How To Repair Broken Plastic Car Parts

With how much plastic is in cars, it's only a matter of time before some plastic breaks in your car. In this video we use epoxy to fix the broken glove box in my R32 for about $10. Ive also been able to fix a few kids toys with the same method. You can also use washers, or even a paperclip to reinforce the repair. #DIYwtihDAP #humblemechanic
Clear Epoxy amzn.to/3oWDw2S
HD Epoxy amzn.to/38inrxE
Rubbing alcohol ~ amzn.to/34oYv6B
Q-Tips ~ amzn.to/38eBowA
Parchment Paper amzn.to/3aoz0Go
Paper clips ~ amzn.to/37y3YKp
Demel Tool ~ amzn.to/34pD458
Cheaper rotary tool option(UNTESTED) ~ amzn.to/3r3nZQy
Sand Paper ~ amzn.to/2LPW3zB
Micro Torch ~ amzn.to/2LJ2VP3
~~~~ Love the Show? ~~~~
Become A CrewMember ~ goo.gl/D7eROI
Patreon ~ www.patreon.com/user?u=4243029
Shop Amazon ~ amzn.to/2FQErAm
Audio ONLY Podcasts ~ goo.gl/5XcZxB
~~~~ Recommended Tools ~~~~
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Impact driver ~ amzn.to/2HsxS2H
Small Impact driver ~ amzn.to/2DZdsMN
Electric ratchet ~ amzn.to/2FydxMS
Magnetic tray ~ amzn.to/2FEpQ6g
Basic hand tools ~ amzn.to/2GnjF7K
Box wrench set ~ amzn.to/2FzoJch
ScrewDriver set ~ amzn.to/2FEjcgd
Shop towels ~ amzn.to/2FC7UgM
Allen Sockets ~ amzn.to/2GlcnAz
Torx Sockets ~ amzn.to/2pL0SfL
~~~~ Playlists ~~~~
Humble Mechanic Podcasts ~ • The Humble Mechanic Po...
Project White Wookie ~ • MK3 VR6 GTI Project Car
Failed VW parts videos ~ • How VW Parts Fail
Tool and Product Reviews ~ • Tool and Product Reviews
How To videos ~ • How To Fix Your Car
MK1 VR6 Swap Videos ~ • VR6 Engine Swap MK1 Ca...
~~~~ Be sure to follow me at ~~~~
humblemechanic.com
INSTAGRAM ~ / humblemechanic
FACEBOOK ~ / humblemechanic
TWITTER ~ / humblemechanic
Amazon Store ~ www.amazon.com/shop/humblemec...
disclaimer:
The content of this video is available for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for the professional advice of a mechanic who has personally inspected your vehicle, nor does it create a relationship of any kind between the Humble Mechanic and you. Every situation may be different, and the Humble Mechanic does not make any warranties, whether express or implied, as to the accuracy, fitness, or applicability of the information or automotive parts portrayed in this video to any project and makes no guarantee of results. The Humble Mechanic and any sponsors of this video will not be liable for any damages related to personal injury, property damage or loss of any kind that may result from the use or reliance on this video and/or any automotive parts represented in this video. You are using the information and automotive parts portrayed in this video solely at your own risk.

[@HumbleMechanic]

I hope this video inspires you guys to have a crack at fixing something before just replacing it. There are almost an infinite number of ways to fix this stuff... What is your favorite?

[@danielbernier9115]

Thanks for the tips , I've used fiberglass joint tape in the epoxy to make a permanent strong bond in the past using your method

[@danielbernier9115]

Just plain old drywall joint tape . Easier to work with in my opinion, it doesn't fray at the edges as easily

[@HumbleMechanic]

@@danielbernier9115 I love that idea too!!

[@HumbleMechanic]

@@danielbernier9115 As I was editing I was wondering what would happen if I left the paper on.

[@danielbernier9115]

@@HumbleMechanic thanks , saved my back side a few times lol keep up the Great content,Charles!

[@mtyquinn6]

one of my favorite "backing" materials is art clay (the kind that never hardens) - can shape it to what ever you want (exact size if you want) - then fill it with epoxy and let it dry 100%. If all the clay does not come off - it will with some paint thinner. Works great for odd shapes and is infinitely moldable - for exact restorations I can even carve in lettering or details that I would never be able to sand! Hope this motivates someone. It is really worth doing!

[@ericp.9497]

Also, for crazy-strong repairs, embed fiberglass cloth into the repair.

[@Enjoymentboy]

I do the same thing but I like to use shredded fiberglass instead. And instead of epoxy I use 2 part polyurethane (JB weld plastic bonder in fact). Bonds like crazy with zero peeling or delamination and the fiberglass makes it super strong and resilient.

[@VeauX1902]

Any type of cloth strengthen the repair a bunch. It ends up being a composite material. I used this technique to repair front fog lights mounts on a bmw. It stayed put for years and might still be. I sold the car since.

[@khalidacosta7133]

I use carbon fibre (just don't breathe in dust from sanding!)

[@StevenBuchanan]

You literally read my mind...

[@BatmanProject777]

@@StevenBuchanan How do you embed the cloth or fiberglass ? Like mix it in with the epoxy ? Or, set it in after the epoxy is spread on, then pack in with toothpick ?

[@stephenprice7502]

Done this a few times in the past. I usually use JB Weld. The embedded washer or paperclip trick is invaluable for additional strength on areas under a bit more stress. Another good video from you Charles.

[@ferndog1461]

The non English KZbin vids where the mechanic is in sandals are the best. They fix old plastic all day. Work in well ventillated area. Plastic fumes are cancerous.

[@gabrielpontual9290]

Hi Stephen, would you say it is a good idea to add some fiberglass to the epoxi? I plan to run those repairs in broken plastic in my car, thinking about making it super strong

[@timothyclingerman5430]

I use a small piece of stainless steel screen to support the epoxy across the crack

[@josephkanowitz6875]

ב''ה, all these tips, and for cracked surfaces, drilling some holes and tying them together with dental floss or other thin filament provides both the string reinforcement and 'pegs' of epoxy through the drilled holes. The quick version of JB Weld usually works better for me than the original, as might be stronger for certain mechanical repairs. It's more sandable than most other epoxies.

[@bilalcelebi89]

You can probably also use ear plugs that expand when you squeeze them. I use that when I want to mask off threads

[@HumbleMechanic]

I love those for that. I was worried about it sticking weird. I use them for paint all the time

[@stevebabiak6997]

Do an internet search for “plastic mold release agent” which you would apply to those ear plugs to get them to come loose without sticking.

[@AlexYeets]

Holy fuck, I'd have never thought of that. That's damn genius, I'mma do that a lot from now on for painting, thanks for that idea!

[@bigsparky8888]

Excellant IDEA!!! BRILLIANT!!!

[@zuilok]

Watching this video I had a possibly brilliant or a really stupid idea. As a father I get to model stuff out of play dough way more often than I´d like but it seems like the perfect material to make an epoxy barrier out of.

[@lpoollax7]

Typically when making composites such as fiberglass/carbon fiber part we use Plasticine aka modeling clay, wax is a little better option. Playdoh would probably work except the moisture in it could mess with the final cure.

[@andrew_koala2974]

There is also heat resistant silicon putty used by manufacturing Jewelers. They make moulds out of it and pour molten Gold or silver into it, often placing the mould into a centrifuge. when the Metal cools, it obviously takes the shape of the mould. It is essentially 'casting. using this putty, one can take a casting of whatever one wishes to duplicate and pour either epoxy resin into it or molten plastic. Making a centrifuge is easy if one needs it. any small DC motor will do. Even a modified computer fan, Hard drive motor, CD player motor. One could make tokens for parking meters, shopping carts, and making ones own jewelry if one desires to place such ornaments on the body. Note that the putty is to be stored in the refrigerator, otherwise, it will eventually, solidify. Oe could always practice by using chewed WRIGLEYS gum

[@johnraisanen5131]

Maybe use the play dough to make a form of the good one and make a epoxy replica.

[@wyattoneable]

I have an 01 Corvette and everything I seem to touch breaks. These type videos are interchangeable with any car, thanks!

[@HumbleMechanic]

That is how things seem to be going in my R32. UGH!

[@chrisgadsden6402]

@@HumbleMechanic Something to add reinforcement is model airplane fiberglass cloth. Its a very tight weave and is compatible with epoxy. You can get it at any place that sells R/C planes. I've used it a bunch of times to fix tabs.

[@HouseCallAutoRepair]

GM plastics hold up a tiny bit better. Looking for a candidate for a dash cluster repair, myself, but using a different and harder compound...

[@wingerrrrrrrrr]

@@HouseCallAutoRepair bondo will be harder than epoxy, try that maybe

[@ifell3]

This is a great tip. I work with someone who broke her husband cosworths glove box hinge. In the end I 3d printed her another one after retaking measurements and remaking in cad.

[@jerryschauer]

I have used modeling clay to mold a good part, like the other good tab, then transfer the mold around the broken tab. This makes a perfect replica of the section that is missing...when the epoxy is cured you can just peel away the clay and you have the finished product...

[@HumbleMechanic]

That’s awesome

[@donsmith9478]

But modeling clay usually has some oily content that would likely prevent the epoxy from sticking.

[@lewis2553]

@@donsmith9478 Right.

[@tj_offroad]

Literally just used JB weld with tooth picks as rebar to do some similar repairs to help fix up my friends 2 gen RAM. That is perhaps the most brittle dash ever made. Also if you don't wanna spend the money on a Dremel, harbor freight has super cheap under 10 dollar rotary tools. No where near as good of quality of a Dremel, but good enough for this.

[@gplusgplus2286]

What a great video! I have found that broken parts that have a structural role (meaning they broke because they are mechanically stressed) epoxy putty works best, this 2 part cylinder thats like play-doh and you mix it and it becomes rock hard. Example, broken headlight tabs.

[@HumbleMechanic]

I saw a dude fix a big hole in a transmission with that. Haha

[@gplusgplus2286]

@@HumbleMechanic lol

[@btd2516]

I've used small pieces of an open weave cloth, a tee shirt, to reinforce open areas, making sure to get the cloth saturated with epoxy. You have to babysit it until the epoxy starts to set or it may sag, but after it sets it seems to be just as strong as the original part.

[@reallyhappenings5597]

gentle heat gun will accelerate the chemical process

[@stevebabiak6997]

Another material to try is aluminum flashing metal; it can be made flat or shaped a bit, it is thin, and it is soft enough for easy drill penetration. With a washer, the hole in the washer has to be large enough to give some slop, and if not aligned nicely you might have to drill into some steel, and you are still left with the center of the drilled hole only being epoxy rather than being reinforced.

[@andydesignx]

I used this method some time ago to fix interior broken door handles and a door latch cable end on my MK4. Worked perfectly :)

[@cesarignjas]

Nice video, once when I had to repair broken plastic I simply putted the parts together and melted the broken joint with an soldering iron, than with the parts in place I scuffed the rear and used a bit of fiber glass to reinforce.

[@austinpfoster]

Perfect timing for this video... extremely relevant to my weekend project.

[@ryanmacewen511]

Quicksteel, or other epoxy putty. Easy to shape. It's holding half my 80's GM interiors together. Can always add a layer of resin/epoxy/fiberglass over it.

[@dasautogt]

Charles.... You're so much more than just a mechanic. Jack of all trades.👍

[@TejasAutoSalonJasonW]

One great tip instead of using masking tape for the tab dam, use foil tape. It makes holding the shape desired a lot easier.

[@stevebabiak6997]

And the foil can be left hidden in back to help reinforce if desired.

[@neudimensions1320]

Yep beat me to it

[@MrCthur]

This is a fantastic guide to OEM fixes. When I had a similar problem I didn't have the patience for this haha. I went the opposite route. I ended up drilling out the broken mounts, drilling out the remaining good mounts, and epoxying in little gusset/collar things. They were all uniform and slightly color coordinated with trim, so it was a fix with a modified instead of OEM aesthetic. I wish we had 3d printers back then, because nowadays you can print up a replacement mount with tabs to grip the host piece to help the epoxy and color coordinate with the trim and all that.

[@r32rtb]

Outstanding video. I used this method for my dash parts this past year. Glad to see so many other folks had the same idea and finally a video that really helps others.

[@thezambranos2973]

You are the MAN!!! I am restoring a 1995 Toyota pick up and parts are getting harder to find! I live in Arizona and the heat is breaking my plastic. I saw this video and fixed a lot of my broken plastic parts! It is time consuming but well worth it!!! Thank you so much my good man!

[@Jake-im2lv]

Designing and 3d printing plastic tabs and clips to epoxy onto expensive trim is a game changer

[@jenhofmann]

This is one of the most useful videos I've ever seen on KZbin. Thanks for showing and explaining so thoroughly, sir!

[@chaiyan-suriya]

use coarse file, filling same or close material, mix in the filed dust with the epoxy, very strong.

[@spelunkerd]

Nicely explained. I've proven myself really good at breaking old plastic. A matching skill to repair those mistakes would complement well. Some guys use fillers, and they report success for building up a tab. Others swear by Q-bond, which comes with its own filler premixed. You did well without filler, and it turned out great. Love that paper clip idea.

[@sptrader6316]

Instead of parchment paper, I use wax paper, same result (cheaper too). Great repair ideas. Well done.

[@Stable_Enough]

Charles, your skills are unmatched my man! Love your stuff!

[@ronbarker6075]

I used the washer and epoxy trick to fix my microwave/range hood a few months back. Worked like a charm! Great video as always!

[@amirb715]

amazing job. the best repair video i've watched in a while. thanks!

[@baljeetd]

You pack a lot of intelligent tips and tricks into the shortest time possible, and make it all very user friendly. You're the best Charles!💪

[@jcarey1010]

Thank you for putting the time and effort into thinking of ways to fix and repair MKIV plastics. I'm now motivated to fix my glovebox and then some lol.

[@SteveRogers461]

Hi Aaron I think you'll do better on KZbin than on TV. Great to have you back!!!

[@abc796]

It's simple and easy to get these materials, good job.

[@Ilovetosingem]

I really like the paper clip to reinforce the job. I'm sure it would work on so many other projects. Thanks again, brill.

[@johnmorgan7262]

Great video. I used a similar method to repair the back of an interior body panel. I used window screen repair material to reinforce the crack. For a broken bumper panel I used the plastic of a ballpoint pen. Epoxy is great stuff.

[@coolissimo69]

Charles you did a fantastic job, thanks for the tips.

[@tallybeaverman9462]

I was looking for instruction for replacing my door pins. Found 3 that impressed me, so I was going to go with one of those. 2 days later yours showed up as "suggested", and it smoked the rest. Now I will be checking your channel first, before the rest! Good job!

[@dillydave13]

Really well done video. Your newest work truly is some of your best.

[@chevbelair]

Totally much respect for your skills and innovation, keep it up!.

[@andrewthompsonuk1]

Fantastic, a really good repair. This sort of thing makes me want to drive old cars.

[@Iceyguides]

Picked up snapons plastic welder, best purchase Ive made in a long time!

[@stevel1475]

Cool techniques! Enjoyed watching this episode!

[@robertthegrowguy7115]

I love the idea with the paper clip to reinforce the flange you have repaired

[@blinkyd4952]

Can we just appreciate the fact that this channel is the only channel with quality information on the Mk4 platform

[@228dlb]

thankyou so much for taking the time to make this video this was a tremendous help!

[@bigsparky8888]

Yup...most plastic today is for install quickly...try to get it undone with no damage...this repair is BRILLIANT!!!

[@stern_show_bobo4627]

Love the epoxy work! Amazing stuff.

[@Smoovindecat]

I recently had to repair lots broken tabs on R1 motorcycle fairings and I used blue tack or plasticine to copy the more complicated mouldings. I pressed the product into the surviving tab and transferred it to the other side. Using all the same techniques as you did here. It worked great 👍 obviously in some instances things face a different direction so pay attention to that kind of thing.

[@thisoldhooptie]

Nice work. This will come in handy with my dash. Thanks for taking the time!

[@Nikola-wk8si]

Lol i just used screws and washers and it looks good. If you use small washer it can get stuck on the inner wall of the hole so it looks nice. Big tip if you have broken securing point on the glove box fix them fast because it puts more stress on other securing points so they break faster.My car has a problem. It shakes a lot when it starts or when its slowing down, motor does sound wierd .Its mk4 1.9 tdi.tnx

[@SyDiko]

The applications for this video are almost endless... Never again will I be beaten by broken plastic pieces.

[@josephsager9425]

I could've used this video 3 years ago when I made similar repairs to my glove box, before I discovered epoxy, but I'm still proud of my improvisation. But now that I HAVE seen this video, maybe I should go back and reinforce those repairs. Quarantine project!

[@danielpintal8982]

Thank you for your clip! Very informative and helpful

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

This technique works great. Also, If you can find the broken pieces, use a solder iron with a flat blade to plastic weld them together, then epoxy over the repair for even more strength.

[@brucepeters5100]

I really enjoyed these ideas. Thanks Charles.🙂

[@HouseCallAutoRepair]

The parchment paper is AWESOME! MAJOR advance to a trick I have up my sleeve! Charles takes the credit for the, now improvised, repair vid I've hunting a candidate for... I'll be tagging this video and one other, that led to the idea...

[@Vimar00]

I did this 4 years ago with Mk4 2.slow Jetta and more or less the exact same process. Included washers for strength the holes, but I used Q-bond. Still have the car and it still holding together... but hasn’t been drive as much (become the third car) - what I’m trying to say, is that it worked! All the best to anyone doing this process!

[@maveric0738]

Great job Charles! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@tylerkrug7719]

I like using old cut up credit cards as epoxy mixers,it works really really good,then maybe apply with tooth picks or something like that. But the cards work great for applying certain things also

[@gplusgplus2286]

Works for cocaine too

[@tylerkrug7719]

@@gplusgplus2286 meth also,lol

[@gggggeeeooorrrgee]

My wife used a similar method to fix a unsightly crack under her sink unfortunately when I stood back up it caused alot of pain and discomfort but to this day she stands by her decision. And I have to give her credit its still holding up

[@winstonbuzon]

What a lifesaver! Definitely gotta save this video!

[@kennethd7048]

Hey there... I really appreciate how you take the time to explain everything in such great detail... Awesome job!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thanks so much

[@barry-cq4xg]

Really nice job - so many good tips that you can use to repair anything in your car or home. Great stuff

[@stevie632]

nicely done video man! hats off to you

[@johnraisanen5131]

Very helpful. Going to use these ideas to fix a couple tabs on my grill.

[@MikeSzJr]

Awesome info. I bypassed a few plastic fixes by just finding newish better parts at a pick and pull yard. Did this exact method on my drivers door panel where the 3 mounting screws are at the bottom. Works great!

[@joshymcdaniel9233]

100% agree can u make it work … ehhh maybe but strength is usually gone and still looks bad unless u have hands of a surgeon’ every time I tried maybe 1/10 it’s successful with a plastic welder’ if plastic trim piece is 20-30$ hands down just buy it Or go to pick n pull’ If it’s a $300 part ….maybe try it but it will never look good’ when plastic breaks it is just so so hard to ever get it back’ That’s why adhesives that “weld” plastic back together r few and far between’ molecules in plastic don’t play well once tabs broken’ Honestly in my Experience listen to this guy in comment’ Go to a pick n pull’ u will save sooo much time by the time u buy all the little stuff sandpaper epoxy plastic Welder paint etc just buy a new piece and move onto something more important lol

[@georgeeverett5006]

Excellent video ! Very good job !

[@dalekundtz760]

Thanks for great tips for us backyard mechanics on a budget...🧔

[@stormman8393]

Excellent video. Thanks for doing this.

[@Gunma_garage]

I use the syringe method professionally almost once a week in the automotive field. Busted tabs, split engine covers, coil packs on Ford where the connector splits and Mr Customer won't budge lol lol. Awesome vid again, great advice! Ive had great results doing it like, indentically haha

[@csflmich2239]

Wow, what an awesome video of techniques! Very helpful and appreciated.

[@Cruz0604]

I could teach you a lot about plastics and composites. But your work is decent and it works so that’s what matters.

[@joshhibbs_nola]

Pretty cool video! If you can get your hands on some and want your pieces to be super strong, you can find small pieces of fiberglass sheet. Lay that over the empty spaces or form it to the shape and then cover it with epoxy. It will make your pieces even stronger. 👍🏼

[@Donderi]

That is tremendously helpful. Thank you.

[@michaelprescott7610]

Awesome video!! Have a bunch of broken plastic on my 1996 Mustang Cobra. Knew there had to be a way to fix it. Thanks for the help!!

[@danbrendadeveau8565]

Good work, Plastic repair is the pits.The paperclip and washer are great for added strength. I appreciate your help.

[@blackiedekat2612]

Good job there Humble! I work at A car rental agency and I do A ton of this kinda stuff. Last week I rebuilt 3 mounting towers on A Camry headlamp ( new = $1,200. ). My favorite products are Gorilla glue and fiberglass fabric for large projects, and 2 part epoxy for the rest...............

[@TheBanks274]

Going to try this out on a broken tab for one of my vent covers

[@sweetdeliciouscake]

One thing I would add - when using epoxy to build up parts, you can also add fillers like glass beads or fibers that will help fill gaps and provide more structure and strength. I get mine at WestMarine, but any boat supply or surfboard shop should have the stuff. For even larger repairs, you could also lay in glass cloth.

[@HumbleMechanic]

That’s an awesome idea

[@louarmstrong6128]

You can also use saw dust or dried leaves

[@marktolner2922]

Thank you very much for this video. It has given me confidence to have a go myself and there were some great tips too.

[@michaelfunk5951]

Really well thought out process.

[@camaroguy2919]

I do similar stuff my self. With my vehicles This was awsome because I learned extra tricks for repairs thanks.

[@markharris7662]

Perfect timing I need to fix lots of broken fixings.

[@johndooley2401]

Very Helpful, Thanks

[@dai3764]

This comes really useful, i just broke my saabs glovebox!

[@Hannover54]

That's great! Well done - Thank you so much.

[@bonperal]

Well that's some kind of wonderful stuff! Thanks!

[@mihamaker]

Good stuff, I use Knauf microglasfiber tape for reinforcing the place for small repair and regular glass fiber mesh for boat repair. Sometimes just pull some threads from the mesh and wrap around the part or build it up as I go, layer on layer. Also for smaller quick repairs, cianoacrilate glue and baking soda for filler and activation. Then sand, drill, body filler, paint and what ever one needs...

[@sgribb02]

awesome tips and tricks on fixing these breaks. I have an older Toyota tundra that has various cracked pieces and i cannot buy new ones...just not available. Now i feel that I can do this! Thanks man! New sub

[@chrisfalx3251]

How have I lived this long without a digital caliper I always saw I need one I’m ordering one now 👍

[@thedogexd4172]

love this format

[@bluemoth1879]

Excellent. You get a lot of satisfaction from making repairs like this...:) 🤟🏼🤟🏼🤙🤙

[@JavierTovar88]

This is just what I needed!

[@robj2704]

Yep. It's a lot of work but it's so much better than having a broken plastic piece flopping around, and over time it's going to just get worse if you don't fix it. Good instructions. Good job.

[@jaybee6280]

that heated paperclip move is big brain

[@johnmoser2689]

Great video thanks Charles

[@christdied4us]

Great video!! Thanks for the tips

[@CaliforniaBushman]

Exactly the parts I need to fix. With exactly the kind of screwhole tab breaks I need to remold. Not to mention door pins I'm replacing with help from your other video. Thanks!!

[@robertpryor7225]

Window screen or drywall mesh tape for structural/shaping

[@nehpetsrellek2699]

Purdy cool. I have some of this kind-a work to do on a 1998 dodge B-350 van restoration. TKS for the knowledge.