Bird Strike.........

Hi there. I've had my Cotswold new from 2010. I've had a bird strike which has smashed the front perspex roof panel over the from cab.

Over the years I've had a whole host of problems and quality defects but I've stuck with it, mostly fixing everything myself but now I'm stumped.

Autosleeper have said they don't supply the part and pointed me at a company called Advanced Glass. Unfortunately they have gone out of business. Auto sleeper have now agreed they have. This leaves me with a 10 year old van that cannot be used. Any ideas. The panel is curved in both across and up/down so I have no idea how to fashion one.

Any help would be gratefully received. Don't tell me to sell it as I can 't with a hole in the roof !!! He he.

Thank you very much

Hello and welcome to this most friendly and informative forum. Hopefully someone will be able to offer some advice. I assume the Cotswold over cab skylight differs significantly from the current Broadway specification.

DIY perspex shaping (with a heat gun) is good fun! But that shape is probably too complicated to DIY...

I would suggest an internet search for a term like "curved perspex windscreens" or similar. There are quite a few companies that will do it, because there is demand among boat owners, classic car and motorbike owners, exhibition organisers, etc.

It probably won't be at all cheap, but probably more cost-effective than scrapping the van!

It would be interesting to ask A/S whether they retained the mould when the original company went out of business, as that would doubtless save a fair bit of money if re-usable.

One other question: can you confirm that you're claiming the cost back on insurance? I would think this is one of those cases where it would make sense, unless your excess is very very high.

Good luck!

You could try this firm https://www.eeco-ltd.co.uk/  You send them the broken window for them to use as a template.
I’ve not used them so can’t comment on how good they are.

Mike

Hi. These may be able to help or possible offer advice, Cheltenham Laminating.

• [url=tel:01452 713 098]01452 713 098[/url]
  
• E:info@cheltenhamlaminating.co.uk
  

They used to (or possibly still do) produce all the fibreglass roofs, rear ends and front luton chassis cab units for Autosleepers. They are based in Cheltenham. Not sure what they can do/offer but worth a call. They are a manufacturer so not sure if they are able to do repairs but they may be able to advise of where to go. Looking at a picture of a 2010 cotswold the fibreglass front luton looks like it's joined at the side door pillars and again joined at the roof line making it a one piece unit. If they did produce it they may be able to produce one from the original mould if it's not been destroyed and there are no restrictions from Autosleeper on the use of the mould producing one offs. You would then have to find someone who is willing to strip down the luton and fit a new unit. It will be heavily bonded to the vehicle bodywork.

Another idea is that the interior luton is dismantled to reveal the fibreglass outerskin (damaged area) from inside. Cut away the damaged area back to good fibreglass. Make a former on the inside to support a rebuild of the fibreglass matting which is bonded to the inside of the good roof area. Use some gel coat, building layers to get the shape required if not fibreglass car body filler will also do the job. Finish with spray paint to match the original. This sound easy but it would have a lot of manhours and you would need to find someone who is capable of doing it, may be a boat builder!

Either way hope you get it fixed.

I've recently sold off my large vac-forming machine that would have made that panel. 
( I could form 1m square ) & unfortunately I only have the little one left which will form up to 600 x 200mm. 
How is it fitted into the opening, bonded like a windscreen or bolted to the frame?
If it has a substantial GRP frame/housing, which it probably has, it may well be possible to clamp/ bond or screw in a replacement piece & form the double-curvature required, or is it an opening hinged skylight?
 I'd certainly have a go if it were mine.

Roopert wrote:
One other question: can you confirm that you're claiming the cost back on insurance? I would think this is one of those cases where it would make sense, unless your excess is very very high.

I would pass the problem to my insurance company if they are going to end up paying.  They may have contacts you are not aware of.

Are there such thing as specialist motorhome/caravan breakers that may be able to help?