Screws Stripped in Fiberglass Shell

[silverloaf]

I'm trying to find a more secure method of re-attaching the upper cabinet in the front of our trailer. Below is a pic of the cabinet before being removed for re-finishing.

The cabinet was originally anchored to flanges on a molded acrylic fiberglass shell with screws. The shell encapsulates the area behind the cabinet and is anchored to the aluminum wall and ceiling framing.

The shell is relatively thin (7/32" or so), which means there is little material to the screw thread to hold. More than half of the front screws had ripped out of the flange. causing the cabinet to drop 1/2"-3/4".


Frankly, it's a very poor way to support an upper cabinet. I have a few thoughts on solutions.

Has anyone else experienced this problem and found a fix?

Thanks in advance!

[silverloaf]

Here are few pics of the shell.

[KYAvion]

I don't have any great suggestions, but I'm curious to hear what you come up with.

[Sawmiller]

If the screws are only going into the shell and there is a void behind them you might try some toggle bolts.

[Tarnished]

One possibility would be to put a fiberglass patch maybe 3" X 3". Use epoxy resin. This would give more thickness and strengthen the area holding the screw. I've also used bits of glass cloth and instant glue. It works and sure is quick.

[silverloaf]

Thanks for all the ideas. All have merit.

I've decided to install corner braces under the edge of the cabinet and screw them into the front wall. The braces will be hidden by the soffit panel that contains the under-cabinet lights, as well as the window curtains.

I'm not sure about the size of the brace but here's a pic of one from Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/eBoot-Degree-Bra ... 1ZVKEV62QE


Thanks again!