How can I fix external socket to GRP body?

[James 1]

Hello, I'm looking for advice on the best method of fixing a Vision Plus Aerial Socket to my 2000 Reg Swift Gazelle which has (I think) a GRP body. Can I use the supplied metal self-tapping screws or will GRP fail to grip these? If not, is Sikaflex suitable to bond the housing to the GRP panel?

Finally, since one of the required holes is 22 mm wide, can I drill through GRP with a wood-bit? Don't laugh!

[Rayjsj]

James,

I would use both, screws(stainless steel A4) AND Sika 521, make sure you know exactly whats behind the spot you drill though, and that it's easy to route the cable to where you want it. Did it on my old van, Yes a wood bit will cut it's way through Fibreglass and self tappers grip fine, Mine was a fibreglass monocoque. Measure twice cut/drill once. Ray

[Guest peter]

First of all DO NOT use a wood bit to cut fibreglass, it will rip it to pieces, use a hole saw instead. If you cannot get a holesaw of the correct size, use the next size down and open it up with a rasp, used in a downwards direction. Mark the hole with a compass or similar first of course.

You can use Sikaflex only to fix the cable entry box as it has no stress imposed on it, if you use screws chamfer the pilot holes first because the GRP will not give like wood does and will crack away all round the hole as you insert the screw.

I haven't laughed at your request and neither will you if you use a wood bit. :D

[Clive]

I would make a cardboard template for the hole and tape this to the bodywork, then dilll a few small holes to start and finish by filing to fit the template. Holesaw is OK but you have to be right first time!

 

If you don,t want to bond the socket on and its a bit of the single skin skirt there is always stainless steel screws and nuts or stainless steel self tappers and a dollop (technical phrase) of Isopon on the back around each screw.

 

Or fit the socket on a bracket just inside a locker and open the locker when you need to use it. The battery locker is favourite as these normally include a position for an incomming hookup cable when the door is closed.

 

This way the coax will be comming upwards into the locker so no chance of water running up the cable if it rains.

 

Just a few ideas!.

C.

[James 1]

Well! What can I say? Thanks to you all for your prompt suggestions & advice, at least I am now confident that the socket can be fitted. Will have a good think about your various suggestions, did think that it might have to be the hole saw although saw suggestions elsewhere that the wood-bit would do it. Will certainly apply some sort of sealant to screws if take that course. Anyone out there who has actually done this job?

Thanks again meantime.

[art338]

James,

 

Peter said DO NOT use a wood drill bit !!

 

If the wood drill is of the type that I sometimes use it will have two jagged cutting pieces and may well snatch as it bites into the material making not a round hole but a shape like a cauliflower head !

 

Depending where this hole is, if it snatches it could throw you off the roof !

 

Clive's suggestion is a good one as you can practise drilling in the centre of your shape first to get used to the action / snatch of the drill as it goes through the GRP surface.

 

art

[tonyishuk]

I fixed a Vision Satellite and TV connector using the supplied screws.

 

However the unit came with a gasket with adhesive on both sides which was pre-cut to shape.

 

If the screws failed, the unit still stayed firmly stuck ! ( As I found out when I thought about moving the item slightly )

 

Rgds