SMB's solution for awning cracks (and Eli's custom brackets)

[daveb]

SMB did their thing on Friday and here is the fix. Not the best fit and finish and I do have concerns about the 4 holes that sit so close to the edge of the plate. I hope the water will not creep in. I now have water coming in around this area, but have not varified it's from this repair. Being this was the first time I have ever seen water inside at this location I am skeptical though. I plan to hit the car wash and will post on if I actually have a new problem or if I just left the window slightly cracked. To me it seems the holes should have been further inward on a larger plate.


[img]

Dave Boyer

[kzemach]

Yeesh. You sure are correct that the "finish" aspects of it are pretty poor.

[Greg In Austin]

wow..... I am now hoping that a new install has a better look.... but it will be a while before I know....

[jage]

I'd say the screws are superflous except as extra holes in your van. The only possible benefit is on the out flex (making the wall convex) and then they might be doing more harm, although the edge is a better place... all in all it seems like it might just spread the cracking out, but it's hard to say.

[daveb]

I'm on my lousy 56 hr shift and was unable to do the water test yet, maybe Friday evening. Leo called today and I told him of my "concern" and will get back to him. I just feel that the worst part is how close the screws are to the edge and feel it's a spot where water will come in. I also think there should be a plate on the inside, and good God, it looks like a kid cut it out the back plate. Almost wish I would have had the thing removed and the holes plugged.
DaveB

[jage]

Originally Posted by daveb

Almost wish I would have had the thing removed and the holes plugged.
DaveB

It's not too late. Just a little bigger sand and paint area. I'd still like to put an awning on my van, but I'm planning on coming up from the aluminess bumper, or (considering how much the bumper twists) possibly boxing the whole PH area from the gutters and having the ability to put an awning on each side. Basically find some alternative way to secure it.

Then again it's $$$ and time and I really like the clean look of the van with no awning.

[daveb]

Well my fears are correct. I have water coming in from SMB's FIX! Aint too happy at this point. I plan to make them re-do-it with some suggestions. At this point in time I would want:
>A larger plate with the same bolt pattern.
>A plate on the inside of the van.
>Have someone who can cut metal straight and cut the corner around the window to FIT.
>Possibility of a heavy rubber gasket.
>Deal with the overspray around the plate.
>Take into consideration the body's form, because it's not flat, it's slightly curved plus there is a creaseline that runs along the side to the back.

If anybody has any ideas, I'm sure SMB will listen.

[jage]

The way I finally got SMB to fix my top (after two different SMB locations had "attempted" it) was to do it myself. They did send me 70% of the needed hardware, but even that took haranguing on my part.

So I'm certainly biased to the opinion that it isn't worth the drive if you want it done right.

If you do, I would have them leave the screws out completely. Especially if you have a nearly-form fitting plate on the other side, they don't do anything but make holes.

[mmocken]

My 2 cents...

With the rust and cracked gutter on my 1995 SMB, I wound never get an awning from SMB until they find a real solution.

A cast, contoured plate would fair much better than the flat plate spanning the gutter and curved body side.

[daveb]

I am wondering if SMB did some damage to the gutter. I now have a stance that I would delete the awning in the future on a new van. Hell maybe I will have one for sell soon off an old van. Crap! Believe it or not, a salesperson warned me about this. Big mistake on my part.
DaveB