Vanagon EuroVan
Previous messageNext messagePrevious in topicNext in topicPrevious by same authorNext by same authorPrevious page (June 2010, week 3)Back to main VANAGON pageJoin or leave VANAGON (or change settings)ReplyPost a new messageSearchProportional fontNon-proportional font
Date:         Sat, 19 Jun 2010 08:11:37 -0500
Reply-To:     Jim Felder <jim.felder@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jim Felder <jim.felder@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Tips on repairing chipped Vanagon grills
In-Reply-To:  <AANLkTilpk4asBW_UKxsY8ibd3jHZ5A6N-r2PZqj3M4UQ@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Don,

I have about half an hour invested in this project, maybe 45 minutes (not all at once, obviously). The only surface prep was to pressure wash and then lightly sand. Since the spots were so small and the surrounding grill so fragile, I jut used five minute epoxy, it being no doubt as strong as the grill plastic. There was no need to blend when done; the tape formed a perfect junction with the plastic grill. Two coats of spray paint and it was ready to put on. When I get a chance, I will make the same repair to the grill I removed, then I will have two grills for about $20 investment.

I don't know about where you live, but there aren't plenty of vanagon parts around me, and the cheapest new one I could find was about $200.

Jim

On Sat, Jun 19, 2010 at 12:58 AM, Don Hanson <dhanson928@gmail.com> wrote: >  Ever consider just getting another grill in good shape?  You might be > happier in the end unless you are fairly skilled at plastic/ABS repairs or > have some skills with Epoxy.  There should be grills available reasonably > priced given the amount of time you will invest getting a repair job to > 'look right' and stay in place... > >  If I were doing the job you describe, I would use WEST System epoxy boat > building resin with some micro fiber and some micro balloon fillers and some > graphite powder to color it...Perhaps with some carbon fiber tows behind the > repair to reinforce it.  And I would probably end up having to buff the > whole grill or paint it to 'blend' the repair.  Take some hours and some > familiarity with the materials to make it right. >  Don Hanson > > On Fri, Jun 18, 2010 at 7:49 PM, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>wrote: > >> Reason I ask is that when I wash and scrub the bug infested front grills >> after a Vanagon outing, I don't want the repair to break off (of course). >> So durability is just as high a requirement as cosmetic appearance.  Then >> again...it's only when I get into one of my anal "Vanagon" moments...been >> chipped for 20 years now (before I bought it) and it doesn't bother me too >> much...but always creeping towards "perfection"! >> >> My chip is about 1 inch x 3/8 inch...semi-circular shape. >> >> Would assume that surface preparation (diligent scrubbing with rubbing >> alcohol or similar mild cleaning agent) would be the key to a lasting >> repair. >> >> Rich >> San Diego >> >> --- On Fri, 6/18/10, Jim Felder <jim.felder@gmail.com> wrote: >> >> From: Jim Felder <jim.felder@gmail.com> >> Subject: Re: Tips on repairing chipped Vanagon grills >> To: "Richard Koerner" <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET> >> Cc: "vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM" <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> >> Date: Friday, June 18, 2010, 7:17 PM >> >> The epoxy will fill the spaces much better than bondo, in my opinion >> >> Jim >> >> On Jun 18, 2010, at 8:14 PM, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET> >> wrote: >> >> > I assume you guys use typical 5 minute epoxy glue, 2 part stuff, >> available from any hardware store....is that right?  I was going to do the >> repair using the same technique but Bondo instead...wonder which is going to >> be stronger?  I have both on the shelf.... >> > >> > Rich >> > San Diego >> > >> > --- On Fri, 6/18/10, Jack R. <jack007@COMCAST.NET> wrote: >> > >> > From: Jack R. <jack007@COMCAST.NET> >> > Subject: Re: Tips on repairing chipped Vanagon grills >> > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM >> > Date: Friday, June 18, 2010, 6:08 PM >> > >> > Exactly how I did my grill!!!! Great tip, glad you shared it! >> > >> > Look at the results... bet you can't find the chip! >> > >> > this is the Original grill on my 84 Westy. >> > >> http://www.flickr.com/photos/77623993@N00/2634100682/sizes/l/in/photostream/ >> > >> > Jack R. >> > 84 Westy Wolfie >> > >> > -----Original Message----- >> > From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf >> Of >> > Jim Felder >> > Sent: Friday, June 18, 2010 8:38 PM >> > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM >> > Subject: Tips on repairing chipped Vanagon grills >> > >> > When the thin plastic blades of your Vanagon's grill become chipped, >> > here's an easy way to make them look like new (requires respray). >> > >> > The method takes advantage that the adhesive side of clear, heavy duty >> > packing tape is also a good mold release for epoxy glue. Wherever you >> > have a chip, tape over it gently from the front with clear tape. The >> > tape will conform to the curve of the blades. Don't press too hard, >> > you want the tape to curve to the roll of the blade, front to back, >> > but also be even along the length of the blade so that the surface >> > looks even when you are done. >> > >> > Now turn the the grill face down and pour a dollop of epoxy behind >> > each taped spot. When it is cured, the tape will pull off of the grill >> > and also off of the epoxy. Take a wide file and file the filler >> > exactly flush with the front edge of the blade at each patch. Paint >> > satin black and you're done. >> > >> > I have done this in five spots to an old grill, and I would have to >> > take it off and turn it over to know where the repairs were made. >> > >> > Jim >> > No virus found in this incoming message. >> > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com >> > Version: 9.0.829 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2946 - Release Date: 06/18/10 >> > 14:35:00 >> >


Back to: Top of message | Previous page | Main VANAGON page

Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!


Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com


The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.

Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.