Snap Caps? Snap caps? We dont need no stinking snap caps!

[drew l.]

Hi all,
Working on fixing up the 1998 scamp 19 foot that I traded from my in-laws. (They now have my 16 footer). All the snap caps are gone and the silicone needs replacing. Here is what I’m doing to fix the problem. J.B. Weld and Automotive touchup paint.
You need to find a large washer that is a bit larger on the inside than the rivet is on the outside. Also, you will need the washer to be a bit thicker than the rivet head.
Center and tape the washer to the camper with a gap all the way around. Next tape off all around outside edge of washer.
I used J.B. Weld (J.B.Kwik) Quick setting, 50% 50% mix.
Fill in center hole of washer all around and over head of rivet.
After about 10 minutes or so, (once the J.B.Weld has setup), remove the tape and pop the washer off the camper.
You can see that the J.B. Weld has a nice snap cap shape to it. You can sand down the edges if you wish.
I used Duplicolor – Universal White ASF 0101 as it seemed to be a nice match for the color of my gel cote. You may wish to use a different shade.
In the final phot you can see two rivets that now have J.B. Weld covering them and the top one has been painted white. Since the J.B. Weld is almost black in color, two coats of paint will be needed.
This fix may not be for everyone, but I'm liking it.

[Paul O.]

That is a clever idea. A few of my snap caps that were knocked off, are held in place by a dab of Lexel caulk/adhesive. I did not want to replace the rivets, no structural reason to do it, and wanted to have them all look the same again.

[Darral T.]

Alot of work. But I like it if you're going to have to replace all the goofy snap caps. They WILL deteriorate in the sun. The only thing, it will be interesting to see how the paint holds up in the sun comparing to the snap-caps. Maybe a followup later on?

[MandDDiversified]

I wonder if Bondo would work? If you had a tube the size of the fix and sort of "injected" a lump of compound with a dowel...sounds possible...mix, fill, inject, compress, twist and remove. I'm at about the same spot...putting limited lifespan oversize caps on limited lifespan caps.

[Ttocs M]

While cleaning exterior, my snapcaps began falling off too. Others on this forum suggested getting replacements from Ace Hardware and other places, couldn't locate right size....the ones I found were hinged, requiring removal of rivets. So while ordering from from Scamp, was advised just remove old caps, insert base cap (these are not hinged), top off with a waterproof silicone adhesive, and a cap. I'm using a 303 protectorant on trailer surface with special attention to the new caps.

[Janb313]

I thought we weren't supposed to ever use silicone on fiberglass. Did I misunderstand?

[Paul O.]

Originally Posted by Janb313

I thought we weren't supposed to ever use silicone on fiberglass. Did I misunderstand?

Our silicone posse must be still sipping their morning coffee, so I'll jump in. The silicone oil in the silicone caulk contaminates the surfaces and if you ever have to repair it, almost nothing will stick. Much better to use something like Lexel (my favorite).

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by Paul O.

Our silicone posse must be still sipping their morning coffee, so I'll jump in. The silicone oil in the silicone caulk contaminates the surfaces and if you ever have to repair it, almost nothing will stick. Much better to use something like Lexel (my favorite).

My antennae goes up every time I hear silicone . No, No, No. Bad, Bad, Bad. Do not put that Devil's Bane on the exterior of your trailer... EVER.

[drew l.]

This is why i think J.B. Weld would be a good choice since it is an epoxy. I see that they also have white J.B. Weld (Marine weld & Water weld) this may work better than the Kwik-weld I was using.

[floyd]

If you replace the snap caps before they expose the washers, it is a half hour job with no tools other than maybe a pocket knife. That's about every four or five years. Figure doing it when you replace your tires!
Delayed maintenance is always costly and burdensome.

[C&G in FL]

Originally Posted by floyd

If you replace the snap caps before they expose the washers, it is a half hour job with no tools other than maybe a pocket knife. That's about every four or five years. Figure doing it when you replace your tires!
Delayed maintenance is always costly and burdensome.

Truer words have never been spoken!
And if you don't want to use a pocket knife to pry the caps off, it can be done with dental floss.

[Donna D.]

I hope this works well for you Drew, truly. Is there any information regarding UV protection using JB Weld? If not, you just did a lot of work that will be even worse when it's time to change it up. Floyd's right, snap caps about every 5 years. Done.

[Joe Romas]

Snap caps can be ordered here at $7 for 100. they even are available in colors and chrome. Here's the Size Casita uses.
12/12 Snap-Caps - for #10, #12 & 1/4" screws | Pro-Dec
Far less work and time and cost.

Joe

[BarbaraG]

This is great info, thanks!

[steve dunham]

I ordered a bag of snap caps for my Casita from LHC
Gave the snap caps 2 coats of white Krylon paint .
I replace the snap caps as needed and the full set every 3 years.
Takes 30 to 40 minutes to change all of them and the cost is minimal.
We have not experienced only one rivet leak and thusly will continue my present practice.
I see no reason to complicate the process for little or no gain .

[Ttocs M]

Since my 13 Scamper is in storage, and it will need snap cap replacements in early April, I ordered Pro-Dec snap caps 12/12, but forgot to order the washers. Which do I order, the 12/12 FB or the 12/12 FBA?
thanks

[Luxus Panzer]

Originally Posted by M Scott

Since my 13 Scamper is in storage, and it will need snap cap replacements in early April, I ordered Pro-Dec snap caps 12/12, but forgot to order the washers. Which do I order, the 12/12 FB or the 12/12 FBA?
thanks

The snap caps on my Scamp 13 (2010) are also looking a bit sun damaged in places.

Do I just order new caps from here? if so, can someone please confirm the correct size?

12/12 Snap-Caps - for #10, #12 & 1/4" screws | Pro-Dec

[k0wtz]

they are available on amazon don't forget the bases!

bob

[Joe Romas]

Originally Posted by Luxus Panzer

The snap caps on my Scamp 13 (2010) are also looking a bit sun damaged in places.

Do I just order new caps from here? if so, can someone please confirm the correct size?

12/12 Snap-Caps - for #10, #12 & 1/4" screws | Pro-Dec

FB and FBA are the bases, NOT the Snap Caps.

Snap caps
12/12 White Snap-Caps screw caps | Pro-Dec

Joe

[Ttocs M]

Originally Posted by Joe Romas

FB and FBA are the bases, NOT the Snap Caps.

Snap caps
12/12 White Snap-Caps screw caps | Pro-Dec

Joe

Which base do I order from Pro-Dec: FB or FBA that will fit my 12/12 snap caps?