Duetto/Symbol Exterior Black Panels

Hi 
I was giving the above panels a going over with some plastic restorer today and I noticed that on one of the panels, there was a fillet of black silicone type stuff that was coming off. (Where the panel abuts the bodywork). So, does anyone know if it serves a purpose, - I presume its a water proofing measure, and if this is the case, I had better take steps to reseal it. Has anyone had cause to remove the panels because I wouldn't mind having a gander at whats behind them or is it best not to know.  

I did have a go a few years ago when I also noticed the black sealer coming off.
I think I only managed to release a corner, just enough to have a 'peek'.
Behind mine was just the side of the 'van', so they are presumably just cosmetic.
If I remember, there was a lot of condensation on the van panel.
Can't remember what time of year it was, but just resealed around the plastic and left well alone.

(what the eye don't see.............  )

PB

Thanks for that PB, I will leave well alone and just reseal around the edge where it meets the van side. 

Hi Blossom
Just to let you know, it best to reseal as soon as you see this problem. Behind the panel(s) you will find wooden strips that are bonded to the van side (which is either glass or metal) depending on the base van. The panel is usually screwed to these wooden strips. If water gets behind the panel, the wood start to rot and the fixings loosen. In extreme cases some owners have lost a panel when driving at high speeds due to week fixings.
Regards
John

Hi John
Thanks for that tip. I will get that done asap. 

I had a similar panel, on a similar vehicle, come adrift some time ago.

Rather than try to squeeze some sealant into the crack I took the whole panel off, cleaned it up a bit, bought some Sikaflex-221 and replaced the panel.

A couple of hours, job done - never had any further problems.

If you go that way - be careful how you remove the panel as they tend to get brittle with age - and have plenty of cleaning cloth at hand as that Sikaflex can get everywhere.

Hi Tony.
Thanks for your comments. I have decided not to disturb my panels.
  

Blossom wrote:Hi Tony.
Thanks for your comments. I have decided not to disturb my panels.
  

 Very wise!!  

PB

as my panel seemed to continue detaching on lower corner by door I drilled two generous holes in it avoiding the paint below then squirted in some famous grippa adhesive and held the panel back in place for 2 weeks against side of house. When set a dob of shoe polish changed the green grippa to black and jobs a good one lasting over 8 months. If it aint bust don't play with it.

Hi Damunden,

Just noticed you joined a year ago and just posted your first two posts today. How about an introduction here....


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Hi Damunden.
I can see where I have been going wrong now, I thought the saying went "If it ain't broke, fix it till it is". 

Hi folks,
the side black panel on my Symbol (2000) is bulging and the sliding door is rubbing it so looks like mine has to come off.
Oh well another project, can you still get the panels??? 

Best Regards, Mike 

Hi Mike.
A bulging side panel sounds a bit ominous. Can't help you with panel availability, maybe someone else will be along shortly with more help.

Mike
It will most likely be the wooden strips behind the panels that have swelled (due to water getting in behind the panel). You will have to remove the panel to confirm. It's possible you will be able to re-fix with new wooden strips. The panels are no longer available. If you can't re-fix , some options are to paint the panel, (if metal), or use window tint if there is glass behind. I think the Symbol is probably metal behind the black panel,as it based on a panel van not window van.

Regards
John

Thanks for that John, I thought that there was battens but not enough by the looks of things and the panel is plastic so I will have to remove it carefully re-batten with more wood and refit and seal again. 
The main problem is that the panel is rubbing on the door as it slides back and forth. might use no-nails to stick the battens to the wood the offer the whole lot up complete and fit in to the panel with the same adhesive.

Best Regards, Mike 

If you do tackle this job Mike, a few photos along the way would be of help to us 'others'

PB

I posted that I secured my panel with Green Grippa adhesive allowing two weeks to dry. Elsewhere I see no nails mentioned but my use of this failed as it would not set between the plastic and metal still flexing a year later. Auto sleeper I notice do use some inappropriate off cuts of wood where they will not be seen

damunden wrote:I posted that I secured my panel with Green Grippa adhesive allowing two weeks to dry. Elsewhere I see no nails mentioned but my use of this failed as it would not set between the plastic and metal still flexing a year later. Auto sleeper I notice do use some inappropriate off cuts of wood where they will not be seen

 Hi there, the battens seem to be very sparse behind the panel, feels like only one which has come away, ( you can feel the sticky as you push the panel). Looks looks sylkaflex is the way to go.
I have to attempt a repair otherwise the door will wear the panel away.

Best Regards, Mike 

If you get the panel off, it would be worth looking to see if you can get a few lengths of square section UVPC, and Sikaflex that on instead of the wood - it won't expand or rot if you do get minor water ingress in future.

Hi all, had another look at the panel next to the sliding door yesterday and tried to get the panel off but it is well and truly stuck on so I might try this Green Gripper stuff with holes drilled through the plastic and leave for a while. Thanks for all your suggestions I think it is a job for the winter as I use the van all of the time.

Best regards, Mike