glanyard
Been here for a while
Posts: 72
1st name: Maurie
Caravan: 5.5 m Golden Eagle Mini Mi rear entry
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DILEMMA
Jul 26, 2019 11:47:05 GMT 10
Post by glanyard on Jul 26, 2019 11:47:05 GMT 10
I have a pop top van and need to replace a couple of the fly-screens. The screens are installed and removed by using Velcro, however the sun has done a job on the soft Velcro that is sewn onto the vinyl.
In other words the Velcro no longer does what it was designed to do. To replace the Velcro that is sewn onto the vinyl would require removing the roof and the vinyl and sew a new lot i at a caravan repair place.
I would think that to be a total buggerance because if not done properly, would create a whole new set of problems, like the ingress of rain. My thoughts at this time are, 1. leave the old Velcro where it is and applying glue between the two Velcros, or, 2. use silastic instead of glue, or,
3. remove the stuffed Velcro from the vinyl and use double sided tape. I'm sure any of these would work except that the roof is raised up and lowered multiple times during a trip and I really don't want to be redoing the solution every few days. Therefore, could some of you with experience with this problem help or even the odd shot in the dark, from others, may provide the solution. The van is over 13 years old and I don't intend trading it in or selling it for a few years yet. Thoughts please people.
glanyard
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DILEMMA
Jul 26, 2019 12:11:07 GMT 10
via mobile
Post by GerryP on Jul 26, 2019 12:11:07 GMT 10
I can't give you too many clues, but I do know that the stick-on velcro tapes are a waste of time. Every time I've tried it I've found the glue eventually breaks down, lets go and you end up with a sticky mess.
I'd be tempted to research for a suitable Sikaflex product and glue straight over the old (but cleaned) velcro. If nothing else that would give it a good rough surface for the Sika to stick to.
Good luck mate...
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jdog
Seasoned veteran
Posts: 344
Location: NW Tasmania
Tow/Motorhome: Landcruiser 200 series
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DILEMMA
Jul 26, 2019 13:20:00 GMT 10
Post by jdog on Jul 26, 2019 13:20:00 GMT 10
I'm with Gerry Glannie I think you would find that the self sticking velcro or double sided tape would soon come loose when exposed to the first bit of indirect heat or sun - as has been my experience with the stuff. Have you consulted an upholsterer? they may provide you with another option (IE could they sew it in place, without removal of the roof skirt?) from past experience. Good luck cheers Jdog
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glanyard
Been here for a while
Posts: 72
1st name: Maurie
Caravan: 5.5 m Golden Eagle Mini Mi rear entry
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DILEMMA
Jul 26, 2019 14:19:57 GMT 10
Post by glanyard on Jul 26, 2019 14:19:57 GMT 10
Thanks so far guys; the only way it could be sewn in place would be using a hand held sewing machine and a lot of experience. glanyard
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archer63
Been here for a while
Posts: 93
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DILEMMA
Jul 26, 2019 15:10:23 GMT 10
Post by archer63 on Jul 26, 2019 15:10:23 GMT 10
G...perhaps contacting a place like Brisbane Camperland at Tingalpa - accessories section for some advice ? If they can’t help perhaps they can advise who can ?
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DILEMMA
Jul 26, 2019 16:11:36 GMT 10
Post by inca on Jul 26, 2019 16:11:36 GMT 10
Glanny, have a look on e-bay at Portable craft industrial sewing machines. Might give you another option. Ian
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DILEMMA
Jul 27, 2019 11:50:42 GMT 10
Post by collyn on Jul 27, 2019 11:50:42 GMT 10
Talk to Caboolture Caravan Repairs - they have been in business for decades and will know for sure.
Collyn
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DILEMMA
Jul 30, 2019 22:24:08 GMT 10
Post by dieseltojo on Jul 30, 2019 22:24:08 GMT 10
Hi Glanyard. I reckon do not try adhesives anywhere near that clear stuff. It will not stick and might destroy it.
I had a different issue but I sewed it up. Mind you it was a bit of work. I actually did repairs in two ways.
One was to remove a fly screen and then sew in a new velcro tape as it was just the bottom decaying. I used some very strong needles I bought years ago. Still available probably in a kit from camping shops. Curved needles are included.
I pushed the needle through with a set of pliers as it was just too hard by hand. But do not use pliers on the very eye end or it will fracture. I actually used two needles on one area and had to continually go out side to shove the needles on from the other side. Just start one needle 100mm from the first on and yo cover twice the distance.
Sounds hard but if not to big a job it soon gets done.
I also have used a saddlers Awl and thread tool, which you have a straight needle in a handle, and just push it through then pass the thread through a loop and then pull the cord back inside. It makes an overclocked saddle stitch.
I have had that thing for years and once made a horse blanket by hand with it. That was a bigger job than I thought.
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glanyard
Been here for a while
Posts: 72
1st name: Maurie
Caravan: 5.5 m Golden Eagle Mini Mi rear entry
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DILEMMA
Aug 1, 2019 11:15:05 GMT 10
Post by glanyard on Aug 1, 2019 11:15:05 GMT 10
Hi Glanyard. I reckon do not try adhesives anywhere near that clear stuff. It will not stick and might destroy it. I had a different issue but I sewed it up. Mind you it was a bit of work. I actually did repairs in two ways. One was to remove a fly screen and then sew in a new velcro tape as it was just the bottom decaying. I used some very strong needles I bought years ago. Still available probably in a kit from camping shops. Curved needles are included.
I pushed the needle through with a set of pliers as it was just too hard by hand. But do not use pliers on the very eye end or it will fracture. I actually used two needles on one area and had to continually go out side to shove the needles on from the other side. Just start one needle 100mm from the first on and yo cover twice the distance. Sounds hard but if not to big a job it soon gets done. I also have used a saddlers Awl and thread tool, which you have a straight needle in a handle, and just push it through then pass the thread through a loop and then pull the cord back inside. It makes an overclocked saddle stitch. I have had that thing for years and once made a horse blanket by hand with it. That was a bigger job than I thought.
I'm thinking of an adhesive between the old worn Velcro and the new that is sewn on the new screen. If not an adhesive then maybe silastic. glanyard
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Lance
Avid poster
Posts: 233
Location: Melbourne
Tow/Motorhome: VW Crafter Motorhome
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DILEMMA
Aug 1, 2019 12:24:38 GMT 10
Post by Lance on Aug 1, 2019 12:24:38 GMT 10
I certainly wouldn't use a silastic or any silicon type product. Have you had a look through the Sikaflex products glanny ?
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glanyard
Been here for a while
Posts: 72
1st name: Maurie
Caravan: 5.5 m Golden Eagle Mini Mi rear entry
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DILEMMA
Aug 3, 2019 11:07:58 GMT 10
Post by glanyard on Aug 3, 2019 11:07:58 GMT 10
Lance,
I have searched the Sikaflex products website and found and purchased a product of theirs, then did a "bench test" It called "227 Fast, premium car body sealant". I found that it will stick the two Velcro components OK, but when I pull them apart residue remains on the old affected Velcro. I don't consider that a problem as the screens would not be removed very often; only to replace due to a tear/large hole. I spoke with a caravan repairer yesterday and he confirmed that the only way to replace the old Velcro was to remove the skirt; I don't want to play that game.
glanyard
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jdog
Seasoned veteran
Posts: 344
Location: NW Tasmania
Tow/Motorhome: Landcruiser 200 series
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DILEMMA
Oct 11, 2019 16:17:23 GMT 10
Post by jdog on Oct 11, 2019 16:17:23 GMT 10
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DILEMMA
Oct 11, 2019 18:19:02 GMT 10
Post by nsgnomad on Oct 11, 2019 18:19:02 GMT 10
Are you calling him a girl? 🤔
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DILEMMA
Oct 11, 2019 18:38:35 GMT 10
via mobile
Post by jr on Oct 11, 2019 18:38:35 GMT 10
Hi jdog, Defiantly no glue must remove old stuff and sow on new.
We use lots of bird seed and sometimes at the produce shop they fill use a bag of seed and then use a hand held sowing thing, works well and fast. Maybe you could hire one.
I have a hand held sticker which I got at a leather supplier many years ago and have used it to repair my daughters vinyl pop top, slow but does the job.
JR
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glanyard
Been here for a while
Posts: 72
1st name: Maurie
Caravan: 5.5 m Golden Eagle Mini Mi rear entry
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DILEMMA
Oct 12, 2019 16:31:08 GMT 10
Post by glanyard on Oct 12, 2019 16:31:08 GMT 10
At this stage, we are not using the two windows involved. glanyard
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