Plastic grille crack fix, weld, glue or ???

[JeffKeryk]

We got our beloved '06 TSX back today. The chrome grille trim is cracked. I can buy the piece from Amazon for about $50; not sure of fitment.
I can probably get on from Acura, not sure of price.

I've heard of plastic welding but know nothing about it. I believe JB Weld has a plastic version.
What would you do? I appreciate your guidance.

 

[dishdude]

Leave it alone or replace it, anything you do will make it look worse.

 

[JeffKeryk]

Leave it alone or replace it, anything you do will make it look worse.

Yeah, but this is a 2006 car with 237K. But it's in excellent condition overall. Had a steady diet of M1 @ 4500 OCI. Doesn't burn a drop between services.

Replacement might be the key. Thanks!

 

[Tdbo]

I would take a run at the Amazon fix.

 

[JeffKeryk]

I would take a run at the Amazon fix.

Acura wants about $220. The aftermarket piece seems to make sense for this old girl. We bought it new. Been a super car in so many ways.

 

[The Critic]

At this rate, the Keryk Used Car Lot may need a Fleet Manager!

 

[JeffKeryk]

At this rate, the Keryk Used Car Lot may need a Fleet Manager!

I need 2 more right now... Any ideas?

 

[JRay’07]

I need 2 more right now... Any ideas?

Just make another! You already have a window shade for a baby seat I see.

 

[Jango]

Read up on super glue with baking soda added.

 

[Patrick0525]

I used JB weld plastic and it is the best for my eye glasses since it flexes at the frame crack. Every night, I wash my glasses with soap and it does not degrade like JB epoxy. I also used it to repair the interior Lexus light len ears that cracked during led conversion.

 

[dishdude]

Acura wants about $220. The aftermarket piece seems to make sense for this old girl. We bought it new. Been a super car in so many ways.

I'd take my chances with the $50 Amazon one, you can always send it back if it doesn't fit. By time you buy whatever epoxy and other crap to repair you'll be halfway there.

 

[Kira]

Totally agree with dishdude...however, if you have access to the back of it and it'll accept a splint, you could close the crack, hold it and glue from the back.
You'd still have a crack. but it would be smaller less noticeable.

I can hear my dear mom saying, "A repair can look worse than the original damage".

Do let us know how the Amazon part works out if you get it (seriously)

...and dishdude, my skull is held together by epoxy and other crap. so don't mock.

 

[ammolab]

Read up on super glue with baking soda added.

Read up that super glue is not a good bonder on plastics. Use those plastic specific epoxies.

Yes, glue from the back with tape over the front to make a nicer finish.

 

[Jango]

Read up that super glue is not a good bonder on plastics. Use those plastic specific epoxies.

Yes, glue from the back with tape over the front to make a nicer finish.

Super glue alone is not but with baking soda it is according to many websites. It works for me.

 

[doitmyself]

, if you have access to the back of it and it'll accept a splint, you could close the crack, hold it and glue from the back.
You'd still have a crack. but it would be smaller less noticeable.

This would be my choice, using the slow set JB weld that has best adhesion and strength. Less than $10 for the epoxy. Clean with alcohol (Old Forester), rough it up with coarse sandpaper, knife point, whatever. Goop it on thick on the back after it has been taped together to hold it stable. You might even be able to embed a metal rod into the epoxy for more structural strength. Nothing to loose except a few dollars and a little bit of time.

 

[ripcord]

I don't have a lot of experience with aftermarket grills (purchased 2 over the years) and the fit was not great either time.

 

[Nessism1]

This would be my choice, using the slow set JB weld that has best adhesion and strength. Less than $10 for the epoxy. Clean with alcohol (Old Forester), rough it up with coarse sandpaper, knife point, whatever. Goop it on thick on the back after it has been taped together to hold it stable. You might even be able to embed a metal rod into the epoxy for more structural strength. Nothing to loose except a few dollars and a little bit of time.

This would work. I"ve done similar on motorcycle side covers before. Key is cleaning and roughing up the surface. A strip of fiberglass cloth across the crack, and a reinforcement bar on top. Bury in epoxy. That said, I'd investigate a cheap aftermarket grill first.

 

[JeffKeryk]

I'd take my chances with the $50 Amazon one, you can always send it back if it doesn't fit. By time you buy whatever epoxy and other crap to repair you'll be halfway there.

Yep that's what I figured. Ordered and on the way. Upon inspeaction, I noticed another, smaller crack at the bottom v area.
If my dear brother were alive, he had the touch and could fix it. Me, not so much.

I love this TSX, but she's an old girl. I do try to do the job right, but let's see what the cheapo one looks like. It doesn't have to turn out like my ghetto ride Vette.

 

[Marcozi]

Read up on super glue with baking soda added.

Adding baking soda to super glue, also known as cyanoacrylate (CA) glue, is a popular technique for speeding up the curing process and creating a stronger, more durable bond.

 

[doitmyself]

Yep that's what I figured. Ordered and on the way. Upon inspeaction, I noticed another, smaller crack at the bottom v area.
If my dear brother were alive, he had the touch and could fix it. Me, not so much.

I love this TSX, but she's an old girl. I do try to do the job right, but let's see what the cheapo one looks like. It doesn't have to turn out like my ghetto ride Vette.
View attachment 286877

I enjoy showing off my exquisite ride also. It's just annoying when my son-in-law parks his POS car behind me.