Snipe 2 removal/repositioning

[alwaysared]

I have a Snipe 2 on the roof and it's preventing me from having a fourth solar panel so it needs moving towards the back of the van by about 100mm. I've got the unit off no problem but now I'm struggling to get the mount off which has been stuck on by Sikaflex or something like it. Does anyone have any tips on how to get it off without destroying my roof? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Del

 

[izwozral]

How about strong fishing line or cheese wire?

 

[The laird]

That's exactly what I going to suggest fishing line or fuse wire?

 

[Admin]

Use fishing line and braid it so that it pull out the swarf.

 

[Silver sprinter]

Or you could leave it and mount another one.. if it scares you. What is it made from aluminium?

 

[alwaysared]

Use fishing line and braid it so that it pull out the swarf.

Sorry for being a bit dim but can you please explain how to "braid' it?
Looking on Amazon there seems to be a large variety of fishing line and It all looks confusing with me not being a fisherman so can anyone recommend one to try?

Regards,
Del

 

[Admin]

Sorry for being a bit dim but can you please explain how to "braid' it?
Looking on Amazon there seems to be a large variety of fishing line and It all looks confusing with me not being a fisherman so can anyone recommend one to try?

Regards,
Del

You braid the line the same way as you would plat three lengths of hair.

 

[alwaysared]

You braid the line the same way as you would plat three lengths of hair.

That's easy if you have any duaghters but with only having a son I'm out of practice with doing girls hair.

Regards,
Del

 

[witzend]

There was a similar thread here the other day and it was suggested then to get a wire that windscreen fitters use to remove windscreens handle either end of a saw type wire

Pardon our interruption...

Or maybe one of these if long enough

NE_ Multifunctional Portable Life Chain Saw Blade Stainless Steel Wire Saw Cut | eBay

Type: Steel Wire Saw. 1 x Steel Wire Saw. Saw Length: 53cm/20.87" (Approx.). Material: Steel Wire. Made with 3 steel wires, with sawtooth and two rings. Light weight, small size, flexible and easy to carry.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[jeffmossy]

I have just taken my dome off the roof of my van and got the feet off by using the fishing wire method , make sure you have a good pair of padded gloves on when doing the job as the line will cut into your fingers if you dont

 

[Minisorella]

That's easy if you have any duaghters but with only having a son I'm out of practice with doing girls hair.

Regards,
Del

You have a very capable wife though Derek... I'm sure she'll help if you ask nicely

 

[The laird]

Prob is he ain't got enough hair to practice braiding
Soz del couldn't resist

 

[alwaysared]

I have just taken my dome off the roof of my van and got the feet off by using the fishing wire method , make sure you have a good pair of padded gloves on when doing the job as the line will cut into your fingers if you dont

Hi Jeff, what fishing line did you use? I can only get a couple of types round here.

Regards,
Del

 

[Tezza33]

You braid the line the same way as you would plat three lengths of hair.

Have you met Del?

 

[jeffmossy]

Hi Jeff, what fishing line did you use? I can only get a couple of types round here.

Regards,
Del

It was just some old sea fishing line that I have had for years Del , I found that warming up the feet with a hair drier made life a lot easier . be careful not to overheat

 

[alwaysared]

It was just some old sea fishing line that I have had for years Del , I found that warming up the feet with a hair drier made life a lot easier . be careful not to overheat

Cheers Jeff, the guy in the fishing shop told my son that I would probably need some sea fishing and he didn't sell that stuff only match fishing. My problem is that it isn't on feet it's a large flat aluminium plate and ot seems pretty solid to me.

Regards,
Del

 

[jeffmossy]

Mine was solid Del , like I say just a little heat with the hairdrier made a huge difference . Good luck

 

[landoboguy]

There was a similar thread here the other day and it was suggested then to get a wire that windscreen fitters use to remove windscreens handle either end of a saw type wire

Pardon our interruption...

Or maybe one of these if long enough

NE_ Multifunctional Portable Life Chain Saw Blade Stainless Steel Wire Saw Cut | eBay

Type: Steel Wire Saw. 1 x Steel Wire Saw. Saw Length: 53cm/20.87" (Approx.). Material: Steel Wire. Made with 3 steel wires, with sawtooth and two rings. Light weight, small size, flexible and easy to carry.

www.ebay.co.uk

I used the first one in this post, it snapped so I took it easier with the second on a hot day and worked ok through silkaflex on a solar mount though took ages.
The other side i took a chance and sliced with a sharp knife as much as I could, then put some protection down and wedged a small pry bar under and it popped off great in 2 mins. No damage and would be the method Id use next time if I had to.

 

[alwaysared]

Fianally!
My son has worked each night after work since I posted this and finally he got the plate off last night
I'm not fit enough to climb the steps at the moment so he's also going to be fitting the new panels, we did the last two together so he's okay with what needs to be done. I'm undecided as to whether I'll get him to refit the Snipe or leave it in his garage and fit it if I and when I come to sell the MH.
Thanks to everyone for all the help and suggestions, they just prove what a great community we have here on WC.

Regards,
Del

 

[Wully]

Del you don’t have to mount the snipe to roof you can use it sitting on a level piece of ground with a length of cable As long as it has a clear path south. Might be handy when your hunkered down for the winter.