but I sprayed the rubbers where the insert fits with silicone spray this causes less friction as it slides round..

I am new on here so I hope its not a repost of any past topics.

Yeah Sue is right the rail itself, I did both sides with the  pressure nozzle that spins not the flat shaped one you use for the car as the spining one is strong enough to strip the paint off. 

I am coming to the end of my repairs now and have really enjoyed it,

Oh another tip I found yesterday for people with older vans who cant match the wall boards is if you only need a few small sections and cant get a match as they do not make it anymore is; Behind the back of the seat cusions that go up the side of the van in some there is a length of wall board to keep the cushion from touching the wall on mine it was the same as the wall board in my van. I have used this and replacing it with the newer slightly different style as you dont see it.

Quote: Originally posted by black ice on 10/9/2011

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<DIV>Hi I think Dch75 means the actual rail its self and not the caravan.<DIV>Good luck you both with your repairs.<DIV> <DIV>Sue.

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I don't have a pressure washer so i used a toothbrush with white spirit to clean the awning rail,I found it lot easier then a paint brush as the bristles are stiffer.

Barry..

Yeah you do need stiff bristles, I used a potato brush.

Another tip for breaking the awning rail seal is to get some wire and run it between the van and rail it will cut through the gunk and saves you pulling at it and risking bending the rail.