Advice re-fixing awning after attempted theft.

[John.]

Someone decided to try and remove the Fiamma awning a few weeks back whilst we were travelling through Spain not sure when or where as I only noticed when winding it out.

The front bracket damage is more cosmetic but the back one is really not supported at the bottom as the bodywork has a 20mm dent where they've tried to bar it off.
I'm trying to work out the best way to re-fix the awning as access from the inside isn't really an option due to the fact the roof frame is supported all around with 200mm x 40mm box sections.

Thinking I'll try and pull out the dented section then fill the remaining area with body filler or depending if it comes out ok then re-fix the bracket bedding it on with Sikoflex to take out any undulations?
Alternatively I could get someone to form aluminium plates which would enlarge the fixing area for the brackets to be bolted through.
I've checked and I can easily purchase an extra two Fiamma brackets to also shorten the span between supports.
Fiamma F45 2.6m

Any advice would be appreciated

 

[catspyjamas]

Funnily enough I've just had my awning stolen.
Thankfully the thieves removed it fairly carefully so there is no damage to the van itself.

It seems strange to want to steal an awning- they're not exactly portable!

 

[Minxy]

Funnily enough I've just had my awning stolen.
Thankfully the thieves removed it fairly carefully so there is no damage to the van itself.

It seems strange to want to steal an awning- they're not exactly portable!

Where was your MH at the time?

 

[ianthebuilder]

Funnily enough I've just had my awning stolen.
Thankfully the thieves removed it fairly carefully so there is no damage to the van itself.

It seems strange to want to steal an awning- they're not exactly portable!

But they are expensive!!

 

[Geoff185]

I would get hold of a good dent man. You will be surprised what they can take out. Try dent masters for local agent
Watched them take a bad dent out of the cant rail (similar panel to yours above door not accesable from inside due to airbags etc) on a Porsche Panamera using a puller without damaging paint. Well worth a chat with them

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[autorouter]

Perhaps you could remove the bracket and re-fix it away from the dented section.

The body-to-bracket and bracket-to-awning fixings look like rivet nuts.

They are fixed from the front using a pliers-type tool just like pop rivets. No access to the back is required.
https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/sealey-ak3984-short-arm-threaded-nut-riveter/

You can get them in various sizes, for various metal thicknesses, and in different materials: bright zinc plated (BZP) steel, brass, alloy and stainless steel.

 

[John.]

Thanks @GeoffChausson had a word with a body guy and he's going to have a look if the dent can be pulled out he did say that it might be a weak spot considering the weight that's pushing against it.

Thanks @autorouter thats exactly how they are fixed
I managed to pack the brackets with a tube of acrylic filler to stop it wobbling until we got back to England.
I've ordered two more brackets from Fiamma when they arrive I'll remove the awning and have a proper look.
As you suggested perhaps I can move the rear bracket further back then fix the two new ones in between spreading the load?

 

[autorouter]

Presumably Fiamma and the original installer reckon that two brackets are quite enough to take the load. If you can't get two in the optimum positions then maybe an extra one or two is a good idea. However I'm sure there'd be no problem fitting even half a dozen if you want.

 

[catspyjamas]

Where was your MH at the time?

It was in secure storage. Thieves managed to remove one of the fence panels and stole awnings off 3 vans.
The site owner was very upset that his security systems had been compromised and is in the process of installing extra cameras and more secure bolts on the panels. He runs a dealership and workshop and is replacing the awning for me, thus saving me from making an insurance claim which would have reflected badly on his facilities.