Colleagues,

Have done some initial “panel beating” tests, good news it’s doable, indeed !

Have added some new pictures to the following link – fyi

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipNzoZQq0UAaPFaTrDuis8uuEyUvVDZEn0zFrSyhC3sMJ0msL2rU6CFHllmJmybuxA/photo/AF1QipOeBWTykgS_oSpAM8qooSCpcINvAo1klYVISf3C?key=RzBxZjRTS3VVS2h1bkhXWTlGUmNSOGNWNXNaaWRR

Does anybody know if the rest of the side roof panels and the rear dome are of the same aluminum type as the front dome ?
The whole driver side is full of dents (not as nasty as the front dome) that have to be rectified. You can see those side dents in one of new the pictures, now that the cover of the bus is off.

Thx !

Marc

My bus number (if any): 1825

Hi Mark,
I have looked at your pic. The side curves are more difficult to knock out, I would suggest that you get some 1.2mm ali rolled to the side roof curve and rivet these over the roof side panels, its easy, I have just done this on my RMC. cut the panels to size, a bay at a time and they only need to go on the roof to the first set of rivets. Remove the side strapping, fit the repair patch and replace the side strapping.
Cheers
Rob

My bus number (if any): RMC1458

Hi Marc, I'd suggest you contact Jean-Luc Frank of Routemaster absl in Luxembourg. they have RM1081. they had some fairly serious rear dome damage repaired locally a few years ago and he may point you in the direction of whoever repaired theirs.

I usually visit them 2 times a year to do safety checks on their bus if that's any help.

My bus number (if any): RML2532

thx Roy and Rob

I'll have a word with JL, we know each other.
Let me know when you come over next time to Lux, I'll try to be there as well.

Will give an update on my dome ( and roof side panel) repair project soon, work in progress..

My bus number (if any): 1825

Colleagues,

Here comes an update from RM1825’s "dome and roof sidepanel" repair project.

As people here suggested earlier, it was indeed possible to remove the dents from the front and the rear domes with the right tools.
As Rob had suggested that side panels were a bit more difficult to handle, I chose a different technique to rectify them.
I have built a wooden die that has the same curvature than the side roof panels.
I’ve pushed this die against the panels from the inside with the help of a small 2t hydraulic jack. If all angles are adjusted correctly and pressure is applied sensibly, this setup works remarkably well. I have added a couple of pictures, so you can see the end result and the setup.

picture link:
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipNzoZQq0UAaPFaTrDuis8uuEyUvVDZEn0zFrSyhC3sMJ0msL2rU6CFHllmJmybuxA?key=RzBxZjRTS3VVS2h1bkhXWTlGUmNSOGNWNXNaaWRR

In the end I am quite happy with the result. The final finish will have to be done with some filler.
Again thx for the advise and support !

Cheers

Marc

My bus number (if any): 1825

Here are the pictures that Marc has sent me to upload in order that the text of this thread coupled with the pictures show the stages of repairing RM 1825`s roof dents.....




















































A really interesting set of pictures making a worthwhile record of both the actual task and of revealing a part of Routemaster bodywork that most of us don`t usually get to see.

Thanks for that Marc and Neil - interesting technique !

My bus number (if any): RML2747