How To Repair Broken Plastic Car Parts

With how much plastic is in cars, it's only a matter of time before some plastic breaks in your car. In this video we use epoxy to fix the broken glove box in my R32 for about $10. Ive also been able to fix a few kids toys with the same method. You can also use washers, or even a paperclip to reinforce the repair. #DIYwtihDAP #humblemechanic

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disclaimer:
The content of this video is available for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for the professional advice of a mechanic who has personally inspected your vehicle, nor does it create a relationship of any kind between the Humble Mechanic and you. Every situation may be different, and the Humble Mechanic does not make any warranties, whether express or implied, as to the accuracy, fitness, or applicability of the information or automotive parts portrayed in this video to any project and makes no guarantee of results. The Humble Mechanic and any sponsors of this video will not be liable for any damages related to personal injury, property damage or loss of any kind that may result from the use or reliance on this video and/or any automotive parts represented in this video. You are using the information and automotive parts portrayed in this video solely at your own risk.

[HumbleMechanic]

I hope this video inspires you guys to have a crack at fixing something before just replacing it. There are almost an infinite number of ways to fix this stuff... What is your favorite?

[mtyquinn]

one of my favorite "backing" materials is art clay (the kind that never hardens) - can shape it to what ever you want (exact size if you want) - then fill it with epoxy and let it dry 100%. If all the clay does not come off - it will with some paint thinner. Works great for odd shapes and is infinitely moldable - for exact restorations I can even carve in lettering or details that I would never be able to sand! Hope this motivates someone. It is really worth doing!

[ericp.]

Also, for crazy-strong repairs, embed fiberglass cloth into the repair.

[stephenprice]

Done this a few times in the past. I usually use JB Weld. The embedded washer or paperclip trick is invaluable for additional strength on areas under a bit more stress. Another good video from you Charles.

[bilalcelebi]

You can probably also use ear plugs that expand when you squeeze them. I use that when I want to mask off threads

[zuilok]

Watching this video I had a possibly brilliant or a really stupid idea. As a father I get to model stuff out of play dough way more often than I´d like but it seems like the perfect material to make an epoxy barrier out of.

[wyattoneable]

I have an 01 Corvette and everything I seem to touch breaks. These type videos are interchangeable with any car, thanks!

[thezambranos]

You are the MAN!!! I am restoring a 1995 Toyota pick up and parts are getting harder to find!
I live in Arizona and the heat is breaking my plastic. I saw this video and fixed a lot of my broken
plastic parts! It is time consuming but well worth it!!! Thank you so much my good man!

[ifell]

This is a great tip. I work with someone who broke her husband cosworths glove box hinge. In the end I 3d printed her another one after retaking measurements and remaking in cad.

[andydesignx]

I used this method some time ago to fix interior broken door handles and a door latch cable end on my MK4. Worked perfectly :)

[austinpfoster]

Perfect timing for this video... extremely relevant to my weekend project.

[jerryschauer]

I have used modeling clay to mold a good part, like the other good tab, then transfer the mold around the broken tab. This makes a perfect replica of the section that is missing...when the epoxy is cured you can just peel away the clay and you have the finished product...

[btd]

I've used small pieces of an open weave cloth, a tee shirt, to reinforce open areas, making sure to get the cloth saturated with epoxy. You have to babysit it until the epoxy starts to set or it may sag, but after it sets it seems to be just as strong as the original part.

[cesarignjas]

Nice video, once when I had to repair broken plastic I simply putted the parts together and melted the broken joint with an soldering iron, than with the parts in place I scuffed the rear and used a bit of fiber glass to reinforce.

[josephsager]

I could've used this video 3 years ago when I made similar repairs to my glove box, before I discovered epoxy, but I'm still proud of my improvisation.
But now that I HAVE seen this video, maybe I should go back and reinforce those repairs. Quarantine project!

[chaiyan-suriya]

use coarse file, filling same or close material, mix in the filed dust with the epoxy, very strong.

[TejasAutoSalonJasonW]

One great tip instead of using masking tape for the tab dam, use foil tape. It makes holding the shape desired a lot easier.

[gplusgplus]

What a great video! I have found that broken parts that have a structural role (meaning they broke because they are mechanically stressed) epoxy putty works best, this 2 part cylinder thats like play-doh and you mix it and it becomes rock hard. Example, broken headlight tabs.

[spelunkerd]

Nicely explained. I've proven myself really good at breaking old plastic. A matching skill to repair those mistakes would complement well. Some guys use fillers, and they report success for building up a tab. Others swear by Q-bond, which comes with its own filler premixed. You did well without filler, and it turned out great. Love that paper clip idea.

[dasautogt]

Charles.... You're so much more than just a mechanic. Jack of all trades.👍