Re: Glassing Suggestions
This isn't all that different than the usual boat construction. Seems
like unless you have heavy stuff that's going to bash the sides, 1/4"
ought to be enough there, depending on the framing. Unless you're using
something with 3 equal layers, which is only strong and stiff one way.
Cloth weight should be as light as you're comfortable with unless you're
going hiking up there or anticipate lots of abrasion. 1 oz cloth
provides good weather protection but is not easy to work with. 6 oz is
easy to deal with but uses more epoxy and is heavier. I think you could
use 3/8 on top if you had cross beams under it. For that matter, with
enough framing (a lot), 1/4" would do! Again, saving weight. This is a
vehicle, after all. If you use 6 oz cloth, I don't think you'd need
extra tape at joints for weatherproofing reasons, but I suppose 1 oz
cloth could get damaged if the joints worked. If your ply butt joints
are structural, you'll need to tape the insides, too. 6 oz tape? 1 layer
for 1/4", 2 layers for 3/8 or 1/2.
like unless you have heavy stuff that's going to bash the sides, 1/4"
ought to be enough there, depending on the framing. Unless you're using
something with 3 equal layers, which is only strong and stiff one way.
Cloth weight should be as light as you're comfortable with unless you're
going hiking up there or anticipate lots of abrasion. 1 oz cloth
provides good weather protection but is not easy to work with. 6 oz is
easy to deal with but uses more epoxy and is heavier. I think you could
use 3/8 on top if you had cross beams under it. For that matter, with
enough framing (a lot), 1/4" would do! Again, saving weight. This is a
vehicle, after all. If you use 6 oz cloth, I don't think you'd need
extra tape at joints for weatherproofing reasons, but I suppose 1 oz
cloth could get damaged if the joints worked. If your ply butt joints
are structural, you'll need to tape the insides, too. 6 oz tape? 1 layer
for 1/4", 2 layers for 3/8 or 1/2.
>Ken wrote:
>On my way to boat building, I’ve made a long detour into building a
>cabover truck camper. I have decided to sheet ply and glass the
>exterior instead of using aluminum or other siding.
>I’m looking for suggestions on the following:
>-What thickness ply for the exterior? (I’ve been feeling 3/8” for the
>sides and ½” for the roof so I can walk on it.)
>-Should I tape the ply where the sheets butt together, or is the cloth
>itself enough protection? (I’ll be covering the entire exterior with
>cloth).
>-What weight cloth and tape should I use? I’m thinking of using a
>second layer of tape on the seams like roof to sides etc.
>
>Thanks for any suggestions,
>Ken
>