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Automotive Plastics/Lens on Taurus 3rd brake light
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Question
Hi Octavio,
)
Thanks for volunteering your time to help with these questions.
The short question: can you advise me on an adhesive to attach the plastic lens housing onto a 3rd brake light assembly ? (Photo attached.) It's a 98 Taurus wagon.
The long version: The other evening, I came out of the store and found the lens assembly missing from my 3rd (upper) brake light -- it must have just separated somehow when I was driving ? There are no signs of any screws, rivets, or mechanical attachment of any kind. I went to a junkyard today and found a similar car -- tried to unsrew/unbolt the light assembly from below and met resistance. I pried gently on the light housing from above -- and the lens assembly popped off in my hand. Again, no sign of any attachment other than (weak !) glue.
Do you think I should try drilling holes to securely attach this plastic piece, or is there some adhesive that will really hold-up ? I see in some similar posts that methylene chloride is recommended for tail lights -- would that work in this case, or do I need something that will form more of a gasket around the rim of the light ? Gorilla glue ?
Thank you for any advice you can offer !!
Hi Jon, you are right. Methylene chloride is de proper adhesive. This substance is a water-like liquid which seems to render a rather weak joint. I would suggest to dissolve some clippings of the same color >PMMA< in this liquid to have a slurry that may offer a better contact area in the union. By doing so, the adhesive mixture will set in a few hours which is good to align the two parts. some tape will be useful while the adhesive hardens. good luck. Thanks for the picture!
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| Comment | Thank you for your prompt and informative reply. The idea of creating a 'slurry' sounds like a good way to get a stronger bond. | ||
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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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