Should I release the PH j-hooks when parked at home?

[ehc0720]

There are what looks like stress fractures (maybe gelcoat only) on the PH top around the bolt holding the j-hook just behind the passenger seat. Should I be releasing the hooks when the van is to be parked at home for a few weeks at a time? Also, I was going to get the PH, van top and about 10" all the way around the bottom of the van sprayed with Line-X, but I need to have the fiberglass top looked at first.

[saline]

I had similar issues, and a leak. I bet if you look around a bit more on the top you'll notice more cracks.

viewtopic.php?f=13&t=7439&hilit=+raptor+liner

[ehc0720]

I recently bought this SMB and looked it over pretty good,this is the only surface cracks I see. They are circular in shape around the washer for the J-hook bolt. Is the bolt too tight? I did tighten them a bit because they were so loose they were rattling and drove me crazy.

[Ford_6L_E350]

It sounds like the bolt through the top is (or was) too tight. Once the gelcoat is cracked, the cracks will not go away. If you tightened the J-hooks enough to stop a rattle, that is not enough to deform and crack the gelcoat.

Mike

[BroncoHauler]

As far as your question about releasing the j-hooks when parked at home, I wouldn't recommend it primarily so that you don't forget to relatch them when you drive off.

It's a balance between eliminating the rattle and not over-tightening. IIRC, some people have used either rubber tubing or heat shrink tubing on the j-hook to eliminate the metal to metal contact of the hook to the mating connector. That should let you loosen up the hooks a bit while still permitting you to ensure the top is secure.


Herb

[TwoVans]

It probably couldn't hurt to loosen them. Then, you've released the stress. If you forget and drive off, the rattling will remind you to tighten them without catistrofic results.

[PatO]

Originally Posted by ehc0720

Also, I was going to get the PH, van top and about 10" all the way around the bottom of the van sprayed with Line-X, but I need to have the fiberglass top looked at first.

My PH fiberglass was disintegrating after about 6 years. I did the Line-X PH and van roof / rain gutters and have been 100% happy since then. Expect $1200 up for just that portion of the job if colored. Some pictures before and after in my gallery. Line-X El Cajon (San Diego) is a great place and matched my Baja Tan perfectly.
Pat

[ehc0720]

Wow, looks great. Did they spray right over the bolts on top of the PH of did they tape them off?