The RIGHT stuff for the job... 6.1.14.

Threadbare Bunny · Veteran Member

The RIGHT stuff for the job... 6.1.14.

Happywanderer · The Master

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 · Guru

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 · Guru

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 · Guru

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 · Newbie

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 · Guru

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 · Veteran Member

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 · Guru

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 · Member

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.