Alexei Volkov
Filling holes in a plastic fender can be a tricky task. There are various methods to fix and repair plastic fenders without needing to replace them entirely. The process involves identifying the type of plastic and selecting an appropriate filler material. For small holes, a mixture of super glue and baking soda can be used for a quick fix, while larger holes may require a two-component epoxy or plastic welding. Plastic welding involves melting new plastic into the hole with a plastic welding rod. Other methods include using foil tape, acetone, or plastic plugs to fill the holes. Once the hole is filled, the area can be sanded and refinished to integrate smoothly with the surrounding surface.
Characteristics and Values Table for Filling Holes in Plastic Fender
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hole Accessibility | Reach all holes from under the hood, door jams, and underneath. No need to insert from outside. |
| Hole Coverage | Use plastic plugs, tape, or filler to cover the holes. |
| Hole Filling Techniques | Welding, plastic welding rods, super glue and baking soda mixture, epoxy, body filler, Bondo, ABS cement, acetone, and plastic repair adhesives. |
| Hole Preparation | Remove door panels and rear panels. Use an Exacto knife to remove burrs or protruding plastic. Sand or grind the area. Attach cardboard or fiberglass tape backing. |
| Hole Finishing | Sand, prime, and paint the filled area. |
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What You'll Learn
Use super glue and baking soda
Filling holes in a plastic fender can be done in several ways, one of which is using super glue and baking soda. This method is ideal for small holes and creates a quick, sturdy, and inexpensive fix.
To start, attach a sturdy piece of scrap cardboard to the back of the hole with tape or a hand clamp. This backing will prevent any material from running through the hole and give the glue a flat edge to work with. Next, squeeze three or four drops of super glue into the hole to create a small pool at the bottom. Work quickly, as super glue dries fast. Then, sprinkle a pinch of baking soda on top of the glue and press it down firmly with your finger or a flat edge. The baking soda will cause an exothermic chemical reaction, hardening the glue and creating a cement-like substance.
Continue building layers of super glue and baking soda until the hole is filled. Even if the hole appears filled, add a second layer to strengthen the bond. As you work, wear plastic gloves to avoid getting super glue stuck on your hands. Once the hole is plugged, let the patch dry and harden for around 15 minutes before removing the cardboard backing. The hardened substance will turn a chalky white color.
After the patch has cured, you can sand the top of the patch to remove any residue and smooth the surface. Use short back-and-forth strokes with sandpaper or a fine-grit metal file, applying constant pressure as you file. Wear a face mask to avoid inhaling any plastic particles during this process.
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Plastic welding
To begin the welding process, attach a sturdy piece of cardboard backing to the back of the hole with tape or a hand clamp. This will prevent any material from running through the hole. Next, hold the plastic welding rod 1/2 inch (13mm) above the hole and use the welder to melt the plastic into the hole. Once the hole is filled, turn off the welder and let the plastic solidify. It is important to keep your hands away from the heating end of the welder to avoid burns.
For larger holes, you can wrap the heated plastic rod into a spiral inside the hole. Start by heating the end of the rod with the welder and then spiral it along the bottom of the hole, pressing it against the backing. Layer the plastic until it is flush with the top edge of the hole. Hold the welder 1/2 inch (13mm) away from the rod so that it becomes malleable but not completely melted.
Once the hole is filled, use a soldering iron to trim the rod and smooth the hole. Remove any excess material with a small razor blade. Finally, use sandpaper to smooth out the plastic and make it flush with the surrounding surface.
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Epoxy and fibreglass
The process begins by waxing the fenders with multiple coats of paste-type mould release wax. Then, apply a couple of light coats of aerosol hair spray or PVA (polyvinyl alcohol). These act as a backup mould release for the paste wax. After the hair spray dries, attach a sturdy piece of cardboard to the back of the hole with tape or a hand clamp. This will prevent any material from running through the hole.
Next, apply three layers of fibreglass cloth with epoxy resin. Choose a light buildup to recreate the shape and reduce overall thickness. After the epoxy has cured, sand the perimeter of the new section to smooth out any rough edges. Tie the fibreglass part to the inside fender by laminating strips of fibreglass fabric and epoxy that extend from the back of the fibreglass fender lip to the inner fender, overlapping by about an inch. This will create a strong and rigid new fender.
Finally, apply heat to the repaired area. This is important, especially if the car will be painted a dark colour. Dark colours get very warm in the sun and can cause fibreglass repairs to "print," meaning the weave of the fibreglass becomes visible. Applying heat to the epoxy and fibreglass forces the fibreglass fabric pattern to print or telegraph to the surface.
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Plastic plugs
When selecting plastic plugs, it is important to consider the size and shape of the holes in your fender. Holes in fenders are often not perfectly circular, so it is worth measuring the diameter of the holes and selecting plugs that are slightly larger to ensure a tight fit. Some plugs can also be trimmed or sanded down to match the exact size and shape of the hole.
Before installing plastic plugs, it is recommended to clean the area around the holes and ensure that the surface is dry. This will help ensure a strong bond between the plug and the fender. In some cases, it may be beneficial to use a backing material, such as tape or cardboard, to provide additional support and prevent any material from running through the hole during installation.
To install plastic plugs, simply insert them into the holes and snap or screw them into place. Some plugs may require additional adhesives, such as RTV silicone, to secure them in place. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and allow adequate curing time for any adhesives used.
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Tape and filler
When it comes to fixing holes in a plastic fender, one method is to use tape and filler. This process involves first identifying the specific type of plastic and selecting an appropriate filler material. For small holes, a quick fix can be achieved by mixing super glue with baking soda to create a makeshift cement. Layer the glue and baking soda until the hole is filled, then let it dry for around 15 minutes.
For larger holes, a two-component epoxy or plastic welding method is recommended. Before applying the filler, it is important to thoroughly clean the area and attach a piece of cardboard or tape to the back of the hole to prevent any material from running through. One user recommends using foil tape as the backer, then filling with body filler and sanding it down. Another user suggests using fiberglass filler over drywall tape, which can then be painted over.
If using an epoxy, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing and applying the filler. For plastic welding, hold a plastic welding rod half an inch above the hole and use the welder to melt the plastic into the hole. Once filled, turn off the welder and let the plastic solidify. You can also use a soldering iron to trim the rod and smooth the hole.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to fill holes in a plastic fender depends on the size of the hole. For small holes, a mixture of super glue and baking soda can be used. For larger holes, a plastic welder can be used to melt new plastic into the hole.
The tools you will need depend on the method you use to fill the holes. If you are using a plastic welder, you will need a plastic welding rod and a plastic welder. If you are using a mixture of super glue and baking soda, you will need super glue, baking soda, and something to mix it with. You may also need sandpaper, an Exacto knife, primer paint, and clear coat auto paint.
To fill holes in a plastic fender with a plastic welder, hold the plastic welding rod 1⁄2 inch (13 mm) above the hole. Use the welder on the end of the plastic rod to melt the plastic into the hole. Once the hole is filled, turn off the welder and let the plastic solidify.
To fill holes in a plastic fender with super glue and baking soda, first attach cardboard to the back of the hole to prevent any material from running through. Then, squeeze three or four drops of super glue into the hole and sprinkle a pinch of baking soda on top. Press the baking soda into the super glue with your finger or a flat edge. Layer super glue and baking soda until the hole is filled, then let the patch dry for 15 minutes.
