repair cracked console

[bobbo268]

So i'm having my pontoon reupholstered and i'm going to have to paint the top part of my steering console in order to match (at least closer), but i need to repair a crack first. It seems too flimsy to be ABS but definately not fiberglass. However, should i put some fiberglass resin on the back side just enough to hold it and fill the crack and rub it smooth on the front, that way it would look somewhat normal when painted? or is there a better way? I can and will move the mounting screw position. first picture is top, second is from the inside.

 

[maryhannaj]

Re: repair cracked console

It looks to me like you may have already stop-drilled the crack. You're on the right track for sure. Here's a method we use in the body shops to repair cracked bumper covers and other plastic and flexible materials.
1. Sand the area behind the peice at least a couple of inches so that resin has a good rough surface to bite into.
2. Cean the sanded area really well with some thinner or enamel reducer of some sort.
3. Cut a piece of mesh screen(window screen or something like that)that will be big enough to cover the entire sanded area.
4. Spread some flexible epoxy resin over only the sanded, cleaned area and then lay the screen into the resin so as to soak through the mesh.
5. Let the back side set up really well.
6. Sand about the same area on the outside around the crack.
7. Use a small dremel bit to bevel the crack down so the surface area only is tapered inward and about 3/16 wider than the crack on the surface. About half of the depth of the material itself. Clean the area really well with the thinner etc...
8. Mix up some Mar-glass or other flexible body filler or epoxy. Dont mix it with too much hardener or it will just crack again.
9. Fill in the crack, let it harden and then sand it with some 320 grit, then 500 grit sand paper. If you use anything of a much rougher grit, it will cause the filler to roll off.
10. Clean the area again with some thinner etc... then paint as desired.

I hope this will work out for you. Good luck if you choose to try this method. You should be able to find all of the materials except for the screen at an auto parts store. Auto-zone or some place like that.

 

[bobbo268]

Re: repair cracked console

Can I use the same epoxy for both sides? I assume the stuff you're talking about for the underside can just be the epoxy that comes in two tubes that are connected and it mixes when you push it out?

 

[maryhannaj]

Re: repair cracked console

You could try it. The problem is that it doesn't sand very well and wants to roll away from the surface as the paper cuts it. It wouldn't hurt to try it since you will already have the epoxy. You can get it like you're saying in the 2 attached tubes or you can buy resin at the auto parts store that you mix together. It's usually a pretty clear shade.
If you use a fiberglass body filler on the outside it just likes to sand better than the epoxy does. Either one of them will roll if it's not prepped right or you use to aggressive a grit of sand paper. Very aggressive sand paper just wants to grab and tear it away rather than slowly cut it down.

 

[bobbo268]

Re: repair cracked console

Do you know any specific names of the stuff I should use on the outside

 

[maryhannaj]

Re: repair cracked console

There is one called Mar-glass, I think it's made by 3M and also the Bondo brand fiberglass body filler.

 

[bobbo268]

Re: repair cracked console

thank you very much. and i'm sure i'm just getting picky here, but is there any way to mimic the texture, or do i just have to live with a 3 inch spot being smooth and the rest that sort of bumpy texture?

 

[maryhannaj]

Re: repair cracked console

I dont blame you you for wanting it to be right. As for the texture, maybe try applying the paint with texture matching as closely as you can. Maybe a common thick texture wall roller or something like that would work. Just an idea.

 

[lokonn]

Re: repair cracked console

Maybe try to sand down your patch on ''show'' side then prime, apply a ''gravel guard'' or a paintable undercoating type of automotive product, and then paint. Prolly won't match perfect but you are the only one who will know. Good luck.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: repair cracked console

Mold the texture from an area that doesn't need to be repaired, and using gelcoat, imprint the copied texture to freshly applied gelcoat.

That texture looks to be common, might even find a similar texture pre-made.

This thread might help:
Matching textured surface on 89 century resorter

 

[bobbo268]

Re: repair cracked console

i read that post and it does almost look like a vinyl texture and i have some unused vinyl laying around. I'll try it on something else first but if i get the spray paint at the right moment it may give it a little texture, better than none at all.

 

[maryhannaj]

Re: repair cracked console

I would really like to see how your texturing turns out and to know wich method worked best. Will you please post a pic of your finished product?