Plastic panel repair

[DCS]

I have several large plastic parts on my JD4310 that have cracked such as the side panels on the engine. How can I repair these. Can they be fiber glassed or is there some other method?

 

[MrJimi]

I have several large plastic parts on my JD4310 that have cracked such as the side panels on the engine. How can I repair these. Can they be fiber glassed or is there some other method?

3M has a great plastic repair system but it is not for the homeowner repair, consult with your local body shop for proper repair. Its a quite involved procedure
40 plus years doing bodywork
Jim

 

[Danno1]

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Find out what the panels are made of. If it's ABS, PC (polycarbonate), PVC, or a combination of those type of plastics use Devcon's Plastic Welder avail at Wally World (made in USA too!). Get some sheets of similar plastic from McMaster-Carr to use as a patch. Clean thoroughly, scuff w sandpaper, clean again, and glue. Bear in mind, this stuff has a very short pot life so have everything (parts, clamps, etc) ready before yo mix it.

If the parts are PE (polyethylene) or PP (polypropylene) then you'll have to use a plastic welder. you can get one at HF among other places.

.

 

[AKfish]

There is another post on the JD forum about fixing broken JD plastic fenders. Mention of a "welder" and a link to an Ebay listing.

Looked promising -- but, I don't know about how "purty" the fix might be for a regular, home-boy job!

Listed several different plastic types and the specific rods needed to weld them. I'd guess that you need to be darn sure what type of plastic you got before you fire up the torch!

AKfish

 

[russG]

I bought a plastic welder from HF and welded my AATV(6 wheeler) body. It work great. I practiced on pvc pipe first. You have to watch when using it that you have air flowing first before you plug it it. Without it the gun will burn up fast.

 

[BTDT]

I bought a plastic welder from HF and welded my AATV(6 wheeler) body. It work great. I practiced on pvc pipe first. You have to watch when using it that you have air flowing first before you plug it it. Without it the gun will burn up fast.

That could be the beginning of a good you-tube video.

 

[PILOON]

For one thing, don't even try fiberglass or epoxy based solutions.

I have found that (PVC) can be repaired 2 ways.
(for both)
Clean thoroughly backside with acetone or laquer thinner and sand rough.
Cut appropriate patches from scap PVC pieces.

Method 1-
Use pvc pipe cement and clamp 'till it sets.

Method 2--
Use a hot glue gun and apply the hot glue and press the parch into place.
(Hot glue is basically low temp PVC)

For added strength , if you don't mind the looks, neet rows of 'pop rivits' on both sides of the break line so as to grab the patch will work.

I once 'hot glued' the front fender of a 3 wheel ATC right in the fork area and it lasted for years!

Good luck!