My project for this weekend was to remove and reseal the awning rail on the far side of my caravan as damp has crept in over the winter. Problem is that the van is 1972 and the only screws I can get out are a few extra that have obviously been put in atthe bottom corner when it has leaked previously. All the original screws have rusted over and despite having bought brand new meetal drill bits I can't remove the heads off them. Now I know I can get cobalt drill bits but I'm now thinking that this is going to be a really major job - and wonder just how many drill bits I might get through!!!
Has anyone got any advice on alternative methods - I'm wondering if I can just clean up the rail, find any weak points and re-seal all around with a sealant. this is what we did when we first had it (with silicon adhesive sealant - in our ignorance and because it was what we had) it's lasted years but has obviously now failed.
Been there with a sprite i had tried all manner of things including an impact screw driver.
The problem is the gap on the rail to gain access to the screw head.
In the end i used an old flat screwdriver to bash the screw from side to side thus making the hole in the rail bigger so that you just pull it off.
Not the best of methods but it works.
Once you get the rail off and the screws pulled out you can drill new holes next to the old ones for the new screws.
Care must be taken not to bend the rail when pulling off as it will go out of shape.
when you have all the screws out, start to remove the rail from front or rear of the van with a length of wire about 8" long.tied to some wood either end of the wire, use it like a cheese cutter if you will pulling the wire behind the rail, As you go along the rail just replace a few screws as you go so the rail dont bend under its own weight.
------------- Roughing it in style at Calloose caravan and camping holiday park nr St Ives.(seasonal pitch)
Its not a hangover, its wine flu!
I've used the "pro Grabbit" available from Screwfix and that is very good at removing damaged head screws.
Only problem is it's not cheap £17.99 but it does work.
thank you all for your comments - I've cheated this time - just too big a job for now so I cleaned up all round the rails and have sealed with a white exterior sealant - not the perfect solution but will hopefully keep us going for a few more years - at least I got it done before it rained!!!! you have to bear in mind that this is a very basic old caravan and only cost me £102 and my family of six have holidayed in her for four years. In a couple more years the kids will be fed up with caravanning and we'll bring her home again for a major refurb then.
I had the same problem on my 1990 Compass van, I tried to drill them...no chance. So i used a hand grinder to remove the rusted heads, be careful and take your time if you go this route. I ground into the rail a few times but it gets covered with the plastic seal so it wasn't a disaster. Im no expert working round Caravans and i did mine no problem. Once the heads are off (remember the rail will probably be countersunk a little for the screws to sit flush) I used u punch but you could use a Philips screw driver to give a tap in the hole just to loosen what's left of the screw from the rail, not too hard or you might wack the remains of the screw right into the wood (you want to get these out). Then start to remove your rail and use a pair of pliers to twist out the old screws. Some of the screws on mine were so bad, I had to drill new holes in the rail (close to original ones) then countersink them a little. I put new Mastic on the rail and before tightening the screws I put a bead of Sikaflex along the top of the rail from front to back to get a good water tight seal. I put the new screws through the new holes right into the skin of the van, I didn't drill holes for them as the skin is thin enough anyway. I am 100 percent confident that my van which was leaking when I bought it (This van does'nt leak, ok i'll buy it) is not leaking any more. Iv'e even had the door out to reseal, the front and kitchen window (new rubber seals from Seals Direct). Iv'e replaced the carpet and curtains, my misses is chuffed to bits and me..., well i'm just brilliant!!! you bet i am darling. Don't be scared to have a go, make it your own.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Help ! trouble removing awning rail
