@mike-and-cathy-donegan
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R E Arnett, Doncaster, cast and machined the prop and the bearing.
Condensation had brought down the edges of the ceiling, so we removed the fabric and the plastic clip trim leaving the screw fixed male runner. All ceiling mounted bits, lights etc were removed and cleaned.
A centre line was established fore and aft in the underside of the coach roof and the ceiling was set out to approximately the panel strips of the original ceiling but with a break at the centre line.
The ceiling was cut from 1mm hygena sheets used for clean rooms which is available for delivery rolled up. Three 1mx2m panels were ordered. I investigated thicker material but it is heavier and less flexible. This material is very shiny so it was covered with white non-foam backed vinyl from a yacht upholsterer and stuck on with evostik.
The panels without vinyl are set out to the centre line and the square corner of the panel establishes the line across the coach roof. A gap of approximately 10mm was left at the edges which are not square with anything. The panels are measured, marked out and scored with a sharp, knife and snapped. The panels were butt jointed and haven’t needed a joint cover.
Any holes needed are cut and then the vinyl is stuck on and folded over about 20mm. Inset from the 20mm 100mmx25mmx6mm hardwood battens are fixed on the coach roof and heavy duty Velcro is stapled to them. The other part of the Velcro is then stuck to the underside, the Velcro has its own adhesive. Finally the panel is offered up and pushed home. None has come off. We are very pleased with it.
The 6mm gap needs to be maintained because of condensation and the ply patresses used to mount lights etc which abound.
I have found some photos…
We replaced the white metal bearing on Kestra a year ago and had it remade to the original design.
The bearing/prop housing was removed and the old bearing taken out. The tapered prop shaft (bronze) was skimmed to remove wear irregularities caused by the bearing. The white metal bearing was recast using low zinc white metal, this involved casting an oversized plug with a central hole approximately 150mm long. This hole was then machined out to match the skimmed prop shaft, three groves machined along the inner length of the bearing and the bearing was Loctite-ed onto the shaft. The outside of the bearing was then machined to match the bearing housing tube and rear bearing housing. If I was doing it again, I would get them to extend the skimming further forward of the actual wear to include wear from the stuffing gland. It has been in a season and seems to be fine.
We have also replaced the saloon ceiling, but that is another story.
Mike Donegan
