Plastic Wheel arch disappeared

[faraway]

I have no idea how this happened but the plastic rear left wheel arch on my Chausson Flash 10 has been ripped off. See photo below. The arch only seems to have been glued on somehow as there are no screw holes or tears. I did not feel or hear anything. There are no marks on the side of the vehicle. I’m quite bewildered. I will in any case retrace my steps from yesterday to see if there are any pieces on the road which might still be useable, if there is anything at all. The bit behind the arch, now covered with gaffer tape is also broken. Any idea where I can get a new or second hand part? Thanks

 

[Wildbill]

Most of the motorhome builders use carivan parts.
Dependant on how old it is you might pick a pare up on sume of the Facebook carivan parts forums thers loads of them.
Or contact Chausson dealer probibly be expensive.
Sorry I could not help any more
Bill

 

[Sandancers]

I have no idea how this happened but the plastic rear left wheel arch on my Chausson Flash 10 has been ripped off. See photo below. The arch only seems to have been glued on somehow as there are no screw holes or tears. I did not feel or hear anything. There are no marks on the side of the vehicle. I’m quite bewildered. I will in any case retrace my steps from yesterday to see if there are any pieces on the road which might still be useable, if there is anything at all. The bit behind the arch, now covered with gaffer tape is also broken. Any idea where I can get a new or second hand part? Thanks

The mastic which presumably held the outer wheel arch on looks to be very mucky which might indicate that it had not been adhering very well to the outer wheel arch. Could you have had a glancing blow to something which was just sufficient force to take off the outer skin ? It looks like the remaining bit which you taped up has snapped ?

 

[XxAnthxX]

They just clip on at the top as there is a clip moulded into the white part of the wheel arch itself and where they lap underneath the sill in front and behind the wheel there’s a self tapping screw.

They are very tight to clip into place, so I’d be surprised if it just fell off prior to any damage. Mine have no sealant/mastic or glue of any kind on the outer white wheel arch to hold them on.

I might still have a slightly damaged one that you could get repaired…..if you draw a blank trying to source one.

 

[dash300]

With the absence of any other damage or tell tale marks I suspect that the glue failed the wind got under it and it peeled off. Sikkaflex is your friend once you source a replacement. I use it in a harsh marine environment and it has never let me down.

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[faraway]

Most of the motorhome builders use carivan parts.
Dependant on how old it is you might pick a pare up on sume of the Facebook carivan parts forums thers loads of them.
Or contact Chausson dealer probibly be expensive.
Sorry I could not help any more
Bill

Thanks Bill, I’ll give it a try.

 

[faraway]

The mastic which presumably held the outer wheel arch on looks to be very mucky which might indicate that it had not been adhering very well to the outer wheel arch. Could you have had a glancing blow to something which was just sufficient force to take off the outer skin ? It looks like the remaining bit which you taped up has snapped ?

I’m really not sure what happened. I suppose it’s always possible that something touched it and it just needed that nudge to take it off.

 

[faraway]

They just clip on at the top as there is a clip moulded into the white part of the wheel arch itself and where they lap underneath the sill in front and behind the wheel there’s a self tapping screw.

They are very tight to clip into place, so I’d be surprised if it just fell off prior to any damage. Mine have no sealant/mastic or glue of any kind on the outer white wheel arch to hold them on.

I might still have a slightly damaged one that you could get repaired…..if you draw a blank trying to source one.

Thank you, I might definitely go for your spare anyway as I think a replacement may take some time. I will send you a message.

 

[TheBig1]

Do a search for wheel spats and there are several options, but each is used on many different vans and caravans. The van builders buy them in by the pallet load

 

[faraway]

I’ve managed to source a new one! Should have it in about 2 weeks or so. Many thanks for all the advice.

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[faraway]

On the area where the missing wheel spat was attached at the top, there appears to be a strip of tape. Right at the bottom on either side, there is a small screw. I cannot see or feel any other previous methods or points of attachment. Does anyone know what the tape might be please or recommend anything else? Thanks

 

[Sasbo]

Its probably a type of double sided butyl tape that has been used to fix the wheel arch moulding to the body. Link to similar tape below.

Double Sided Butyl Tape Used for Membrane Jointing, Waterproofing, Pond Liner Repair (50MM X 1.5MM X 10M) https://amzn.eu/d/9RL0IWy

Clean off the old tape then thoroughly clean the body panel with IPA. Prime both surfaces using acetone, apply tape to body panel then carefully position wheel arch in place and press down firmly onto tape until secure. Then replace self tapping screws at both ends.

Hope this helps.

 

[faraway]

Thank you very much Sasbo, that is much appreciated

 

[Basa]

There is a company on Canvey Island Essex that supply mouldings for caravans & motorhomes, I cant remember their name but have a look on Google maps

 

[Basa]

It’s called AJ marine

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[faraway]

Many thanks