Repair hole

[buzzbop]

Any ideas on how to repair a 5 inch round hole in the ABS Plastic front storage chest of a Coleman?

Thanks

[flyfisherman]

Any ideas on how to repair a 5 inch round hole in the ABS Plastic front storage chest of a Coleman?

Thanks

The problem with repairing a lot of the plastics used in the auto & Rv markets is that when the plastic part was being made (molded), they used a silicone mold release agent so they could get the new part out of the steel mold. The problem was the mold release agent got impregnated into the plastic (this case the ABS plastic) and when you used an adhesive on it later, it would not adhere because of the silicone (nothing sticks to silicone). So now, if your going to use an adhesive to repair the hole, you will want to get some adhession promoter, too. You can get a flexible two part epoxy (filler) adhesive  from an auto body shop supply store, formulated to work on ABS plastic ... be sure and get the adhession promoter, too.

Start by cleaning and scuffing (sanding) all around the area to be repaired. Treat it with the adhession promoter. You will then need to put some backing on the back side of the hole to be repaired. Drywall mesh tape would work fine ... even wide masking tape ... something to hold the epoxy filler in place. Next, mix the two part epoxy filler adhesive onto a mixing board (you'll have maybe 10 minutes to work with it), and spread the epoxy over the hole. Let it dry real good ... maybe 45 minutes ... come back and sand it level. You might have to put another coat on to get it right like you want it. Anyway, the epoxy ought to blend right in with the ABS and when you have it all feathered out you'll need to use an epoxy paint primer to paint over it and then repaint with the color top coat you plan on using. Should wait until the next day before painting as you want the adhessive throughly dried (cured).

There's lots of two part epoxy material on the market today but a 3-M product is always a sure winner.



Fly