last one: glue for trim plastic (grill)

Jun 05, 2006 6 Replies

Last summer I hit a big bird and cracked the plastic grill in several places, including some of the mounts. I took it off and fixed it all up using 5 minute epoxy with embedded paperclip wire for extra rigidity. I sanded it and painted it flat black, put all the chrome bits back on and reinstalled it, it lasted, well, about 5 minutes. The epoxy immediately separated and it's all back to it's former clattery self. what sort of adhesive should I properly use to gum this sucker back together?


-JD


Replace the grill

Whitelightning

what sort of

coolchem.com........................This will fix it!

Doesn't sound like it's worth salvaging. If it were me though, I'd use acetone--not glue. Acetone applied with a small hobbyist paint brush (non-plastic bristles!) on the area to be "glued". Apply lightly to both surfaces, let it sit for about 30 seconds. Reapply and then push the pieces together.

It may or may not work depending on the material of the grill and how easily it softens. But the acetone *should* sort of "melt" the plastic long enough for you to bond the pieces together. When the acetone finally evaporates, they should hold together fairly well.

Otherwise, replace the grill. I did and I don't regret it. I saved a

*lot* by buying an aftermarket grill instead of a factory one. I went to the previous grill (I have an '86, but bought an '83-style grill) and painted it flat black. The aftermarket version has no emblem on the front, so it looks cleaner to me.

Good luck,

~jp

John D wrote:

Try using glue for jointing PVC pipe. If a glue has a polyethlyene cap, forget it...If it has a metal cap try it.

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required