MT-45 Step Van Fiberglass Roof Help

[BigPhattyVW]

Hello Friends!

I have been scouring the interwebs for anyone who has experience working with that thin fiberglass ceiling and I am coming up empty. Has anyone know of a site or recommendations in general about what you can and cannot do with that roof. Topics such as:

• Bonding it to the existing frame to help with vibration
• Adding more supports
• Are there any racks available that could be attached alternatively to the roof to not have to drill the thin sheet
• Installing a fan up there. I've seen plenty of great articles on this but most involve a metal roof or a much thicker piece of fiberglass
• How to not destroy it....

Thanks in advance for any advice, tidbits, and suggestions!

Peace
Clint

 

[Bobhdus]

I’m sure you already have looked but did you check out YouTube? Fiberglass in general can be applied in layers. I’ve made fixtures with it using fiberglass cloth and the resin applied with a brush or roller as you wood auto body or a fiberglass tank repair. Can also use epoxy or a polyester based adhesive. Eastwood automotive website used to have free tutorials on it on fiberglass repair. Materials can be purchased at any auto parts store.


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[LoupGarou]

You might try a tractor trailer service center to see if you can get the roof skinned in aluminum. There’s a whole industry around the service and repair of tractor trailers.

 

[MrNoodly]

Nearly every add-on fiberglass top has plywood sandwiched between the layers. You could do something similar. There are probably adhesives strong enough to permanently and securely bond plywood to the underside of your roof.

As for racks, you might be able to modify an existing rack so the end plates bolt through the walls, like the one in the photo does. If not, it shouldn't be all that expensive to have someone fabricate a rack that mounts that way.

<img src="https://image.ibb.co/cMM5F9/btrr.jpg" alt="btrr" border="0" />

 

[Bobhdus]

Mill Supply https://www.millsupply.com/stepvan-parts/ has all kinds of hardware and supplies for Stepvans, box trucks etc


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[John61CT]

Making the roof thicker will only marginally strengthen its load-bearing capacity.

If you're talking 100+ lbs, you really want steel or aluminum supports all the way down to the floor / frame, unless you anchor to strong vertical pillars already there.

Any trailer fab or decent welding shop should be able to help.

Ideally leave the existing waterproof roof intact, but it may be better aesthetically to get a few through holes, long as the FG isn't stressed and quality sealants are used.

 

[BigPhattyVW]

Thanks everyone!

As soon as I posted this I realized to check out just plain fiberglass how to videos on youtube. I will be eating those up soon. The most pertinent one I can think of so far is how to cut out the hole for a fan without damaging the entire sheet. I have already bookmarked West Systems for epoxy resins and such. So many more questions but this as helped tremendously! Any recommendations for a ladder like the one shown below or is that just a job for a fabricator?

Peace
Clint

 

[Bobhdus]

An oscillating tool with the right cutter would make nice clean cuts without violently shaking the sheets or causing cracks and splits. https://www.google.com/imgres?imgur...7dAhWG6YMKHUCfBugQMwiLASgOMA4&iact=mrc&uact=8


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[Sctrlvr]

BigPhattyVWHello Friends!

I have been scouring the interwebs for anyone who has experience working with that thin fiberglass ceiling and I am coming up empty. Has anyone know of a site or recommendations in general about what you can and cannot do with that roof. Topics such as:

• Bonding it to the existing frame to help with vibration
• Adding more supports
• Are there any racks available that could be attached alternatively to the roof to not have to drill the thin sheet
• Installing a fan up there. I've seen plenty of great articles on this but most involve a metal roof or a much thicker piece of fiberglass
• How to not destroy it....

Thanks in advance for any advice, tidbits, and suggestions!

Peace
Clint

The only real trick to successful fiberglass projects is to eliminate all air pockets. Any time you reinforce fiberglass with ribs of steel, aluminum, wood, plastic or formed fiberglass, always apply a "mud" (a thick mixture of finely chopped mat and resin) to the parent surface then squish it with whatever foreign material you're applying to it. Use enough mud to complete a membrane between the two, and either scrape the residual mud from the edges, or incorporate it into additional layers. Remember speed in application is your friend, but thickness, not so much. Layering up too much thickness can trap heat when it hardens. Spontaneous combustion can occur if the application is too thick. Be sure not to breathe the vapor or fumes. Everything that is catalyzed, gives of cyanide gas. Always pour out remaining catalyzed resin, never allowing it to harden more than 1/2 inch deep. Be sure to choose the right temperature range catalyst.

I hope this helps.

 

[7wanders]

I recommend you follow "live_uthing" on instagram (and maybe facebook). Andi has a fiberglass roof step van and has built a aluminum support system for six solar panels, fans and other stuff up there. he also can help with insulation and working with the fiberglass roof. he is a master with aluminum

I did a video tour of Andi's step van with fiberglass roof here:

ps. you may also consider joining the "step van RV" discussion group of facebook. there are several step van owners on there with fiberglass roofs and many others with your model who can answer various questions you will most likely have in upcoming months.

 

[closeanuf]

Seven, thanks for your input here.  I watch all you videos and while I don't have a step van and sometimes you frustrate me I find them all enjoyable.  I guess I appreciate your honesty and ability to admit your lack of understanding on certain situations you encounter.  It's nice to watch someone who isn't trying to impress me.  Keep it up and if we ever meet up I'd be glad to help you with a project.

 

[BigPhattyVW]

Thanks Seven!!!

I'm going to study that video right now! Thanks for your help and keep up your videos! I really liked your interview with Puts' van.