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Post by gregh on Jan 9, 2013 21:37:58 GMT 10
Hey again I'm about to start rebuilding my 21ft Olympic and I'd like to replace the floor with a composite floor - I believe it will be stronger, lighter and less likely to rot. I was reading about them today on the forum and you know I can't find the topics tonight. I've read there are different types; polycore, honeycomb, balsa, but I did read somewhere in this forum you could by a sheet for around $100. I did get a quote today from ATL Composites; they quoted my $424 ex GST per 2400x1200 sheet - seems a bit excessive. Can anyone provide advise in this area or better still direct me to a supplier that has a good product at a reasonble price. Thanks, Greg
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Post by atouchofglass on Jan 10, 2013 6:13:26 GMT 10
Hey Greg Not sure on the costs of honeycomb Have you tried Nuplex, formally known as FGI? They supply honeycomb on request and you will find them on the web
It would be my next floor should I rebuild another Olympic for myself. The honeycomb needs to be fibreglassed both sides before fitting, It can't be used just as is.
Cheers Atog
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Post by gregh on Jan 10, 2013 20:56:04 GMT 10
Hi Atog, Yes they were the first I tried. They only sell the honeycomb; they don't sell a completed board. I don't have the room or equipment to make my own fibreglass boards from the honeycomb. I have another quote request in at FibreComposites and another crowd called Fibreglass Design Panels come off holidays on Monday - see what they have to offer. Greg
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Post by humpyboy on Jan 11, 2013 7:58:07 GMT 10
I'll be watching this thread Greg as I may need to replace the floor in my Roadcruiser also.
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Post by gregh on Jan 11, 2013 12:51:26 GMT 10
No Problem Humpy I'll post my findings as they reveal themselves.
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Post by humpyboy on Jan 11, 2013 13:38:59 GMT 10
No Problem Humpy I'll post my findings as they reveal themselves. Thank you kind sir.
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2up
Full Member
Feel free to visit us in Elmhurst , Victoria
Posts: 367
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Post by 2up on Jan 11, 2013 20:19:55 GMT 10
Ah! Sorry ,why not use plywood (they much better now) like the original. It has lasted this long!
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Post by gregh on Jan 11, 2013 20:28:36 GMT 10
I'm looking at it more from the weight side of things. At less than 1/2 the weight, I believe the weight can be reduced by 80-100kg on my 21 footer.
I have to look at the whole picture. I'll be fitting a bigger fridge, aiconditioner, bigger water tanks, toilet/shower etc - it all adds up. The lighter I can keep it, the easier it will be to tow and less fuel.
Cheers Greg
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Post by humpyboy on Jan 11, 2013 20:53:13 GMT 10
I tend to agree with you Greg in the weight department, and 2up you also have a valid point in that plys are much better these days especially marine grade but it is a concern of mine that you only need the moisture to get in in one point and you could be back at square one before you know it, my initial thoughts if using ply was to coat it all over in glass before glassing it to the body of the van.
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Post by gregh on Jan 11, 2013 21:44:21 GMT 10
Yes coating with fibreglass resin was a tip I got from atog, and that was the path I was going down until I read about composite floor options.
Cost might still steer me back to ply floor yet, but I haven't looked at all composite floor options either, so final decision hasn't been made.
Greg
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Post by humpyboy on Jan 11, 2013 21:47:59 GMT 10
Cost is always an option but you need to look at all alternatives out there do you not? like yourself I may still go the ply option but I'm far from that part of the build yet.
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2up
Full Member
Feel free to visit us in Elmhurst , Victoria
Posts: 367
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Post by 2up on Jan 12, 2013 7:39:16 GMT 10
Hi oztrade, I've been lead to believe modern external ply uses the same glue as marine ply but a lot cheaper and you can get it with one good ,sanded surface or two sanded surfaces. We went down this road on our rebuild youtu.be/pklpXjGjem4 and the weight came in at 1630kg with no water tanks, air con or shower. The ply floor gave a solid base to screw the cabinets onto as nothing was attached to the outside walls
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Post by gregh on Jan 18, 2013 15:40:42 GMT 10
Hi All,
Fibreglass Design Panels ph 3630 4155 (Northgate QLD) can supply 1150x2300 12mm honeycomb panels - the cost around $190 a panel. THet can make larger panels if needed.
They don't carry stock but manufacture to customer needs. These panels have been used in commercial people movers such as buses etc.
That's an acceptable price for me, so that's the way I'm Going ;D
Cheers, Greg
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