When I bought this rig a few years ago it didn't show any cracking on the fiberglass end caps. Now I have a number on the driver side and a couple on the pax side. After reviewing threads on this subject I decided to apply Capt. Tolley's, maybe drill, cover with 3M tape and seal with 5200.
Re the 3M tape, the recommended size seems to be 2". Has anyone tried 6" in order to cover the width of the cap?
Also, which 5200 are you using? See Amazon photos.
jor
For cracks that cross an end cap, I use clear tape to seal them; no need for any other repair, since the crack will continue to move, pushing any applied sealant out of the way.
I have good luck using both the 3M hood tape and the Gorilla brand clear tape.
I use Eternabond to cover the gap on the rear where the two pieces of end cap meet. On the shorter LDs, there is a lot of movement where the two caps meet, Eternabond, and every other solution I have tried will fail in a few years and need replacement.
Larry
Since we put tape over the joint we thought we might as well make it look intentional. We used reflective tape, dual purpose that way. But for other cracks Eterna bond was our go to.. tried filling them with epoxy and painted to match but that did not hold up.
It looks like you guys are taping each crack independently. I was thinking of running a single 6" piece top to bottom.
Interesting idea on the reflective stuff.
Anyone have any photos of what you did?
jor
It looks like you guys are taping each crack independently. I was thinking of running a single 6" piece top to bottom.
Jor … That is a really interesting idea 👍. I had 3M Protective Film installed on the forward facing sections behind both cab doors to protect against road debris. The film covers the leading edges of those caps. It’s held up, nearly invisible and is 100% waterproof.
If you do this, please post pictures. 🙏
For cracks that cross an end cap, I use clear tape to seal them; no need for any other repair, since the crack will continue to move, pushing any applied sealant out of the way.
I have good luck using both the 3M hood tape and the Gorilla brand clear tape.
I use Eternabond to cover the gap on the rear where the two pieces of end cap meet. On the shorter LDs, there is a lot of movement where the two caps meet, Eternabond, and every other solution I have tried will fail in a few years and need replacement.
Larry
I used 3M PPF (paint protection film) which adhered very well to the end caps. I am noticing some brown discoloration which I hope doesn't mean water is finding a way in but it has held up well now for two years.