19 Again..
Well-Known Member
Finally got some time to start puttering around on the interior of the Duster. I bought 2 "Plastic Sail Panels" for my 73 Duster last year from E-(rip-me-off) Bay. They were listed as in good shape with one having a small crack. After a bidding war I was thrilled that I got them, then they showed up. Farthest thing from the truth was 1 small crack. Both had cracks in them in places that the camera hid because of them being painted black. And the individual that had them actually used something like super glue and a piece of plastic to patch a couple of cracks and silicone on another.. I just wish people would be honest!
Anyway's, I bought a plastic welder...the cheap one. And after playing with it for a bit and making sure that I had bought the different types of rod, ABS, PVC, & PP. I started welding/melding the cracks with the ABS rod. Shockingly the cracks actually held tight and turned out rather nice.. To call it welding I think is a mis-nomer. I liken it to being a kid again and working on a model and you either run out of glue or ya break a part before you put it in place. So what do you do....you go get the woodburning tool plug it in heat it up and melt your peice together.. Now I haven't installed or painted them to match yet, so the jury is out until I get them screwed back in place and see how the cracks will hold after I tighten them down. Since these panels are plastic has anyone ever covered them with any kind of vinyl, cloth, or anything? If you have can ya post a couple of pictures??
Anyway's, I bought a plastic welder...the cheap one. And after playing with it for a bit and making sure that I had bought the different types of rod, ABS, PVC, & PP. I started welding/melding the cracks with the ABS rod. Shockingly the cracks actually held tight and turned out rather nice.. To call it welding I think is a mis-nomer. I liken it to being a kid again and working on a model and you either run out of glue or ya break a part before you put it in place. So what do you do....you go get the woodburning tool plug it in heat it up and melt your peice together.. Now I haven't installed or painted them to match yet, so the jury is out until I get them screwed back in place and see how the cracks will hold after I tighten them down. Since these panels are plastic has anyone ever covered them with any kind of vinyl, cloth, or anything? If you have can ya post a couple of pictures??
