Cracked A-pillar cover!

[jsnyder]

I was just finishing up my guage install this morning. Got my sheet metal screws and thought I'd add a dab of loctite on there before I finished up. Well, when I went to put a "dab" on, the bottle burped loctite on the back of the pillar cover! Not using my head, I figured it would be all right, right? Wrong ! Loctite eats plastic!



Now my pretty new pillar cover has a large crack in it. Does anyone have any tips on what to use to fill this crack? I'll probably put in a new pillar cover this winter unless I can make a pretty fix on this one .



Jason

 

[Oil Ape]

I've installed one of the A-pillars myself and they are a real pain.



I'd probably try Plastic Weld or some other type of epoxy resin rated for plastic. Be real careful only to get it on where you want it. Let it dry and do some real light sanding to smooth any imperfections/edges. Clean with alcohol swabs, then use some OEM Interior spray paint to match the color of your interior.



I've used that technique for some minor repairs on inside panals before and hope it works for you. Good luck...



My next set of pillars is going on the center of the dash. They look to be much easier.

 

[dodger22]

I think those covers are made from ABS plastic - same material as drain, waste and vent in the house. Get a piece of ABS pipe and using a hacksaw make a lot of plastic "sawdust". Next, get some ABS solvent and mix "sawdust" with it to a thick paste-like consistency. The solvent will cause the sawdust chips to melt and blend with the solvent. Don't overdo the solvent, the less the better as it will eat into the cover and cause distortion as it is quite thin. Apply this mixture to the crack, smooth out and let set-up. When it is dry you can sand it.



I've used this method to repair cracked pipes and they lasted for years.



Good luck,



Richard

 

[jsnyder]

Houston, we have a problem

Well, the A-pillar bit the dust. The crack kept growing and growing until the whole cup the gauge sits in cracked open. Now my brand new DiPricol EGT is held in by duct tape!:--)



Thanks for the tips. My wife suggested I just buy a new one and save myself (and her) the aggravation of trying to fix it at this point. Point well taken!Oo.



Jason

 

[Steve G]

Duct Tape and Bailing Wire, the two best products made. Sorry to hear about your pillar.



Steve