Automotive Plastics: 1999 Taurus plastic sideview mirror casing, ventilated place, repair operations

Question

Dear Octavio,
My wife backed out of the drive and caught the electric side mirror on a tree.  It split the plastic casing in a clean break, and the mirror dangled out.  I was able to snap the mirror back in the housing and it works fine, but the casing cracked apart and it certainly looks like it can be glued back together.  It appears to be a hard plastic and not metal.  What kind of glue should I use? Any ideas? I really would appreciate your help.  Jeff

Answer
Hi Jeff, most plastics repair operations are a problem of cohesion and not adhesion. Therefore my procedure does not involve any adhesives or glues. My suggestion for you, is to weld the mirror housing by using a 40 watts soldering iron, whose original tip must be shaped like a chisel with a grinder or a file.(those cheap wooden handle irons from china are fine)Mirror casings are normally made of ABS,ASA or PA (nylon)polymer.Just join the sides along the crack and file for a smooth surface. Then apply a filler, sand and paint. If you consider this type of union is not strong enough to stand the retractile function , you will have to insert certain metal perforated reinforcements which I have mentioned in recent posts. If there is a missing chip or even a big part, get a piece of a similar part so marked and fill any gap with the iron. Be careful to make this in a well ventilated place.Need more directions? let me know. thanks.