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-   -   How I saved $50 today. (https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=873409)

VCho455 04-28-2024 01:59 PM

How I saved $50 today.
 
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The top half of my turn signal switch was broken where the lever attaches. (Photo #1 & #2). I had a similar failure on my daily driver Burban (July of 2022)and did the same repair with good results. I went down this path then due to the poor reviews on the reproduction turn signal switches.

For step one I sanded the surface areas around the cracks with 180 grit sandpaper then cleaned the areas with dish soap followed by isopropyl alcohol. After it was thoroughly dry I mixed some JB Weld and coated the inside of the cracks and clamped it until cured. (Photo #4)

Once cured I scraped and sanded the epoxy down so the lever fit properly and so it didn't interfere with step 2 of the repair.

VCho455 04-28-2024 02:26 PM

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Step two was to strengthen the areas with fine wire mesh. This process I learned from the import crowd on how to do repairs on plastic interior parts.

First cut a piece of the wire mesh larger than the broken area. (Photo #2) Then using a soldering iron or other such tool. (I used a HF plastic welder I picked up at a yard sale for $2) Heat the mesh until it melts into the switch body. Then I melt an additional bit of plastic over the mesh just to be sure the mesh is solidly attached to the switch body.

The resulting repairs makes the switch part stiffener than any of the reproduction replacement switches that I have seen. (They are made of a flimsy plastic.)
Along with proper lubrication on the switch it makes for a smooth, easy to operate turn signal.

Joe-Touring 04-29-2024 12:21 AM

Cool! Thanks for sharing. I may try that on a interior molding in my squarebody.

george kujanski 04-29-2024 10:37 AM

Plastic parts always break. I also always reinforce broken plastic with metal. Most recently the door handles on my 2013 Tahoe....both handles on the passenger side have broken...PITA taking the door panels off.

George


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