SEPARATION PROBLEMS-ROOF SUPPORT BARS

In October of 2018 I installed an nmo mount in my roof. At that time I noticed the support bar that runs under the dome light had separated from the roof sheet metal.

Now about ten months later the b pillar bar and the support bar just rear of it have completely delaminated from the roof.

I only have a couple thousand miles on the truck, since install, with only 600 of that with the antenna on. Usually I run a small 19 ish long antenna or a diamond 770 nmo that’s 39 inches long.

When I drilled the roof some of the glue had already failed and the center of the roof was wobbly...

Anyone else notice this in their roofs?

It’s seems similar to the hoods with falling sealer to the support bars.

Anyone have some HUGE vice grips I can borrow or tips on how to glue it back together? I’m not willing to tig it, yet. The paint is still nice on the roof.

The Truck is outside of warranty so Toyota can’t help me and probably wouldn’t anyways because I modified the roof.


I was searching for the source of my bad swr, over ten on the meter. It turned out to be a wire issue. Fixed it now I’m at 1.1 on 2meter.

Original install thread.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/8900-yeasu-install-roof-drilled.571527/

Pics

 

Not surprising at all. I'm sure they used the same glue from the hoods thats failing as they used on the roof.

 

I wonder if a construction adhesive would work? Find a wood worker/cabinet maker with BIG clamps that will let you borrow a few for a couple days.

 

Do you have any trouble with that NMO mount flexing the sheet metal?

 

Naw. Use the correct 3m stuff or it'll dimple where the roof flexes around the glue.

 

Warranty time.

 

The roof sheet metal is very thin and flexible. The Breedlove mount does a good job spreading the load. 3 inch puck on top and a 2 inch one below.

In my opinion it’s way stronger than a conventional nmo mount. This only requires a 5/8 inch hole vs a standard nmo that’s 3/4 of an inch, I think.

 

Do you have a name for the 3m product?

Seam sealant?

 

Ended 35,000 miles ago.

 

Thanks! That sounds like a good solution to the thin sheet metal. I'll look into the Breedlove mount.

 

Probably explains the noise I hear when I articulate the truck.

 

I don't remember the name. I'm sure it's on this forum though

 

If you can park the truck for 24-48 hours any metal rated epoxy should work.

Drop the headliner, get a 2x4 and cut blocks to shim and follow the roof curve in 2-3 locations. Then brace from below using a couple more boards as shims. Then let it sit for a day or two. Aside from tig, not sure what else you could do?

Your basically building a temp beam support like you would when putting in a new header.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Loctite-Metal-and-Concrete-0-85-fl-oz-Epoxy-1919325/205361758

 

You want something flexible. It'll bend back and forth wherever the epoxy is and dent, possibly even tear.

 

This is the stuff
3M 08463 Flexible Foam - 200ml

 

I used the 3m foam to reattach the roof cross members. This stuff expands in seconds and makes a mess. Looks like bird poop everywhere . The roof is noticeably stiffer now. I trimmed the excess off with a razor blade.

 

Nice! Good on ya for doing it right the first time.

 

What quantity did you get and how much did you use?

 

I used 1 200ml pack on the center and rear roof support bars. It was almost empty when I finished.

 

Cool, thanks!