Expert: Octavio Torres - 12/19/2009

Question
Hi,

I was wondering if I could glue the tail light lens on my 03 Alero. Someone bumped my car and broke the lens. I really would like to avoid the red tape, as it looks pretty messy to me. The whole thing isn't broken off, just the portion that extends to the side (driver's side). The light isn't even exposed. Finding this part has been a pain.

Answer
Hi Misha. tail light lenses are  made of >PMMA< , which stands for polymethyl methacrylate, a plastic that can be glued with a substance called methylene chloride. All you have to do is using a syringe to inject some liquid in the cracks. Is any part missing? get a piece cut from a broken similar plastic lense for a suitable shape and glue. Be careful to spill this liquid in exposed areas. this will  damage the lens irremediably. Thanks