door panel repair question

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Jan 4, 2014 | 11:49 PM

FordTruckfan89

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: May 2013

Posts: 1,256

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From: NC

door panel repair question

Has anyone on here had their door panels break where the slot on the inside hold the door panel clips? I understand one should use a trim removal tool, I do, but the slots were already broken from the PO. I tried repairing it with pieces cut from an abs plastic sheet and using an epoxy, versachem plastic welder, which lasted about a month and they pulled lose again. I've been told to use a plastic welder ( actual kit, not the epoxy) or abs cement. Best I can tell, the panels are made of some form of abs or similar. Outside of door panel is about perfect condition, just wondered if there was a better fix than screws.

Any help is appreciated.

Jan 5, 2014 | 08:02 AM

DBGrif91

Cargo Master

Joined: Jul 2009

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From: Des Moines

If you buy quality replacement body rivets from a place like a body supply shop, you can try epoxy/cementing them directly to the panel. They're either gonna hold or eventually break free. If and when it comes time to replace them, you can use a heat gun to soften the adhesive and remove them. If you're going to do this, make sure the surface on the door panel is very clean and sand the panel and body rivet lightly to give the adhesive something to grab on to.

Jan 5, 2014 | 08:44 AM

snowdog79

Laughing Gas

Joined: Mar 2006

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From: Tri-Cities, TN

ABS cement and maybe some fiberglass cloth for some reinforcement.

Jan 5, 2014 | 09:06 AM

Diesel_Brad

Fleet Owner

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From: Gilbert, PA

Plastic welder(the tool, not glue)

Also, there are tons of types of plastic, you need the right glue for the right plastic

Jan 5, 2014 | 05:10 PM

FordTruckfan89

Thread Starter

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: May 2013

Posts: 1,256

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From: NC

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diesel_Brad

Plastic welder(the tool, not glue)

Also, there are tons of types of plastic, you need the right glue for the right plastic

off the data sheet
WORKS BEST ON: Hard plastics, metal, concrete, glass, ceramics, china, acrylics, ABS, vinyl, PVC,
fiberglass, glass, wood, styrene, corian. DO NOT USE ON AREAS THAT WILL COME IN CONTACT WITH
FOOD RELATED ITEMS.
* Does not bond to Polyethylene or Polypropylene plastics. Not recommend for use on copper or brass.

I think it may have been more of the epoxy wasn't thick enough, or it didn't cure correctly, never really got hard like it should have been. I think I have some ABS cement in my garage I could try, and if that doesn't work, Harbor Freight tools has a plastic welder kit for I think $20.

Thanks everyone for the help

Jan 5, 2014 | 05:36 PM

Diesel_Brad

Fleet Owner

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 21,437

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From: Gilbert, PA

That is a load of crap. there are over 10 different plastics made and a different glue for each one.

Ever notice how recyclables get divided into different plastic groups?

Jan 5, 2014 | 05:43 PM

eakermeld

Cargo Master

Joined: Nov 2013

Posts: 2,168

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From: South Central,MO

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyester (PES) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiber, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Textile.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyethylene_terephthalate (PET) – Carbonated drinks bottles, peanut butter jars, plastic film, microwavable packaging.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyethylene (PE) – Wide range of inexpensive uses including supermarket bags, plastic bottles.
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) – Detergent bottles, milk jugs, and molded plastic cases.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyvinyl_chloride (PVC) – Plumbing pipes and guttering, shower curtains, window frames, flooring.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyvinylidene_chloride (PVDC) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saran_%28plastic%29) – Food packaging.
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garden_furniture, siding, floor tiles, shower curtains, clamshell packaging.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polypropylene (PP) – Bottle caps, drinking straws, yogurt containers, appliances, car fenders (bumpers), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic_pressure_pipe_systems.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polystyrene (PS) – Packaging foam/"peanuts", food containers, plastic tableware, disposable cups, plates, cutlery, CD and cassette boxes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_impact_polystyrene (HIPS) -: Refrigerator liners, food packaging, vending cups.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyamides (PA) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nylon) – Fibers, toothbrush bristles, tubing, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fishing_line, low strength machine parts: under-the-hood car engine parts or gun frames.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acrylonitrile_butadiene_styrene (ABS) – Electronic equipment cases (e.g., computer monitors, printers, keyboards), drainage pipe.
Polyethylene/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (PE/ABS) – A slippery blend of PE and ABS used in low-duty dry bearings.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polycarbonate (PC) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compact_disc, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eyeglasses, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riot_shield, security windows, traffic lights, lenses.
Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (PC/ABS) – A blend of PC and ABS that creates a stronger plastic. Used in car interior and exterior parts, and mobile phone bodies.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyurethanes (PU) – Cushioning foams, thermal insulation foams, surface coatings, printing rollers (Currently 6th or 7th most commonly used plastic material, for instance the most commonly used plastic in cars).