Mcstiggens
New member
Well, I did it! After a good solid month I found a good deal on a pop up camper and pulled the trigger.
I scored a 1998 FWC 'Hawk' just 60 miles away from me for $3,800.
I got really frustrated at the fact that short bed models are available 10 to 1 over long bed models. I just decided to shop the SB
models too (even though I have a LB) in order to increase my chances. Then at least I would have something and could sell it later
when I have time to track down a Granby or something.
Over all it's in great condition. Especially considering it had been stored outdoors, uncovered.
No leaks, no dry rot, lift panels are good for many more years, the vinyl is in great shape as well.
The only real problem is that the previous owner stored it with the top up to avoid mildew or something
and the passenger side storm flap Velcro is all toast from UV damage.
As you will see in the pics, it has all deteriorated and broken away from the trim where it was attached.
It has also lost its ability to stick anymore. Now it just flaps in the wind. I had to fashion some wire holder thingy's
in order to hold the rolled up flap in place.
The thing that puzzles me is, why in the hell did they not stitch the Velcro to the vinyl on the outside?
They did stitch the interior Velcro. Also, on the driver side, even though it's still in good shape, the Velcro
which was applied using an adhesive) no long sticks (meaning the adhesive no longer keeps the back side of the
Velcro adhered to the vinyl). It is still attached to the trim at the top and bottom though, which is the only thing
keeping it in place.
So the question is, what can one do to fix this problem? How can such a fix occur? How can this be done properly (by stitching)
without removing the tent which would of course be much too costly and labor intensive since the vinyl is all fine?
The first pic is of the 'good side', the others show the damage to the 'bad side'.
Thanks for any input on this.
Mcstiggs
I scored a 1998 FWC 'Hawk' just 60 miles away from me for $3,800.
I got really frustrated at the fact that short bed models are available 10 to 1 over long bed models. I just decided to shop the SB
models too (even though I have a LB) in order to increase my chances. Then at least I would have something and could sell it later
when I have time to track down a Granby or something.
Over all it's in great condition. Especially considering it had been stored outdoors, uncovered.
No leaks, no dry rot, lift panels are good for many more years, the vinyl is in great shape as well.
The only real problem is that the previous owner stored it with the top up to avoid mildew or something
and the passenger side storm flap Velcro is all toast from UV damage.
As you will see in the pics, it has all deteriorated and broken away from the trim where it was attached.
It has also lost its ability to stick anymore. Now it just flaps in the wind. I had to fashion some wire holder thingy's
in order to hold the rolled up flap in place.
The thing that puzzles me is, why in the hell did they not stitch the Velcro to the vinyl on the outside?
They did stitch the interior Velcro. Also, on the driver side, even though it's still in good shape, the Velcro
which was applied using an adhesive) no long sticks (meaning the adhesive no longer keeps the back side of the
Velcro adhered to the vinyl). It is still attached to the trim at the top and bottom though, which is the only thing
keeping it in place.
So the question is, what can one do to fix this problem? How can such a fix occur? How can this be done properly (by stitching)
without removing the tent which would of course be much too costly and labor intensive since the vinyl is all fine?
The first pic is of the 'good side', the others show the damage to the 'bad side'.
Thanks for any input on this.
Mcstiggs
