I have a 2007 Abbey Vogue 620 (end bathroom across full width).
Looks like there has been significant water ingress around the rear bathroom window (or high level brake light) during the winter and I now have a spongy and bubbling wall panel above and to the sides of the window.
If I was to attempt a repair myself would I have to remove the fibreglass outer rear panel or could I cut out and replace the damaged panels from the inside?
Has anybody got experience of having to do something similar and could offer any guidance?
Will try to put a few pics on my profile page if I can work how to.
Hi sorry for your problem. I've done lots of repairs to old vans I've purchased over the years and to remove the rear outer panal is a major job. I'd remove the inner panel first easier. Remember you've got to find the leak first and repair that. If you remove the outer panel you've still got renew the inner panel afterwards so it's best to start on the inside first. Sorry I can't be of more help. Best of luck. Mick.
If your rear window is leaking it's quite a straightforward job to take the whole window out and refit using sealing strip the same as the high level brake light. Cheers and good look. Mick.
Took the van to a repair specialist to have it checked and a quote for the replacement of the wallboards across the back of the van.
Quote is coming in at £2,000. Does that sound reasonable for the work involved?
Sounds about right with a specialist. First on that £2000 is vat at 20% £330 .Then sheets of wallboard,may take 2 according to area damp has travelled approx £60 a sheet which leaves £550 for labour and adhesives.At £50 hour labour is less than a days work. Some in the caravan trade charge as much as £60 and hour.
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Quote: Originally posted by birdman101 on 29/5/2024
Sounds about right with a specialist. First on that £2000 is vat at 20% £330 .Then sheets of wallboard,may take 2 according to area damp has travelled approx £60 a sheet which leaves £550 for labour and adhesives.At £50 hour labour is less than a days work. Some in the caravan trade charge as much as £60 and hour.
Thanks for that. I think there must be typo there as I work it out as £1,550 left for adhesive and labour (2000-330-120). Or have I misunderstood?
Rectifying the damage done to caravan interiors after repairing the cause of the leak in the first place on an older van is horrendously expensive, mainly due to the labour cost in stripping it out and refitting it again. That's why if one has a few basic tools and the wherewithal to give it a go you can either make the job worth doing and/or save a fortune. It's all very basic woodworking skills as you won't find any dovetail joints in a caravan body. Some jobs are made more awkward due to lack of access, (floors under showers etc) but it can all be done and gives you a wonderful sense of achievement afterwards. Have a look at some work done by others by searching in the Fixed it Club, here is a link
Dave.
------------- Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day,
Teach a man to fish and you can get rid of him for a whole weekend.