Roof sag fix idea
So let me preface this by saying I’m cheap, kinda McGyverish and have lots of fab materials in my shop. This is my idea for the fix at sag in roof of front section behind AC unit.
I’m going to use exoskeleton idea from earlier post.
1. Remove all trim to do regular bag seal fix and pull staples.
2. Check condition of wood top bow and sides pieces. What was TM thinking?
3. If crap replace wood, if not multiple coats of epoxy.
3.Make template of crown on rear section of roof where they meet when closed.
4. I have 3 bed frame rails. One for the top section which I’ll bend to match crown. The other two for the side. The wider section of frames will be on top and sides, notched where necessary.(Ac, hold down clamps, awning) I’ll cut narrow side of frame to match inner side of wood. I’ll also cut a piece of 1/16” for underside of top section that has a flap an inch or to bent down the sides to tie in sides.
5. I’ll temporarily place top piece and underside and using “c” clamps draw roof up SLOWLY. Probably going to slowly jack up AC unit as well
6. After seeing how much sag I can take out, I’ll adjust curve of top rail.
7.Test fit then weld top/sides together. Test fit again. Drill holes for screws going into sides and thru bolts at top. Paint and install thin neoprene or rubber strip as isolator between steel and aluminum.
8. Install. Steel frames will become corner and top molding, so seal as necessary
9.As I’m installing, place continuous pvc bendable bolt rope/keeder rail under back flange.
10.Sew new bag seal of appropriate thickness with bolt rope, to feed into keeder track. Install. This should make future replacement easy.
11. Fab new small trim pieces as necessary.
I considered aluminum, but I think steel will be stronger and add only 20# more
Should also stiffen up side walls, perhaps, once dialed in, make raising/lowering easier.
So I’m looking for some feedback and ideas. If this works, it could be a way to solve a problem that quite a few owners of older TM’s have without looking to janky
Thanks for taking the time to consider this.
Daniel
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