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Automotive Plastics/plastic housing cracked on side mirror

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Question
My nmae is Robert. I have a 99 Chevy S10. It came with aftermarket Sport Scene mirrors on it. The driver side was slightly cracked and wobbled a bit (mainly when driven on the highway). Recently it broke all the way off. When I say housing; its the plastic that goes around the screws that brok. I purchased that 2 in 1 epoxy bond/weld designed for that plastic/fiberglass from Oreillys. I wanted to know would this work or can that piece be drilled back on to the mount thats still attached to the truck? Thanks.
Robert


Answer
Hi Robert, Those housings accept neither adhesives nor glues that may be worth trying.

Instead, I would try to weld the severed parts by using a soldering Iron and some perforated metal sheet inserts (tiny metal pieces similar to the wire screen present in microwave oven doors). (If you think that you may tackle a procedure like this, I will provide full instructions)

You may try to screw the two parts but the retractile fuction will be lost. ( turning the mirror back and forth when entering in thight spots). IF you do not mind having a rigid housing, combine the two repairs for a stronger union.

Thanks

Automotive Plastics

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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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