Front Spoiler repair

[Guest]

Hi
I've just picked up a new front spoiler for my 944, one of the fog light types, complete with lights for a good price, however, there is a small split in it that isn't that noticable when fitted but I would like to get it repaired before spraying.
I've heard you can get plastic welding done, but what sort of companys do this sort of stuff, what do I look under in the phone book??
Tony

 

[John Sims]

IIRC the front spoiler is a polyurathene (PU) moulding, or more accurately a polyurathene casting. PU is a two part material, a polyol (the main material) and an iscocyanate (the hardener) - the spelling of both could be wrong. The two are mixed together and the combined material hardens and cures like GRP resin or epoxy.

If this is the case, the material isn't thermo plastic and can't be welded.

 

[Fen]

If it's a Turbo/S2 one (or even the same material) then Plastic Surgeon can repair it - they did on my S2 coupe, albeit may well not have been welded.

If you stabilise the crack somehow then you can have it filled would be my guess.

 

[John Sims]

Fen,

You are quite right in that you can add more material to it and PU does bond to its self very well. However, because the material changes during curing you have two peices of the same material glued together but not combined as they would in a weld.

Either way, it is a little academic as I sure it can be repaired quite effectively.

 

[Guest]

It's only a small repair thats need, maybe araldite and some filler will do it, but it's on the bit where it start to bend round above the fog light, so when not fitted to the car it does flex a lot! worth a try though I think.
Tony

 

[944Turbo]

Not sure about repairs but is it the foglight version of a lux type? (assuming you have a lux shape) If you planning on fitting an S2 front to a lux the wings are a different shape but I think they can be modded.
Tony

 

[Guest]

Hi

Yes it is the LUX type with foglights, exactly the same shape as my old one but in much better condition, so I get a nice looking spoiler with an upgrade in the way of the foglights!

I need to remove the existing paint off the new one, whats the best and safest way to remove paint off PU

Tony

 

[944Turbo]

Hi, not an expert but would have thought flatting it back with some fine wet and dry would be the way to go - might be an idea to ask the people who will be painting it what they recommend,
Tony

 

[John Sims]

I agree with Tony.

It could be a case that the painters will get a better finish if you allow them to prepare the spoiler. If you inadvertantly cut through areas of paint it could make the final finish more patchy.

 

[Guest]

All the paints going to have to come off anyway as big areas have already flaked off!

Tony