1. Before you toss that broken plastic trim piece, why not try to stitch it back together? Our Volkswagen Rabbit GTI came with a broken A-pillar cover. Since parts for these cars are getting harder to find, we decided to just fix what we had. Here’s our problem: an A-pillar trim piece that ha…
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ABS parts can be repaired with ABS cement, which bonds better and is more flexible.
ABS parts (which are most interior parts for the last 30-odd years) can also be repaired by melting ABS in acetone and then spreading on as a replacement for the epoxy.
Mr_Asa said:
ABS parts (which are most interior parts for the last 30-odd years) can also be repaired by melting ABS in acetone and then spreading on as a replacement for the epoxy.
That's how I repair my CRX fenders. Shred a chunk of ABS pipe, melt it in acetone and use fibreglass mesh (like drywall repair tape) for structure.
Thanks, all good info. I have a cracked Ford truck dashboard to try it on.
Keith, what do you use to shred the ABS pipe?
I presume you could do the same thing with any old pieces of ABS parts that might be laying around.
Denim soaked with gel superglue has worked a couple times for me.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/85oWj27HVd3itq3UA
Two (2) words: Hot Stapler!
I hate plastic parts on cars, and they all have them__except my '57 Healey & '67 MGB GT__so I have come to terms with them. Even when using adhesives (glue, epoxy, whatever the material requires) I still use the hot staples for mechanical retention.
Shop around, as prices can vary wildly: Hot Stapler Plastic Repair Kit - Rechargeable - EZRED
Most popular nowadays are cordless units, but my decade-old 120 volt (EZ Red brand) has never been a problem, though I've not attempted to use it in the field either. Dent Fix DF-400BR Hot Stapler - Basic Plastic Repair Tool (jbtools.com)
Second useful plastic repair tool in this little welding kit: Polyvance 5700HT Mini Weld Model 7 Airless Plastic Welder , Red - - Amazon.com
Once armed with both of these tools, you'll be able to make plastic repairs as good as you can build an engine, or swap a set of shocks!
Shred ABS with a cheese grater