Mk 5 190 hi cube... fibreglass roof strength?

[Fast but dim]

I bought this a few months ago:

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=188378

She runs like a dream ( I'm going away tomorrow for a couple nights)...

Does anyone know how strong the roof is? I've drilled it to mount some lights, and it certainly seems robust!

I'm looking to fit a roof box, probably fabricating brackets and using sikkaflex and screws. Loads will be light, but I'd really like to know how strong the roof actually is.

I'd guess it would take my weight, but wouldn't want to risk it!

[ernie b]

Mount through the steel strengthening ribs if you can if not use a steel spreader plate maybe 6 or 8 inch square. I'd plate inside and out to be safe.
As for how strong in general, I've seen a car sitting on top of one in a scrap yard and no problems, couldn't even find any cracks in the fiberglass when I got it home

[Fast but dim]

Thanks. I'm not going to be able to locate the ribs: it's an ex ambulance and has been insulated and lined.
I'd assumed the roof was just fiberglass: I hadn't expected it to be supported by ribs from the van sides!


I'd guessed it was sturdy: I expected the screws for the lights to self tap into the fiberglass...but no chance.

[Noctule]

Nice purchase!

To find the stiffeners just go out on a frosty morning, as the roof is starting to warm up. You should be able to see the outlines of them in the frost.

frosty_roof.jpg

This message board thread has some picks that will give you a good idea of where they will be...

https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056060300

Oh, and you're missing two of your back wheels too

Mat

[Fast but dim]

Brilliant thanks!

I'm glad it's on single wheels at the back: I've just about managed to buy two winter tyres. I couldn't have afforded four!

[MinorMatt]

Mount through the steel support ribs. Just use a pipe/cable finder to locate them.

You would want to do that anyway to ensure you don't drill through a cable?