Expert: Octavio Torres - 12/24/2010

Question
hi there.  i am cutting apart a few sets of jetta tail lights to make a custom set that resemble old rabbit tail lights.  i will mount them on my 1989 Golf chassis after i make a custom mount plate.  anyway, i have separated the chambers and would like to glue them together now but i dont know what material my lights are made of or what to use to glue them together.  i saw that you say other tails lights are made of pmma and to use methylene chloride to glue it.  are my lights also made of this material?  i was told it also may be polypropylene, in which case there is no glue for my needs, correct?

Answer
Hi John, sorry for this christmas delay.
I think your light housings are not coded for polymer identification.
so, you may get some nail polish remover (acetone) to make a simple test:
with a brush apply a little solvent in a circular movement.
Does it dissolve or get affected in any way? then the housing is made of >ABS<, use methylene chloride.
does it remain the same?,... is Polypropylene, use some heat sensitive adhesive like EVA (hot melt glue sticks) use a powerful hair drier or a heat gun for complete all-around melting. some snaps present in the housings will help to get a nice fastening.Remember: get rid of any dust or grease in the joining parts.a strong pressure is a must during drying time. thanks