Took a shot at plastic welding today

[Bullet]

And the results were outstanding. Now keep in mind this is not a remedy for plastic parts that you can generally see but is a great process for hidden areas and hard to find parts. The plastic lower seat trim on the front passenger seat was broken apparently from someone sliding out or sitting on the edge of the seat. It was a clean break so I removed the main piece holding the seat switches. The broken piece was still held on the frame by two screws. This area could not be seen and was the perfect opportunity to repair. After removing the broken piece, both broken edges were cleaned with alcohol. Holding both pieces together, I used a soldering iron to notch three spots for an initial weld. Then I grooved a channel all along the crack and worked the melted plastic back over the crack. Let it sit for a while and it was solid. Reinstall and I'm done. There are plenty of You Tube videos available so I didn't take pictures. But for those of you who have a need, it's really a simple fix.

[az gt eater]

I saw those videos. I think with a different nozzle, I would be way ahead of the game. I use Leister hot air welders at work all the time. I have one in my truck daily. But, I would just use the videos you are talking about. Seems pretty simple. Did you use the wire mesh? A hot spoonish trowel?

[Bullet]

No, I simply bought a 750 degree solder iron at the local home improvement store and followed the process above. I thought about the wire mesh but couldn't locate it. I'm sure there are many ways to do this better than the way I did but I was happy how well it worked in my first try.

[35th-ANV-SS]

No pics?

[pajeff02]

^^ This. I would like to see what the OP was actually working on rather than generic pics/vids from the intrawebs.

[Bullet]

Sorry for not documenting with pics. Kinda like my first time, well you know. Sure wouldn't want pics of that either.

[pajeff02]

We just all like to see what other members are working on. I have never used a plastic welder, but with all the junk I work on it would probably be something worth investing in at some point.

[Bullet]

I hear ya'. Pics have helped me out on more than one occasion. I'll remember it next time around.