While doing an annual inspection of seams and end caps, I noticed these two areas on the passenger side that I suspect, but not sure of, are cracks in the end caps. Is this an area of concern? Are there any preventative actions I should take at this point?
If it were my LD, I would stop-drill the two cracks by drilling a 1/8" hole at the end of each crack to prevent them from spreading. The crack shoud be fill with a sealant or covered with a clear tape.
3M's automotive clear protective tape is a good choice as it last a long time and it does not yellow.
Amazon.com: 3M Clear Bra Paint Protection Bulk Film Roll 2"-by-72"-inches :... (https://www.amazon.com/3M-Clear-Paint-Protection-inches/dp/B00CLIODRA?psc=1&pd_rd_w=aVlXk&content-id=amzn1.sym.55c0153f-1fb7-42ff-8241-d1c0f3732289&pf_rd_p=55c0153f-1fb7-42ff-8241-d1c0f3732289&pf_rd_r=H89F2V47HDXJ72AWY9EC&pd_rd_wg=vPrKz&pd_rd_r=83f5513b-f289-40bd-8574-755335f8d465&ref_=sspa_dk_detail_1&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWxfdGhlbWF0aWM=)
Larry
Yep, I have the same cracks in my 2017 TK, bit earlier than yours, but I suspect I have more miles than you, over rougher roads. Just clear tape for now and monitoring both cracks.
Thanks for the advice Larry, I was afraid you’d say that. I understand the concept but it’s going to be hard to drill holes in Nocona. ☹️
Dave, so you didn’t drill holes before taping? Yes, we don’t travel nearly as much as you (or Larry).
Well, the deed is done. I almost cried but it needed to be done. Reminded me of this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnPmBCIParY
While drilling in your LD is painful, stop drilling can help stop cracks from spreading. It is a widely used procedure in the aircraft industry.
Our LD has cracks in the flip-up rear wheel covers and in the spare tire cover; you will find stop-drilled holes in all the cracks.
Cracks and Stops - StudentPilot.com (https://studentpilot.com/2001/04/16/cracks-and-stops/)
The small holes can be filled and painted if desired.
Larry
So I did order and receive the clear repair tape that Larry linked to but would like to touch up the holes up with paint before taping over them. Any suggestions on where to purchase the blue touch up paint? I have the LD paint code.
Perhaps the following information will be helpful?
LD Touch Up Paint (https://www.lazydazeowners.com/index.php?topic=38002.msg244246#msg244246)
Awesome, thanks Ed!
Perhaps the following information be helpful?
LD Touch Up Paint (https://www.lazydazeowners.com/index.php?topic=38002.msg244246#msg244246)
FYI: Link in your linked post has expired, asks for a login.....
Hi Greg; A local member of the Caravan Club needed a new door to the electrical storage cord area. A 1989 coach, the paint code wouldn't have matched anyway. This person had the broken off metal (badly rusted) cover with the small cord relief. I had replaced the plug on the end of the cord with the plug with a handle, and it was about a1/8" too big to fit through the hole. So I replaced the door with a more modern, and larger, white access door.
I took what was left of the old fixture to a Lowes and they color matched about a half pint of outdoor acrylic. I applied it with a brush. It matched well enough. You could get color chips, match the outside of your rig by holding the chips up to your paint. You only need a small blob anyway.
Another method would be to find a newer car your rig color. Buy touch up paint to match them and use that. An auto store might have an array of touch up paint bottles pretty close.
For you Greg, get a set of acrylic artist paints. You can just buy really small tubes separately. Blue and white. Mix your own to match. It will be covered by the tape anyway, to protect the small spot from sunlight fading.
Here is a kit: https://www.hobbylobby.com/art-supplies/art-sets/acrylic-paint-set---51-pieces/p/9924 You could unleash you 'inner artist' and take up painting for a hobby as you visit different vistas!
This link shows the 'a little too dark' results in reply #9 Non slip running boards? (https://www.lazydazeowners.com/index.php?topic=39627.msg257024#msg257024) RonB