Automotive Plastics: plastic glue for headlight trim 1994 GMC van, plastic glue, gmc van


Question
What glue if any would you recommend for the gluing the trim around the headlight of a 1994 GMC van.  The trim is intact but has two cracks - so if I can repair it I would like to.  I could not locate any identifying terms like >pp< that you mentioned in another 'plastics question'.  

Answer
Dear Bruce, thank you for considering automotive plastics an option.
In fact, I would try to weld any plastic before using any adhesive.
Headlight trims are almost always made of >ABS< or similar polymers as manufacturers may decide to chrome plate them and these materials are suitable for doing so. If your piece is at least 2 mm. thick, I will weld the cracks by using a 40 watts soldering iron with a wedge-like tip. For additional reinforcement I´d apply any compatible polymer in adjacent areas and on top of the cracks. Finally put plenty of hot melt glue in invisible (back part) places to render a flexible joint.
Note a compatible polymer is that,(may be unknown to me)which makes a strong weld. need more info. feel free to ask again. Thanks.