I have a fold up portable solar panel set up, of 120 watts each. I intend to dismantle it and place them on the van roof, so bought 2 sets of corner brackets for the panels. I already have one 120W panel up there, and it was done with the same brackets. The guy who installed it used Sikaflex, but I failed to ask him what type. He has now gone out of business so no longer can ask him. Does anyone have the knowledge to inform me which type Sikaflex it would be please ?
It's been on there for over a year, hasn't moved or cracked, and the joy is no screws, hence no chance of leaking.
Will thank you in advance for any info on this.....
Happywanderer said
08:41 PM Jan 6, 2014
My understanding is that it would be Marine Sikaflex. From the many past conversations had on the subject on the forum in the past.
Bryan said
08:51 PM Jan 6, 2014
Someone told me that surface preparation was vital and to use only cleaners recommended by Sikaflex. That's the sum total of my knowledge. I was undecided as to my ability to fix the panel to the roof and wire it up so I took it to Absolute Caravan Repairs in Balcatta who did the job for me.
KFT said
09:22 PM Jan 6, 2014
I installed 2 x 120w panels on the roof of our van using sikaflex 252.
I used prepsol from supercheap to prep the areas where the brackets would sit and cleaned the area twice.
my van has now done more than 15000 km and no signs of any problem.
ensure the brackets have at least a 5mm bed of adhesive to sit on and allow around 48 hrs to cure properly.
hope that helps.
frank
bill12 said
05:27 AM Jan 7, 2014
Yes , Stickyflex is good stuff. I have used it in many situations, even saving a sinking boat, and it works well. Keep it in the fridge, and it won,t go off over time.If anything its too strong- you can,t get things off after application.Always have some spare. Bill
Bullamukanka said
11:02 AM Jan 7, 2014
Hi There
The prep cleaner you require is as such.
Wax & Grease Remover/which is also called Prepsol.
Use the G P Black Sikaflex, used extensively in the automotive trade
Hope this helps
Peter_n_Margaret said
08:40 PM Jan 7, 2014
Sikaflex 11FC will do the job with reasonable pre cleaning and roughening of the surfaces. Grey, white or black from many hardware stores.
Sikaflex 252 is stronger and stiffer, so MUST be thicker beds to allow for differential expansion.
It also requires a special cleaner and a special primer to be used. I would not use it for your application
Cheers, Peter
-- Edited by Peter_n_Margaret on Tuesday 7th of January 2014 08:44:51 PM
Threadbare Bunny said
08:50 PM Jan 7, 2014
Thanx to all who replied : I managed to track down a fellow vanner who had one installed by the same guy I did on the day, and he tells me it was Sikaflex PRO that was used. He also said NOT to put it on the base of the brackets where the panels sit, only on the side, or I'd never get the panel off again should it need replacing, etc.
So, thanx again for all the advice.... maybe my best bet is to get a fitter to do it instead of myself, I,m guessing.
Peter_n_Margaret said
09:30 PM Jan 7, 2014
NOT CORRECT.
Sikaflex PRO is a high quality sealer, not an adhesive.
The advise about its placement is correct. Use screws to attach the panels to the brackets.
Cheers,
Peter
learmo said
01:40 AM Feb 11, 2014
I stuck mine on with Simson 70-03. It is a Bostik product, and by far the best I have come across. I have used about 30 tubes through out the renovations of my coach.
Hi all,
I have a fold up portable solar panel set up, of 120 watts each. I intend to dismantle it and place them on the van roof, so bought 2 sets of corner brackets for the panels. I already have one 120W panel up there, and it was done with the same brackets. The guy who installed it used Sikaflex, but I failed to ask him what type. He has now gone out of business so no longer can ask him. Does anyone have the knowledge to inform me which type Sikaflex it would be please ?
It's been on there for over a year, hasn't moved or cracked, and the joy is no screws, hence no chance of leaking.
Will thank you in advance for any info on this.....
I used prepsol from supercheap to prep the areas where the brackets would sit and cleaned the area twice.
my van has now done more than 15000 km and no signs of any problem.
ensure the brackets have at least a 5mm bed of adhesive to sit on and allow around 48 hrs to cure properly.
hope that helps.
frank
Hi There
The prep cleaner you require is as such.
Wax & Grease Remover/which is also called Prepsol.
Use the G P Black Sikaflex, used extensively in the automotive trade
Hope this helps
Sikaflex 11FC will do the job with reasonable pre cleaning and roughening of the surfaces.
Grey, white or black from many hardware stores.
Sikaflex 252 is stronger and stiffer, so MUST be thicker beds to allow for differential expansion.
It also requires a special cleaner and a special primer to be used. I would not use it for your application
Cheers,
Peter
-- Edited by Peter_n_Margaret on Tuesday 7th of January 2014 08:44:51 PM
Thanx to all who replied : I managed to track down a fellow vanner who had one installed by the same guy I did on the day, and he tells me it was Sikaflex PRO that was used. He also said NOT to put it on the base of the brackets where the panels sit, only on the side, or I'd never get the panel off again should it need replacing, etc.
So, thanx again for all the advice.... maybe my best bet is to get a fitter to do it instead of myself, I,m guessing.
Sikaflex PRO is a high quality sealer, not an adhesive.
The advise about its placement is correct. Use screws to attach the panels to the brackets.
Cheers,
Peter
I stuck mine on with Simson 70-03. It is a Bostik product, and by far the best I have come across. I have used about 30 tubes through out the renovations of my coach.