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New caps and sides - what is needed?

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Songman
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New caps and sides - what is needed?

Post by Songman »

Okay, so the new bus I bought has already been raised 8" but the caps and sides are not on. I have new R&M front and rear caps and side panels. What else is needed to attach all of this stuff and get it on the bus?

I know people use SikaFlex. Which one? How expensive is it? Where do I get it?

Do I need rivets at all or is the SikaFlex enough? Anything else needed?

Thanks.
Dale Houston
1993 Eagle 15-45
Nashville, TN
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luvrbus
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Re: New caps and sides - what is needed?

Post by luvrbus »

Dale, try this place you can ask questions and find out what is best for are you going to do 1 pc or 2 www.ellsworth.com they have the best prices and the Skilfex will be fresh it has a short shelf life so be careful buying just anywhere
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beltguy
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Re: New caps and sides - what is needed?

Post by beltguy »

I just finished a small project (toper for my service truck) and ended up using 8 tubes of the stuff. A bus would, obviously take more.

There was a lot of talk on the MAK board. The best I could get from a lot of reading is that Sikaflex-252 is the best product. I ordered mine from the folks Clifford recommended. Cost was $9.60.

I believe that the manual says to make sure that you use spacers so that the surfaces are 0.100 inches apart. I used tooth picks.

There was quite a bit of discussion about using a primer. Boogiethecat said that you must use primer. I looked on the Sikaflex site and did not see that it was mandatory. My frame was painted with Rust Bullet just before I applied the aluminum skin. I skuffed up the skin pretty good with course sandpaper. Adhesion seems very good, but the job is only about a month old.

I think it is the best product to use, but pretty pricey.

Jim
Jim Shepherd
Evergreen, CO
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ArtGill
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Re: New caps and sides - what is needed?

Post by ArtGill »

I used the Sikaflex 252 when I put the sides over the windows that I removed. I took a grinder to the steal surfaces that I was going to bond to, used the cleaner and primer. To get my spacing, I went to Lowes and purchased a bag of plastic spacers that you use to space tiles. My siding has been on for 5 years or so with no problems. The one tool you will want to purchase is an air operated corking gun. Harbor Freight has one for under $20.00. The Sika is stiffer than corking and you hand will get sore. With the air gun you can put down an even bead and do it fast. You have a limited time from the time you start until you set the panel.. The other concern is how to keep pressure on the panel until the Sika sets. I parked next to a building and wedged 2x4's between the building and the bus.

I would strongly consider using the Sika system as they recommend. I just didn't like the vision of losing a piece of siding going down the road at 60 mph.

Oh, by the way wear gloves!

Art
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