Plastic Repair

[RandyO]

not faring crash damage
under seat compartment, 2 holes, one that I drilled to mount an auxillary fuseblock, vibration made the hole get bigger, another hole rearward from where I bottomed out on my stock suspension with studded knobby tires

the holes allowed slush to get into my auxillary electrics last winter, I gott patch the holes somehow before I replace the electrics

options

plastic repair ... don't know the first thing about it

sheet metal patch w silicon sealant, I'm leaning toward this right now, simple, I can incorporate some rf shielding as well

[smd753]

Do you know what kind of plastic, Randy? Many plastics can be patched, but if it's polyethylene or polypropylene you can have a hell of a time getting anything to stick to it.

[Expat]

If you just want to patch it , use some epoxy and a piece of metal or plastic, let it set up then fill the front side with more epoxy or bondo and re-finish. Fibreglass works too! If you want do a plastic repair, you will need some filler material and can use a hot knife or soldering iron, cut the filler to fit the hole then melt the edges of both pieces (I use a circular motion like you would when welding metal using gas.) in a few places. Once it is held in place, you can work your way around the patch to seal it up, I usually do both sides. When cool, re-finish.
Have fun!!

[RandyO]

Do you know what kind of plastic, Randy? Many plastics can be patched, but if it's polyethylene or polypropylene you can have a hell of a time getting anything to stick to it.

its one of the kinds that shit don't stick too

[Trouble]

If you want do a plastic repair, you will need some filler material and can use a hot knife or soldering iron, cut the filler to fit the hole then melt the edges of both pieces (I use a circular motion like you would when welding metal using gas.) in a few places. Once it is held in place, you can work your way around the patch to seal it up, I usually do both sides. When cool, re-finish.
Have fun!!

This. And the more penetration into the plastic with the melting process the stronger it'll be. Make sure the filler material is the same type of plastic as the one you are trying to weld it too. It'll make for a better bond.

[RandyO]

and where can I find "filler plastic"

[Stromper]

Harbor freight has a plastic welder kit, with supplies.

"P" tech for ski repair if its simply black etc. Its like a candle.

I have always had success with JB WELD on any plastic. I have a little carbon fiber cloth left over to back it up and strengthen the surrounding area, Other old Indian trick if you pass a blue flame quickly over the surface you degrade the outer molecules and make them so adhesives sticks. Just a pass the effect is quick and invisible.

When if there are dollars for the project

Empire GP in NY can redo it like it was brandy new usually for 1/2 price of new.

Before it goes to far though, drill a small hole at the end of the crack as a stress reliever.

[RandyO]

Harbor freight has a plastic welder kit, with supplies.

"P" tech for ski repair if its simply black etc. Its like a candle.

I have always had success with JB WELD on any plastic. I have a little carbon fiber cloth left over to back it up and strengthen the surrounding area, Other old Indian trick if you pass a blue flame quickly over the surface you degrade the outer molecules and make them so adhesives sticks. Just a pass the effect is quick and invisible.

When if there are dollars for the project

Empire GP in NY can redo it like it was brandy new usually for 1/2 price of new.

Before it goes to far though, drill a small hole at the end of the crack as a stress reliever.

gotta decide what I want to do, possibly and maybe my best option, rip the entire trunk out of the subframe, leave battery box portion, and fabricate something more weather tight

I don't have to worry about drilling a hole to releve stress, there are no crack, just a hole, abraided thru from the underside when my old suspension let me bottom out on a studded tire, don't have to worry bout that anymore, the WP is sprung right

[butcher bergs]

I see you are considering sheet metal of some type so if for whatever reason you decide you need to rivet something, I have a pneumatic rivet gun you are welcome to use.

Plus, you can check out the new pavement my town just put down!

[landricscustoms]

id be glad to weld the holes for you. it should only take a few minutes and as long a it is a couple small holes i wont charge a thing.. and even if its more it wouldn't cost much at all.... i can assure you it will be the best option for you and you wont have to worry about it afterwards. call my cell 774-200-6395 to set it up if your interested.