68 Charger front grill plastic repair

[QOTHL]

I'm working on a 68 Charger front grill that has broken tabs and would like to ask if anyone has done repair work on something like this. I'd appreciate the advice so I can do a good repair job.
Thanks!

 

[747mopar]

I've seen a few approaches that work, I used plastic weld (epoxy) and a Dremel. I V'd the broken areas out and thoroughly prepped the areas to be fixed then filled the areas in. I even had pieces completely missing and was able to create new using it with makeshift dams to hold it while it cured. I've got 17,000 miles on it, so far so good.

@hunt2elk used some pretty cool stuff on his, we'll see if he chimes in, also another member actually melted ABS with some type of thinner (acetone if I remember correctly) to create his own repair material.

 

[Kern Dog]

I've read that ABS plumbers glue works well as a bonding agent.
C H E A P.

 

[BLK 68 R/T]

Black ABS pipe and acetone. Make shavings with a knife and mix them with acetone until you get a thick paste. Clean and sand the area well so it adheres good. Use tape and cardboard as a backer as needed.

 

[Demonic]

Old keyboards - the key caps are ABS, same as the grill. Often black already. Dissolve in a tightly closed pickle jar w acetone. Use popsicle sticks ad masking tape to form missing sections. There’s a good post as a stickie over on DodgeCharger.com. Somewhere.

 

[hunt2elk]

I've seen a few approaches that work, I used plastic weld (epoxy) and a Dremel. I V'd the broken areas out and thoroughly prepped the areas to be fixed then filled the areas in. I even had pieces completely missing and was able to create new using it with makeshift dams to hold it while it cured. I've got 17,000 miles on it, so far so good.

@hunt2elk used some pretty cool stuff on his, we'll see if he chimes in, also another member actually melted ABS with some type of thinner (acetone if I remember correctly) to create his own repair material.

Boy, that's been a long time ago Devin. I got those sticks from an old bogyman who isn't around anymore. I believe they were ABS. Just used it like solder with a solder gun. I have never seen them for sale.

 

[QOTHL]

Well, there is some really good advice posted and I appreciate the help.

My next question is cleaning 50yr old crud off the plastic. I've gone over it twice with fairly mild detergent and still have a layer of brown scum. I can get it off with plastic polish but that's not really practical with the waffle pattern. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[hunt2elk]

Easy Off oven cleaner works real good for cleaning grills if you are stripping down for a repaint.

 

[Photon440]

Plastex.
https://www.amazon.ca/Plastex-Plastic-Repair-Kit-plastic/dp/B00HVMQGQ2

 

[QOTHL]

Easy Off oven cleaner works real good for cleaning grills if you are stripping down for a repaint.

That's not too harsh? I was thinking of soda blasting but I don't have the equipment for that. I'd have to get it if that was the way to go.
Maybe I'll test it in a small area.

 

[QOTHL]

Plastex.
https://www.amazon.ca/Plastex-Plastic-Repair-Kit-plastic/dp/B00HVMQGQ2

I've used it, thanks. I've fixed cracks but never built parts.

 

[funknut]

Easy Off or other sodium hydroxide is fine on ABS and will do a pretty good job of stripping the paint as well. If you're just looking to clean it and not wreck the paint you can use isopropyl alcohol on ABS as long as you don't soak it in there for long periods.

There are several threads here where people have used various techniques to bond ABS back together. There are some weak areas on the grill and other parts (headlight doors in particular) that can benefit from reinforcement. Several ways to do this as well, some used a fine wire mesh backed with some kind of 2-part epoxy. I saw someone use a trick where they drilled a hole through both parts and glued in some coat hanger wire.

 

[QOTHL]

Easy Off or other sodium hydroxide is fine on ABS and will do a pretty good job of stripping the paint as well. If you're just looking to clean it and not wreck the paint you can use isopropyl alcohol on ABS as long as you don't soak it in there for long periods.

There are several threads here where people have used various techniques to bond ABS back together. There are some weak areas on the grill and other parts (headlight doors in particular) that can benefit from reinforcement. Several ways to do this as well, some used a fine wire mesh backed with some kind of 2-part epoxy. I saw someone use a trick where they drilled a hole through both parts and glued in some coat hanger wire.

Thanks, those are good ideas. The grill is going to be repainted so I'll try the oven cleaner. That will solve a lot of problems. I used some plastic polish on a small area and that's when I saw brown scum and a nice clean surface afterward. I've been over it at least twice with tooth brush and soft cloth.

I've repaired plastic cracks and reinforced with steel wool. Saw that on YouTube. I'll have to look up what you suggest. Thank you very much!

 

[hunt2elk]

That's not too harsh? I was thinking of soda blasting but I don't have the equipment for that. I'd have to get it if that was the way to go.
Maybe I'll test it in a small area.

Oven cleaner works good, just do it outside because it is some nasty smelling stuff. Spray it on and let it soak for a couple of minutes, scrub with an old toothbrush, and rinse with water. Repeat as necessary.

 

[QOTHL]

Oven cleaner works good, just do it outside because it is some nasty smelling stuff. Spray it on and let it soak for a couple of minutes, scrub with an old toothbrush, and rinse with water. Repeat as necessary.

I actually kept watching it and had it on a timer. I left it on for 30 min. and washed it off like you said. Worked well! Wish it had taken the paint off.

 

[Tims69SE]

A second option. I have a great source for plastic repairs. She is located in Wisconsin, I sent her my console, A-pillars and damaged grill parts and was amazed at the work she does down to matching the grain texture. All she does is plastic repairs and was reasonably priced. I can get info if your interested.

 

[1968rt]

Repaired cracks and gouges in my 68 grill with JB Weld. Worked great, very strong, easy to sand and shape afterwards.

 

[QOTHL]

A second option. I have a great source for plastic repairs. She is located in Wisconsin, I sent her my console, A-pillars and damaged grill parts and was amazed at the work she does down to matching the grain texture. All she does is plastic repairs and was reasonably priced. I can get info if your interested.

I've done plastic repair, just want to get other opinions about how to rebuild stuff that's either badly damaged or missing. That's good to know if I run into something I can't handle. Thanks.

 

[Frankb]

My grille was AFU. I picked a piece of ABS plastic out of a dumpster and got some ABS cement from ACE. I cut the repair pieces from the plastic with tin snips and glued them in my original grille. It took some time. I used razor blades and a dremmel to fine carve the plastic to the shape needed. After the work completed I painted with Dutch Boy satin black. Grille is came out better than new. ABS cement "welds" the plastic together for a strong bond. That was 15 years ago and the grille is still good.

 

[QOTHL]

My grille was AFU. I picked a piece of ABS plastic out of a dumpster and got some ABS cement from ACE. I cut the repair pieces from the plastic with tin snips and glued them in my original grille. It took some time. I used razor blades and a dremmel to fine carve the plastic to the shape needed. After the work completed I painted with Dutch Boy satin black. Grille is came out better than new. ABS cement "welds" the plastic together for a strong bond. That was 15 years ago and the grille is still good.

That sounds like a really good idea. Not sure how you tell ABS plastic from other types so if you can enlighten me I'd appreciate it. What do you think of JB plastic weld? I have an original that someone stuck a piece of wood where the tab is supposed to be for the bolt hole. I'd really like to replace it. Thanks for the advice!