Burstner I572 "A" pillars cracks

[Mihai]

Hello everybody,

I would like to ask if you could advise me on how to fix the "A" pillars cracks shown in the attached photo. My gues is that they appeared due to the torsion of the camper's body.

The main questions are:

1. Are they covered in fiber glass or regular car filler?
2. Can it be a DYI job?
3. Can wrapping them with car wrap be a temporary fix, as I'm planning to leave for the summer to Portugal?

Thanks in advance!

 

[TheBig1]

that looks like a structural failure and needs proper investigation

 

[mfw]

I'd try and get behind the damage probably only fibreglass on that bit see what is behind the crack if anything - if feasible lay up some more mat behind damaged area - once done that cut v shape in exterior cracks and fill with gelcoat filler - but thats what i'd do if it was mine

 

[tonyidle]

They appear to be covers - probably glued on.

 

[Mihai]

Thanks for the replies. I'll look some more into it and decide what will do.

Unfortunately, there is no one professional around and I don't want to grind off the fiber/filler and not finish the job. I'd rather address it later and professionally.

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[Pausim]

Are you sure it is fibreglass. I would expect to see some of the glass matt threads in the cracks if it was and the colour would probably only be in the gel coat finish. Might be plastic and non structural itself but as already suggested could well be a sign of something more serious and structural going on behind it.

 

[Gellyneck]

Question for the Funster experts, could it just be old vinyl wrap that's shrinking \ cracking? I've no idea (but what's new)!

 

[TheBig1]

looking just at the bottom crack, it continues the line of the side window right round to the windscreen. there may be a steel box section frame beneath the outer skin, but i suggest that too is flexing. the strength to maintain rigidity seems to rely on the bonded glass windscreen

 

[deleted-member02]

A previous repair failing?
Trim/decal above side window appears to have aged differently to that above windscreen, maybe a clue??
I'd be inclined to just keep an eye on it for the time being. Can always carry out an emergency repair if needed (gaffa tape???)

 

[Mihai]

As you said, I’ll keep an eye on it and in autumn before storage I’ll grind it, fill the cracks and wrap it.

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[Blue Knight]

It looks to me as if the there is horizontal cracking all the way up the A-pillar and not just at the base.

It also looks as if the pillar is covered by vinyl plastic so if the van is a good age then it could have sucumed to the effects of UV, heat and weather etc by drying out and cracking.

 

[Maluisarot]

Bit late to the discussion, did you ever get to the bottom of it? I think you're right about the body flexing because from what I understand a lot of A-Class motorhomes have the A-pilar made out of wood

Pretty sombering to watch but you can see it in this crash test at 4minutes in