Hi folks,

I have a '95 Dodge 3500 van converted by Sportsmobile. It is an extended wheelbase (EB). The problem I am having is the vertical body seam on the drivers side just behind the rear wheel is splitting apart meaning the rearward side is further out than the front side. It isn't a gap inthe sheet metal (yet).

Sportsmobile cut out a window just below the roof line. The back side is coming out an 1/8 to 1/4". It doesn't appear to be getting any worse. Has anyone else experienced this? I guess I'm curious if its really a problem. I will post a picture a bit later today.

Thanks for any insights. Its hard to tell how the EB version is put together body wise sinc ethe interior is an RV conversion.

Thanks!

Joe

 

Those body seams are spot wielded and crimped together at the factory. How does the frame look underneath that area? If possible could you post a pic of it as well.

 

Thanks, Captain. Pics now posted. The lower part of the seam is holding up just fine. It appears to be the part above the frame rails. Unfortunately, I just can't get to the back side without undoing a lot of the interior on that side (bed, cabinet, etc.).

Just wondering if this is a serious structural issue I should take care of and if there is anyway to fix from the ouside? I am a little concerned about water infiltration and pooling somerwhere it won't evaporate. I have hestated to just silicone it until those wiser than me might comment.

Sportsmobile was gladly going to fix me up but it was big $$$.

Joe

 

You really need to get that van to a body shop asap. Those wields are broken, that is why it is splitting as it is. That is dangerous right now I do not recommend driving it except to have it repaired.

 

As being an automotive engineer, the design of placing a window along a "known" body weld seam is just plain stupid. And like M.A.R said, do not drive the vehicle either. I agree totally! It is extremely unsafe for you driving it and anyone following from behind. A cracked egg will loose it's shell at any time.

Sportmobile should cover this whether it is under a warranty or not due to their poor judgment from the start.

Do you have a written quote from Sportmobile for repairs? If so, go get three others from certified company's. Approach Sportmobile and mention that if they should fix it you will not take them to claims court, else go with the best company quoted and workmanship telling Sportmobile that this is the cost plus court costs they will incur when your van is fix by the other facility.

 

There is a Sportsmobile forum

http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/

My '89 has the seam. I don't know if it is the same as your later body style. but is is very similar to the roof gutter seam but smaller and not folded back over as much. I'll look in my old photos, see if I have a good shot of it.

Sportsmobile takes a lot of custom orders. That window location could have been designed by the original owner, but sportsmobile should have not messed with the integrity of that body seam.

Does it move around if you push on it?

That would freak me out if it happened on my Van.

 

the poorly placed window requires that the area be reinforced. one way would be to replace the window with body stregnth metal and weld and brace seam area. if you dont care what it looks like, it can be reinforced from the outside to spread out the stress around the window, as is done on some aircraft. tearing apart the inside and welding in braces would work, but, messy and expensive............but, all is not lost, it is always a small cabin, if not roadworthy, make a vacation cabin out of it !!

 

Folks, I appreciate the input. I have chatted with Sportsmobile again and I am going to have them do the work. They have been helpful getting this scheduled and I'd prefer someone with knowledge of the actual build to do the work. It seems like the best way to approach since they are familiar with the construction of the van.

No need to fear driving behind me when I see you on the road. The 'egg' will be whole again soon.

Joe