Date:         Sat, 5 Jan 2008 08:41:50 -0600
Reply-To:     Max Wellhouse <maxjoyce@IPA.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Max Wellhouse <maxjoyce@IPA.NET>
Subject:      Re: Rear evaperrater encloser
Comments: To: joel walker <jwalker17@EARTHLINK.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <003c01c84f74$db80a160$e95e9904@gpa207joel>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed;
              x-avg-checked=avg-ok-2353876

Not to be a nitpicker, but isn't the 3M structural adhesive actually
a urethane-based adhesive?  it's great stuff, but does have a shelf
life and doesn't set up quite as hard as real epoxy.  We used to use
it for canoe outfitting some years ago until it got too
expensive.  The urethane apparently allows some flexing with no loss
in bonding strength....and yes, wear exam gloves when working with
it.  Bondo spreaders work well if covering larger areas.  The stuff
does set up and stiffen pretty quickly at room temerature.  Great
choice for your repair, BTW.

DM&FS

At 02:27 AM 1/5/2008, joel walker wrote:

>>The problem is that in the back at the top where the evaporator for
>>the A/C
>>that enclosure is slipping down because the little plastic pieces on
>>each side
>>are breaking from age. You can push the whole assembly back up but,
>>of course
>>it won't stay.
>>I need some direction as to how to secure it before it breaks away
>>and comes
>>crashing down with the evaporator and the rear speakers etc.
>>This is on my 1987 Van with factory air.
>
>i solved this on my 88 bus with some aluminum strips (like 1/8" thick
>by 3/4 inch wide and whatever length was necessary to cover all the
>hold-it-up screw/bolt holes in the plastic cover.
>
>got some 3M Structural Adhesive (2-part epoxy) and glued that sucker
>behind (ceiling side) the plastic. let it cure overnight, then
>carefully drilled holes for the screws/bolts. then bolted it back up.
>also filled in some of the cracks with the epoxy while i was at it.
>
>cautions:
>- epoxy sticks to EVERYthing. :( use tongue depressors or (like i did)
>folded thin cardboard (ok, so it was old computer punch cards i had
>laying around). :)
>
>- that sucker is HEAVY when you take the screws/bolts out!!!! be
>prepared. having a big strong (but stupid) friend helps a lot!
>
>hope it helps. good luck!
>joel