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Subject Topic: Cutting the Awning Rail. Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonCerifwrdd
26/4/2016 at 10:06pm
 Location: south wales
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I need to reseal the awning rail on my challenger 440... it's only had a problem on the front down section but the whole thing would benefit from a clean and re seal (due to previous owners over zealous siliconing)

On this model the rail is only in 2 sections. Basically in half. This makes it a nightmare to deal with as i am working on my own and also distortion could be an issue when removing.

I am wondering if it would be ok to cut it to make it easier to work with. I have seen other vans where the rail is in as many as four sections.

What does everyone think?


Personmoppetsdad
27/4/2016 at 6:17am
 Location: The foot hills of no
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Your choice really I would if I had to, the only thing I would say would be to cut it insitu to keep the shape and to slide a paint scraper under where you cut so as not to cut into the van.

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David

    

I've stood on Lego and didn't even cry!!


Personoxter
27/4/2016 at 7:36am
 Location: NE Scotland
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I wouldn't cut it. If you intend using mastic tape which is made for the job, you only need a second person for 5 minutes when you present the cleaned and taped rail back up to the cleaned up caravan. This is the point where care is needed to prevent it grabbing a hold before you have lined up the rail with the holes in the exact place. See the "fixed it "threads.

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playing at tinkies


PersonCerifwrdd
27/4/2016 at 8:13am
 Location: south wales
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It's not my first re-mastic tape job Oxter, i've already done all the upper and lower rails front and back. The trick is to not remove the backing on the mastic all at once. You offer up the middle.. then peel from below as you stick.. (see my thread on here)

My only worry is as the awning rail is only in 2 pieces.. it's rather big. and there is a greater risk of distortion when removing it.


PersonCerifwrdd
27/4/2016 at 8:17am
 Location: south wales
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Quote: Originally posted by moppetsdad on 27/4/2016
Your choice really I would if I had to, the only thing I would say would be to cut it insitu to keep the shape and to slide a paint scraper under where you cut so as not to cut into the van.


Good tip.. I have a pretty accurate depth gauge on a specialist plunge cutter.. but the paint scraper idea is a good call! Thanks.



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Personoxter
27/4/2016 at 8:48am
 Location: NE Scotland
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You won't distort it. Just take your time. I used a scraper and also a plastic ice scraper for windscreens which was near perfect. Just ease away gently when you get all the screws out.

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playing at tinkies


PersonCerifwrdd
27/4/2016 at 9:34am
 Location: south wales
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Well, the front upper rail is in one piece and even that distorted no matter how carefully i handled it, it still twists and the awning rail will twist more due to it's curvature.

I used plastic scrapers from the automotive industry designed to remove bonded trim, well worth a set and reasonable at 7 quid for 3.

As there is no reason why i shouldn't cut it, i am going to go for it and cut it.

It will also allow me to tackle it in manageable sections.

I know you said that you wouldn't cut it.. but you never said why?


Personoxter
27/4/2016 at 9:56am
 Location: NE Scotland
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Maybe being an older van, mine was a stronger aluminium. But it didn't distort at all. I have not heard anyone say they cut the rail which is why I wouldn't do it.

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playing at tinkies


Personoxter
28/4/2016 at 7:12pm
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Seen this?

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playing at tinkies


PersonCerifwrdd
28/4/2016 at 10:38pm
 Location: south wales
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Quote: Originally posted by oxter on 28/4/2016
Seen this?


Of course, and i have saved every single relevant resto..

have you seen THIS


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PersonsteveMc81
29/4/2016 at 12:58am
 Location: Forest of Dean
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The rail on our dart distorted in places when we took it off and that is in three pieces but I found that it went back to a satisfactory shape when the screws pulled it into place when refitting. The mastic had failed in places but not in others so I found the easiest way was to use a plastic grout spreader to lift the rail away from the van and then carefully using a long bladed knife cut through about a six inch section at a time.


Personoxter
29/4/2016 at 10:01am
 Location: NE Scotland
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Quote: Originally posted by Cerifwrdd on 28/4/2016
Quote: Originally posted by oxter on 28/4/2016
Seen this?


Of course, and i have saved every single relevant resto..

have you seen THIS




No. Hadn't seen it. What an undertaking. I hope it was all considered worth it.

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playing at tinkies


PersonCerifwrdd
29/4/2016 at 10:18pm
 Location: south wales
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It's not that bad! it's only very simple carpentry and a 100 quid van. It's actually really enjoyable :)



PersonCerifwrdd
29/4/2016 at 10:20pm
 Location: south wales
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Quote: Originally posted by steveMc81 on 29/4/2016
The rail on our dart distorted in places when we took it off and that is in three pieces but I found that it went back to a satisfactory shape when the screws pulled it into place when refitting. The mastic had failed in places but not in others so I found the easiest way was to use a plastic grout spreader to lift the rail away from the van and then carefully using a long bladed knife cut through about a six inch section at a time.


Cheers Steve!
You can imagine how one in just 2 pieces will distort. Knife is also a good idea.. i have a long floppy knife here that might be just the ticket. Top tip! thanks



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