Fiberglass Hairline Cracks

Thudman · 07-10-2006, 08:45 AM

I have an increasing number of these cracks, mainly on main slideout and rear slide. Reviewed previous posts (about March 2005) on this issue, but saw no real Winnie resolution. Same situation on a neighboring 2002 Journey, only worse.

My cracks are multi-directional and vary in length from one to six inches. Cannot see them if you step back about 4 feet. No cracks on any decals or painted surfaces. Curb side sidewall has zero cracks (except for BR slide). I use a good wax (by hand--no buffer) about every 6 mos.

My reason for resurrecting this issue is to request inputs from forum members, or Winnie (perhaps informally via Moderators). Thanks.

Thudman

Thudman · 07-10-2006, 08:45 AM

I have an increasing number of these cracks, mainly on main slideout and rear slide. Reviewed previous posts (about March 2005) on this issue, but saw no real Winnie resolution. Same situation on a neighboring 2002 Journey, only worse.

My cracks are multi-directional and vary in length from one to six inches. Cannot see them if you step back about 4 feet. No cracks on any decals or painted surfaces. Curb side sidewall has zero cracks (except for BR slide). I use a good wax (by hand--no buffer) about every 6 mos.

My reason for resurrecting this issue is to request inputs from forum members, or Winnie (perhaps informally via Moderators). Thanks.

Thudman

smlranger · 07-10-2006, 04:53 PM

I have a few hairline cracks around and above the driver's window and above the door. I figured they are stress cracks.

Thudman · 07-12-2006, 11:21 AM

Not a bunch of replies, so I called Winnie. Only informal advice is to visit a body/fiberglass shop & see what they say. Downside is, it may look worse after than before the repair. No known after market product to fill the cracks (NOT stress cracks).

Oh well.........

Thudman

smlranger · 07-12-2006, 04:18 PM

There is a good product used on boats to fill hairline stress cracks..its called Captain Tolley's Creeping Crack Cure. It is very thin and will fill and seal fine cracks by capillary action. However, not sure it would work on our vertical surfaces.

Evercoat also makes a product called Gel Coat Scratch Patch. It is supposed to repair hairline cracks and deep scratches. Comes in clear, buff and white.

Both available from West Marine.

Thudman · 07-13-2006, 12:11 PM

Thx smlranger; I ordered a tube of the Gel Coat Scratch Patch from West Marine. A 1/2 oz tube of the white stuff costs $20.26 (becuz of xtra Hazmat shipping) so I hope this works! If not, I'll replace my Colgate toothpaste (for one brushing).

When I try it, I'll report here.

Thudman

Thudman · 07-18-2006, 01:34 PM

Well I tried it today. Does it work? Sorta. But not very well on the hairline cracks. I do believe it would work very well on larger cracks and gouges, such as tree/etc encounters.

The hairline cracks are just too fine for this stuff to work---impractical.

I don't believe I'll throw out my Colgate toothpaste just yet. This stuff is way too gooey and doesn't taste all that good.

Thudman

John & Sandy · 07-22-2006, 01:22 PM

Thudman,

See this thread:

http://irv2.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/2486094452/m/...886070323#8886070323

I had the same problem I think. Winnebago fixed one side under warranty. When the other side started with the problem, they fixed that also under warranty at the 4 year mark.

Give them a call.

Thudman · 07-23-2006, 08:18 AM

I called Winnie. No help. I'm beyond 3 years (3 yrs & 1 day)

Thudman

John & Sandy · 07-23-2006, 08:31 AM

Sorry to hear that. Couldn't you explain to them that it started before the warranty expired? I am sure you tried.

The fix for mine was a complete re-fiberglassing job on both sides. It took a week each time.

Good luck.

Thudman · 07-23-2006, 09:15 AM

John, I'll try again.

Thudman