- Identify plastic type. I’ve identified our bumper cover repair as a polyolefin by using the float test method. ...
- It’s gotta be clean. The first step after identifying the plastic type is to thoroughly clean the entire part, specifically both sides of the repair area. ...
- It’s gotta be straight and aligned. Most cuts, tears and gouges include some distortion of the surrounding plastic bumper cover. ...
- Proper abrasion means adhesion. Probably the most common error when preparing a bumper cover or any other plastic part for welding or adhesives is the improper abrading or ...
- Bevel it to lock in repair. I like to bevel deeply into the tear with a rotary file in a die grinder (photo 10). ...
- Repairing a tear using reinforced hot-melt process. Thermoplastic polyolefins can be welded, but the problem is choosing the correct filler rod to weld them with. ...
- Let’s do the front side with hot melt. Prepare the outer or front side the same way you did the back. ...
What should I consider when repairing plastics?
One of the most important things to consider when repairing plastics is the need to maintain cleanliness during the process. Steps are taken to ensure plastic parts are cleaned before starting the repair process using specialized cleaner products that remove waxes, dirt and road oils. Compressed air can also be used.
How do you fix cracks in a plastic car body?
One repair method is plastic welding. Using a tool similar to a soldering iron and plastic filler rod, you can fill holes or fix cracks like this. Plastic welding machines are available at auto body supply stores or from The Eastwood Company.
What material is used to make motorcycle bodywork panels?
Most street motorcycle plastic bodywork is made with either Styrene or ABS plastic. Here's a method for repairing these bodywork panels that's effective and inexpensive. I've repaired any number of motorcycle side covers and fairings over the years. Up until now my stand by material was JB Weld.
Are all plastic parts of a car repairable?
The bottom line is that many plastic parts are repairable, especially bumper covers, which are some of the most commonly damaged parts on an automobile. Properly performed repair makes sense, too,...
Can you repair plastic car panels?
Damage to the fibers or damage through the composite panel can also be repaired, but with a different procedure than a cosmetic repair. A significant cost savings can be realized when using plastic repair products. A repair done with a plastic repair product can be considerably less costly than purchasing a new part.
How do you repair a plastic panel?
2:219:04DIY plastic car body panel crack repair using hot staples ( plastic welding )YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou melt it then you've got to hold it there. Until it's set enough for you to pull it out againMoreYou melt it then you've got to hold it there. Until it's set enough for you to pull it out again right then.
How do you fill holes in plastic body panels?
1:3614:03How to patch up holes in body panels - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipImportant to put some tape over. The back of the hole. So that none of the product goes through andMoreImportant to put some tape over. The back of the hole. So that none of the product goes through and all over your boot lid or the panel that you're patching up. Now that the holes are all sanded.
What is the best product to repair plastic?
Our favourite is Loctite Super Glue All Plastics. This specialty super glue is designed for plastics, including the hard-to-bond-to polypropylene and polyethylene. It comes with an activator which you apply first and need to allow to dry for 60 seconds.
What is strongest glue for plastic?
The strongest glue to use on plastic is usually a two-part epoxy, like JB Weld PlasticWeld in a syringe. It adheres very quickly and strongly to most types of plastic, so you can form a fast, strong bond.
How do you bond plastic together?
Ordinary white glues, wood glues, or common adhesives won't react well or form permanent bonds with these plastics. For the strongest glue to use on harder plastics try Loctite Plastics Bonding System, a two-part cyanoacrylate adhesive. It's water-resistant, sets in seconds with minimal application, and dries clear.
Does body filler work on plastic?
Body filler is also not designed to adhere to a plastic surface the way that it adheres to metal. Most plastics require an adhesion promotor to allow the plastic repair material to adhere to the surface.
Does epoxy putty work on plastic?
Is Epoxy for Plastic a Good Choice? Yes, epoxy is a great choice when it comes to using on plastics, as it will create a strong adhesive bond. They augment the structural strength of the plastic and also provide, provide chemical resistance, and offer a certain amount of flexibility.
Is epoxy glue good for plastic?
You may have noticed that epoxy adhesives tend to come in two parts, the same is true for epoxy glue for plastic. When the two component parts – the resin and the hardener – are mixed together, they create a strong, waterproof bond that can be used to make long-lasting repairs on all kinds of plastic items.
How do you join two pieces of plastic that are broken?
If you have two separate pieces of plastic that need to be joined or if you have a crack, then you'll need to do some plastic welding. The basic idea is to apply heat to the edges being joined in order to melt the plastic until it is liquid enough to blend the edges together.
Does Gorilla Glue work on car plastic?
Doesn't Gorilla Glue just work on everything? The Gorilla 7700104 gel formula dries clear and is easy to sand and paint. You can use this glue on several materials in your car such as rubber, plastic, leather, and metal. The gel formula makes this glue thicker and perfect for use on vertical surfaces.
Does Gorilla super glue work on plastic?
We call it Impact-Tough® because the reliable bond stands up to wear and tear. Super glue, also referred to as cyanoacrylate glue, or CA glue, works on a variety of materials, including plastic*, metal, stone, ceramic, paper, rubber and more.
How do you join two pieces of plastic that are broken?
If you have two separate pieces of plastic that need to be joined or if you have a crack, then you'll need to do some plastic welding. The basic idea is to apply heat to the edges being joined in order to melt the plastic until it is liquid enough to blend the edges together.
Can you melt plastic back together?
Hot plate welding joins two plastic parts by melting them against a precisely heated platen for a prescribed period of time. The platen is removed and the two parts are forced together. The resulting joint bond is strong, permanent, and often hermetic.
Can you melt plastic and remold it?
While the plastic is still hot, you can pour it straight into a mold. If you want to cut it into a new shape later, let it cool in the melting container. Melted plastic can be put into a mold to shape it. You can use a pre-made heat resistant mold or make your own.
How do you fix broken acrylic plastic?
1:183:20Ammnra Quick Tip: Fixing Broken Sheet Acrylic - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTake your glue. And apply it to the scene. But be very very very sparing with the glue because youMoreTake your glue. And apply it to the scene. But be very very very sparing with the glue because you don't want this leaking out all over the. Place. So your glue applied.
What are the different types of plastics used in motorcycles?
For purposes of this discussion, since I’m not an enjuneer, I’d like to divide motorcycle plastics into three crude categories. 1) Black plastic, usually ABS. 2) Chromed plastic, usually a sputtered metallic coating on what I loosely refer to as styrene plastic.
What plastic is used for dirt bikes?
3) Polyethylene plastics, usually used on dirt bikes and personal water craft because they are very flexible and float. Black or ABS plastic: Currently I'm repairing a chopped down fairing for my 85 1300. It has several large stress fractures that I think are caused by vibration and flexure.
Can you use ABS cement on a can?
And the results look like they grew that way with no sanding. Probably a good idea to use gloves as ABS cement is toxic and is not easily removed from your hands. You can also use the "universal" cement as long as it says ABS on the can. Here's the crack before I went after it.
How to clean plastic parts?
The first step after identifying the plastic type is to thoroughly clean the entire part, specifically both sides of the repair area. This should be done with hot, soapy water (or a water-based cleaner) and then dried (photo 3). This will remove water-soluble contaminants.
How to repair a tear in aluminum?
With the tear held firmly in place with aluminum body repair tape on the front or outside of the tear, bevel deeply into the tear at an angle of about 30 degrees. Then, sand the bevel area with your electric sander. Feather the bevel out one to one-and-a-half inches on each side of the tear. Two Tear Repair Methods.
What is a bumper cover made of?
a vehicle. Bumper covers are made of several plastics, all of which fall into two categories: thermoset and thermoplastic.
How many body shops were there in 1969?
face, but it’s true. Consider that in 1969, there were about 100,000 body shops in the United States. The EPA, in its latest census for the new VOC rule published in September 2007, identified 36,000 collision repair shops. Other sources put the number at somewhere between 40,000 and 50,000.
When did Mike West's body shop close?
Plastic repair is one of them. Writer Mike West, a contributing editor to BodyShop Business, retired and closed his shop in Seattle, Wash., on July 1, 2011, after more than 40 years in collision repair.
Can you repair bumpers without identifying the plastic?
You can repair bumper covers without identifying the plastic, but you’ll be relegated to one repair option only, which may not always be the best. You’re going to need to partially identify the plastic to successfully prime and paint it anyway. In this case, knowledge is truly power…the power to avoid failure.
Can you repair a bumper cover?
The bottom line is that many plastic parts are repairable, especially bumper covers, which are some of the most commonly damaged parts on an automobile. Properly performed repair makes sense, too, when it comes to painting. If you can repair a bumper cover, chances are the damage will be localized.
Prepare To Repair
Cleaning the panel with wax and grease remover is the best way to get the part clean without damaging the plastic.
The Fix Is In
JB Weld Quick Weld works great on metal, fiberglass and plastic. It is metered out in the proper ratios with the plunger.
Finishing
Once the repair was complete, we sanded the panel with the 320-grit sandpaper. Anything more coarse than 320 will leave sanding scratches in the final finish. The goal here is to smooth out the oxidized layer, taking off the chalky plastic, leaving the good layer intact.
Jefferson Bryant View All
A life-long gearhead, Jefferson Bryant spends more time in the shop than anywhere else. His career began in the car audio industry as a shop manager, eventually working his way into a position at Rockford Fosgate as a product designer.
How to fix a crack in a plastic welder?
Clean the repair area with a plastic solvent and hold the plastic welder to the edges of the crack. When the plastic begins to soften and melt, add some filler rod and melt it into the crack, spreading the excess material around with the flat part of the welder. See all 17 photos.
What is a TPO bumper?
TPO stands for Thermo Plastic Olefin and is what many bumpers are made of. The filler comes in two tubes. Squeeze out an equal amount of material from each tube and mix together thoroughly but quickly. It dries to the touch in only five minutes.
Can you use a bumper to fix a bumper?
You can use your bumper to fix your bumper and have no worries about mixing incompatible materials together. See all 17 photos. You can also buy plastic filler rod in a variety of different types of plastic to suit the different types of plastics you'll encounter in your car.
Is it better to replace a plastic bumper or a plastic bumper?
Plastic bumper covers are cheaper and easier to manufacture and replace in the event of an accident. Plastic bumpers are actually good for us do-it-yourselfers. They are really easy to fix if they get scratched, gouged, or broken, and you don't have to mess with expensive re-chroming once finished.
Do plastic welder kits include filler rods?
Many plastic welder kits will include universal plastic filler rod, too. See all 17 photos. Plastic repair, whether you're using a two-part filler material or plastic welding method, is meant to go on thick and is sanded down to match the contours of the panel.