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Automotive Plastics/CRV Mirror Base Repair

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Expert: - 1/19/2010


Question

CRV Mirror Assembly
Dear Mr. Torres

The base plate which supports the mirror assembly (see picture:horizontal part with 4 large holes in it) on my 2002 Honda CRV is cracked. The dealer will only sell the entire unit ($460), not the individual piece and part stores online do not sell this particular piece. What type of plastic is this part made of and what suggestions do you have for fixing it?

Thanks in Advance

Michael  

Answer
Hi Michael, to exactly determine what plastic the base is made of ,you have to take the base off the door. to dissmantle: take off number 8 assy. then loose the 3 fastening nuts and other fastenings and wiring. Now you can see the PVC gasket that keeps water from getting in the door. Somewhe under this gasket look for a similar code: <ABS>, <ASA> or <PA> these are used by the japanese. It does not matter what plastic we are dealing with, the procedure is the same and has been described in previous posts. (the one using a 80 watts soldering iron and perforated metal sheet pieces cut from the microwave oven screen door or a speaker grill and deeply inserted into the plastic to join the plastic in the cracks. First you have to weld in the cracks to recover original shape. the metal is to reinforce. use the iron to get a smoot surface and proceed to painting. how to know whether you have a strong repair? The mirror must have recovered the retractile function if lost. feel free to
write again if doubt remains. Thank you for attaching such a clear picture.
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 8Politeness = 10
    CommentThanks Octavio for the timely response. A link to the post's cited (assuming this was possible) would have also helped. Nevertheless, I do appreciate the information provided and I will attempt the fix that you suggested.


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Octavio Torres

Expertise

I can answer any question concerning automotive plastics repair on condition that the specific part polymer is identified. However, I can also help in the identifying process of any plastic used in automotive applications (for both body work and under-the-hood). I can't answer a question if it is based only on make or model unless full details are provided.

Experience

Two decades working as automotive plastic repairman in my own business

Publications
THE INTERNATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE PLASTICS REPAIR MANUAL

Education/Credentials
Plastics technician.

Past/Present Clients
BMW

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