I am looking for some input on repairing the center console for my 1969 XR-7. The console is in good shape but has some stress cracks and fractures along the top edge where the storage compartment attaches. What type of plastic is the console made of? I have always assumed it is Polystyrene plastic. In the past, I have used Devcon plastic epoxy for repairing hard plastic items like the console with good success but am looking for something better. I have been looking into the repair system from Plastex and presently they are the front runner. https://www.plastex.net/Product_Info.php Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Can you please include a few pictures of the cracks so we can get an idea of the level of the damage you’re trying to repair?
That may help with suggestions. I’ve done some plastic repair using several different methods and may be able to give you some suggestions if I can see what we’re up against. That Plastex site does look promising, I especially like the molding putty to make missing parts, I could have used that a few times.
I’ve used Plastex extensively and consider it an excellent product for the different plastics used on our cars. The $30 kits they sell on Amazon are enough for a surprising number of repairs. In one of the videos I’ve seen in the past, they demonstrate a drop of solvent in the powder, then using a pin to pick up the ‘ball’ and apply to the repair. Kind of a waste of time IMHO, since you still need to apply more solvent on top to fully saturate the mixture, otherwise you’ll end up with a somewhat crystalline repair that is prone to breakage. Pour the powder into the repair area, add enough drops of solvent to fully saturate, then let set for an hour or so for the solvent to evaporate and the Plastex to set up. If the solvent starts evaporating and you discover a need for more material, just apply more powder and solvent until you get the level you want. No need for it to fully cure before adding more.
I use Scotch tape to mask off areas adjacent to the repair, otherwise the solvent will ‘etch’ the good plastic. Could probably use a good vinyl tape as well. So, mask both sides of the repair, as well as the underside. For cracks, it’s best to carve a v-groove into the plastic for best results.
The supplied molding bar is really versatile. I use a small plastic bowl of water in the microwave until it starts boiling, then drop in the molding bar for 3-4 minutes. Press in molding bar to whatever until it cools to room temperature.
Plastex offers a number of different colors of powder, including clear. What color is your console?
One last note, the solvent smells horrible and is probably dangerous to your health. Do NOT use in an enclosed area!!!
Thank you for the replies. I ordered the Plastex repair kit. It sounded like the best choice based upon all the favorable reviews I read.
I will try to post a picture of the damaged area I’m trying to repair.
Thank you for the input based on your experience using the product. I ordered the black repair kit but the color doesn’t really matter because I will be respraying the console when done with the repairs. I will be using the molding bar to duplicate the surface grain of the console when repairing a small broken off area around an attaching screw hole. I’ll let you know how it goes.