repair cracked air filter housing

[Dreamin]

My husband's 89 vette "had" a bad crack on his housing and I searched for a fix (rather than replacing the part). Couldn't find anything through the search engine.

He fixed it and it seems to be holding so I thought I would share this with the gang.

Use clamps to hold the pieces together so the cracked pieces are matched together. Apply heat along the crack (he used a lighter). The plastic will melt under the heat and rebond. Leave the clamps on until it cools down. There! Fixed!

Seems awfully simple, doesn't it? Maybe that's why the fix was never on this board because it IS so simple.

Ann

 

[Ken]

I hate to burst your bubble, but most likely the bond formed by melting the plastic is going to fail in time. It's never that simple.

I would try using something like a two-part epoxy, such as JB Weld. Eastwood Company has some stuff for repairing plastic that might suit you too.

 

[Dreamin]

O.K., I fess up......I did wonder how long this fix would work.

I'll be proactive and get some of the two part glue you mention just to have it on hand. If find that if I am prepared, it never happens. Cheap insurance!

Thanks.

Ann

 

[Ken]

If find that if I am prepared, it never happens.

Ain't it the truth! :L

 

[DonnyBoy]

Just another thought on this topic, plastic can be welded. It is done frequently. Motorcycle shops repair plastic farings this way. The key to making it work is that the plastic welding rod must be the same as the plastic your welding it to. Knowing what kind of plastic the air filter housing is the challenge. Plastic welders can be purchased for as little as $ 30.00 when on sale at Harbor Freight. When properly done, the repaired piece can be as strong as original.:cool

 

[SPANISHVETTS]

Plastic welders can be purchased for as little as $ 30.00 when on sale at Harbor Freight.

I bought one and it works great!!!

 

[Rich96c4ce]

I used a heat gun on my OEM AF housing to unwarp it. Rewelding it should work, but go to Ebay and search for a used housing. I think there are at least two up for bid right now. That is how I got a K&N filter, open AF lid, and another OEM housing. They were used, but in just fine shape, and for about 1/3 the list price.AF photo