31st August 2016
- Step 1: sand the area Working on the inside of the box, start by sanding the area around the break. ...
- Step 2: clean the area Wipe the area clean using alcohol wipes. ...
- Step 3: flame-treat the plastic ...
- Step 4: warm everything up ...
- Step 5: mix your epoxy ...
- Step 6: Apply the epoxy ...
- Step 7: add extra strength ...
Full Answer
How do you fix a crack in a fiberglass box?
We lightly sanded down the area of the crack extending 6"-8" all around. We applied a layer of ABS cement to the surface of the box, laid down a layer of fiberglass, and brushed more cement on until it was saturated. We repeated with a second layer using a slightly larger fiberglass patch.
How do you fix a cracked ABS door?
The cement they are refering to is similar to modeling cement and will actually dissolve and "weld" the ABS back together. After the fact the area where the crack is will still be a weak point, so you may want to reinforce it with fiberglass cloth and some resin to give it some strength.
What kind of paint do you use to repair a broken box?
Once the repaired area dried, we painted the top of the box with Plasti-Dip, an aerosol plastic coating. I think regular spray paint would have worked just as well, but someone on the internet suggested Plasti-Dip and we went with it.
What happened to our Thule rooftop box?
A few months before we left, when we were still deciding what system to use to carry our camping gear, we found a discarded Thule rooftop box laying on the side of the road. There were big cracks on both sides but otherwise it was in decent shape. The box was locked when we found it so we paid $5 to get new keys made at a locksmith.
Can you fix a cracked roof box?
Fix the roof box into a position where gravity will pull epoxy into the crack. Then work the epoxy into the crack with a mixing stick or a small brush, or inject the epoxy using a syringe. Use a fine blade or stick to push the epoxy as far into the crack as possible.
How do you fix a cracked cargo box?
0:483:55How To Repair A Damaged Thule Box - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe area one quarter inch on each side of the crack should be cleaned down to the raw. Plastic.MoreThe area one quarter inch on each side of the crack should be cleaned down to the raw. Plastic. Apply the resin directly from the bottle. There is no mixing or adding of catalysts or hardeners.
Can a Thule box be repaired?
Remove Any Dirt, Grease, or Paint From The Back Side You need to get down to the raw plastic. The resin will melt into the plastic and bond the new ABS in the resin to the box. The resin cures in about 24 hours to a hard finish the same as the original plastic.
How do you fix a car roof box?
0:283:01How to fit a luggage box - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure the fixations clamp the roof ranks very tightly to prevent any movement whatsoever. YouMoreMake sure the fixations clamp the roof ranks very tightly to prevent any movement whatsoever. You may now attach the two restraining straps always use them to secure the load while driving.
Can you repair ABS plastic?
0:064:47How to repair and reinforce large ABS plastic items using ABS slurry.YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn this video I'll show you how I used an ABS plastic slurry to repair and reinforce a large itemMoreIn this video I'll show you how I used an ABS plastic slurry to repair and reinforce a large item made out of ABS plastic. Which in this case is roof of our rooftop tent.
How do you repair plastic?
To fix broken plastic, start by getting some super glue or high-strength plastic glue. Then, apply some of the glue to the broken edges of the plastic. Next, press the broken edges of the plastic together and apply constant pressure for 30 seconds.
Does Thule have a lifetime warranty?
No warranty is given for defects caused by normal wear and tear, scratches, accidents, modifications or any types of repair other than those authorized by Thule....Warranty by Product Category.Warranty by Product CategoryWarranty periodThule Technical BackpacksLimited LifetimeThule Luggage & DuffelsLimited Lifetime16 more rows
How do you get scratches out of a Thule roof box?
If the scratches are deep, maybe a fine file to smooth first, then 400 grit, then polishing compound. Then shine up with McGuiar's. If the scratches are too deep you may weaken the plastic so you may just want to fill the scratches, maybe with ABS cement. Then smooth.
What are Thule boxes made of?
Made of high-quality ABS material, these cargo boxes are built to protect your gear and last.
Can you leave roof box on car?
The short answer is yes you can drive with an empty roof cargo box but there are many reasons why you shouldn't do it! The majority of storage boxes are fairly easy to install and remove so there really isn't any reason for leaving it on your roof when you don't need to carry extra gear.
Are roof boxes waterproof?
The hard shell carriers, or boxes, are the most water resistant but are not waterproof. Prolonged exposure to heavy rain can allow water into the carriers.
Why does my roof box whistle?
This whistling is caused by gaps between the bars and base. There are several things you can try to reduce this, which are as follows: Reposition the rack – Move your cross bars around a little; move them forwards, backwards, even slant them slightly.
How do you fix a Yakima box?
1:045:18How To Tutorial: Patching Fiberglass Rooftop Cargo Box - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's called a wall repair patch. So basically the fiberglass mesh tape. And that has an adhesive onMoreIt's called a wall repair patch. So basically the fiberglass mesh tape. And that has an adhesive on the back so it'll stick to the surface. Pretty well but then in order to really you know solidify.
What are Thule boxes made of?
Made of high-quality ABS material, these cargo boxes are built to protect your gear and last.
How do you get scratches out of a Thule roof box?
If the scratches are deep, maybe a fine file to smooth first, then 400 grit, then polishing compound. Then shine up with McGuiar's. If the scratches are too deep you may weaken the plastic so you may just want to fill the scratches, maybe with ABS cement. Then smooth.
How do you paint Thule boxes?
0:0511:10How to Paint a Roof Cargo Box | CRV Van Life - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd yeah so first off the main thing you just need to prep. And clean the surface super well andMoreAnd yeah so first off the main thing you just need to prep. And clean the surface super well and then you can paint.
What tape to use for cracks?
Drilling small holes at the ends of the crack is critical. I've used mesh tape/epoxy and I've used gorilla tape. Both worked really well. If the crack is pretty straight (not jagged like a lightning bolt) the gorilla tape worked on the outside. The more complex cracks required epoxy.
What is the best glue to fix ABS plastic?
Abs cement is great for fixing abs plastic. I use it to glue motorcycle fairings all the time. The great thing about it is that it melts the plastic and fuses it. Essentially strong solvents will melt abs. You can melt abs pipe pieces in acetone to create a goo that you can brush on.
Does West Systems epoxy work on plastic boats?
West systems epoxy makes a Gflex kit specifically for plastic boat repair. Will work on your box too. +1 to what SS7 said, (drill a small hole at each end of the crack)
What to do if your car is cracked?
If its mostly just cracked you could try welding it (melt it back together) with a small soldering iron, but this is time comsuming, painstaking and not always successful. You could also try using JB Weld (Wally World, Big Box, or auto parts store should have it), from what I remember it is compatible with ABS.
How much does a kayak repair kit cost?
A kayak repair kit might cost around $70, so there has to be a cheaper fix. If it were my mess to clean up, here is what I would do without spending much $, especially considering the ABS plastic material to which almost NOTHING will adhere: I would get some metal strips to cover the cracks and hole.
Where do you put your garage door opener when you put your bike on the car?
Just a hint - We always move our garage door opener to the glove box when we put our bikes on the car. That way, when it isn't where it normally is, you ask yourself 'Why did I do that? Oh, yeah!"
Can you glue ABS?
This procedure might sound barbaric, and the results won't be pretty. But it will work, and it will be cheap. You can simply apply some "glue" of your choice to the cracks, but I don't know that it would hold on the ABS.
Can you repair a poly kayak?
look into kayak repair kits for poly kayaks. the ones with the tape and glue. there are places that will do it for you.
How to fix cracks in a box?
We applied a layer of ABS cement to the surface of the box, laid down a layer of fiberglass, and brushed more cement on until it was saturated. We repeated with a second layer using a slightly larger fiberglass patch. Depending on the cement you get, the stuff may set up quite fast. Be sure to have the fiberglass patches cut and ready to go in advance.
Is the repaired box pretty?
The repaired box. It's not pretty but it was free, which is right up our alley .
If you have cracks in your Thule or Yakima rooftop cargo carrier, then a roll of Gorilla Waterproof Patch and Seal Tape might give your carrier an extended life of keeping your gear dry
A couple of years ago I bought a rooftop cargo carrier (Thule Sonic XXL roof box) from a seller on Craigslist. The individual had never used the carrier as it was dropped at some point before it made it to the top of his vehicle. The force of the drop cracked the back portion of the lid.
Updates on Fix with Gorilla Waterproof Path and Seal Tape
It has been around seven months since my initial repair of my cracked cargo box. I have had the cargo carrier on top of my vehicle so the repair has seen snow, rain, sun and strong winds. I can report that there has been no water leaks or peeling of the tap from the cargo box. It all looks great.
