Plastic car body panels can indeed be repaired, even when the damage extends beyond cosmetic issues. While a cosmetic repair may be sufficient for minor scratches or dents, more significant damage, such as tears or holes that go through the panel, requires a different approach. Fortunately, there are effective repair methods and products available that can save you a considerable amount of money compared to replacing the entire panel.
Repair Methods for Plastic Car Body Panels
There are several techniques used to repair plastic car body panels, depending on the type of damage and the specific material of the panel. Some common repair methods include:
Plastic welding: Using a tool similar to a soldering iron and plastic filler rod, technicians can fill holes or fix cracks in the panel.
Adhesive bonding: Two-part adhesives, such as epoxies or urethanes, can be used to repair tears or holes that go through the panel. The damaged area is beveled, sanded, and cleaned before applying the adhesive and reinforcing material.
Filler application: For minor dents or scratches, plastic fillers can be used to smooth out the surface before painting.
Advantages of Plastic Repair
One of the main advantages of repairing plastic car body panels is the significant cost savings compared to replacing the entire panel. When a repair is done using plastic repair products, it can be considerably less expensive than purchasing a new part.
Additionally, repairing the panel can be faster than waiting for a replacement part to arrive, minimizing downtime for the vehicle owner. Precision and skill are important when repairing plastics, as technicians must follow standard operating procedures and ensure cleanliness throughout the process.