How to skin..

[Uncle Chan]

...ok, I've got the bug. I own a Mobi, but now I want to build something. I hunt so am looking to build something to take on my yearly trips. I've been reading and reading and reading and am pretty sure I have a handle on what to do...EXCEPT how to skin the roof and sides.

I presume that I would use a contact adhesive, but can't find much to confirm this. BTW, I would want to put an aluminum skin on it. Is the aluminum glued down or is it screwed down or is it a matter of personal preference?

[Dean_A]

Folks tend to do it one of two ways.

The first is to use some sort of adhesive. Outdoor carpet adhesive has been mentioned many times, as it stays a little flexible and may help delay separation. The problem with using adhesives is that the wood and aluminum expand and contract at different rates due to temperature, so your adhesive is going to separate eventually. Best to look at adhesive as a temporary thing that will help you keep it all in place when you're building, but it's not a long term solution.

The second option is to just float the aluminum skin and don't use any adhesive at all. That's what I did on mine. The aluminum is just held in place with the edge molding, fenders, door trim, light fixture screws, etc. Believe me, that aluminum is not going anywhere. I know that's the way mad jack does it, so that's the route I took too, and no regrets so far.

[dan galvin]

I just finished my build i used contact cement to hold it in place for a while
i also used 3/8 air staples along the edge until i could get my alum edging on to merry the top to the sides for the finish. its gotten very hothere and the glue has let go and it seems i now have a floating skin but that is ok no leaks and looks great
have fun with your build
dan
and that is my $ 0.02 worth

[madjack]

I prefer to float the skins...this way IF you do get some oil canning, it will lay back down and look just fine...we try to cut the top skin 1/8-1/4" smaller than the width of the roof(wiggle room) and place a few staples along the edge to hold it in place until the vent and trim are applied...this is not needed on the side...if you do want to use an adhesive for some reason, it has been found, an adhesive designed to attach outdoor carpet to decks and such seems to work best or as an alternative, something like SikaFlex 221/252, which is an auto body panel adhesive works well also.......
madjack

[Uncle Chan]

Thanks for the replies, all. My final question and curiosity has been answered.

[bbarry]

I'm at that stage in my build right now. It's really not too terribly difficult. Aluminum is pretty easy to work with. Have fun!