Date:         Sun, 12 Oct 2008 21:10:29 -0700
Reply-To:     John Bange <jbange@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Bange <jbange@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: map pocket repair
In-Reply-To:  <vanagon%2008101221393745@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

> My map pocket has most of the plastic pieces where the screws hold
> the pocket to the drivers door broken. Has anyone else repaired this
> before? Searching didn't help me.
>
> Right now I'm thinking of JB Weld type stuff formed into the needed
> repair areas and dried. Then drill them so I can put the screws back into
> it.

You're pretty close. Start with the screws that hold it to the door
panel. Screw them into what remains of the holes. Use plastic packing
tape to form a mold around the screws, where the old screw hole things
used to be. Make them bigger than the original ones. Mix up your JB
Weld and pour it in. When it's cured enough to hold its shape, unscrew
the screws. When it's fully cured, remove the tape. File the ends of
the JB Weld part so it's flat. Reinstall.

The result is a bit crude, but very, very strong. The only thing I
would do differently would be to mix a small quantity of india ink to
the JB Weld to turn it black. When I glance into the map pocket, I can
see the gray of the JB Weld at the bottom, which bothers me!

--
John Bange
'90 Vanagon - "Lastwagen"
'90 Vanagon GL - "Wiesel"