11 replies to this topic

[Drjack]

Hi all,

I want one of those FJ40 Landcruiser bodies but i've never been keen on the "shorty" type body and since nobody (that I can find) makes a ute body, then i'll have to make one up. What is the best glue and/or technique to cut and shut a lexan body? Thanks in advance,

Chris

[Taman]

Hi Chris,
I did a quick search on Google and came up with the following (this is not my quote, its just a cut paste):

"I checked with Regal Plastics and Laird Plastics about adhesives to glue Lexan (Polycarbonate). Both companies recommend getting THF (Tetrahydrofuran) to attach lexan. The THF is supposed to melt the Lexan's surface and then when you put two pieces together they fuse together"

I honestly dont know if this will work but you could always give it a go on some test pieces. You would also have to try and find some Tetrahydrofuran, Hope this may help

[Blacque Jacque]

We use THF where I work, yes it will bond lexan, it will bond virtually any plastic including polypropylene which is notoriously difficult to bond.

The biggest problem you're likely to have is getting hold of some, it's an organic solvent & you won't be able to buy it on the high street, if at all, without some kind of chemical manufacturing licence.

I'm sure there must be commercial products to bond lexan

[Helen]

We use THF where I work, yes it will bond lexan, it will bond virtually any plastic including polypropylene which is notoriously difficult to bond.

The biggest problem you're likely to have is getting hold of some, it's an organic solvent & you won't be able to buy it on the high street, if at all, without some kind of chemical manufacturing licence.

I'm sure there must be commercial products to bond lexan

Maybe you could sell him some?

[Blacque Jacque]

Maybe you could sell him some?

While I'd love to help a member out, I'd have to sign it out from stores & as soon as I do that people start asking questions as to why I want THF for corporate IT purposes
THF is NOT NICE STUFF. you don't want to be messing with it without knowing all the risks.

You're more than welcome to get a quote from our sales team though :
http://www.sigmaaldr...ail/SIGMA/T5267

Seriously though, you're better off contacting a decent plastics supplier & asking them about suitable polycarbonate adhesives.
These guys are pretty helpful & knowledgeable, give them a call:
Engineering & Design Plastics

[monster_beetle]

I used a kinda power glue from loctite. Don't know the number any, I will search for it.

[Helen]

While I'd love to help a member out, I'd have to sign it out from stores & as soon as I do that people start asking questions as to why I want THF for corporate IT purposes
THF is NOT NICE STUFF. you don't want to be messing with it without knowing all the risks.

You're more than welcome to get a quote from our sales team though :
http://www.sigmaaldr...ail/SIGMA/T5267

Seriously though, you're better off contacting a decent plastics supplier & asking them about suitable polycarbonate adhesives.
These guys are pretty helpful & knowledgeable, give them a call:
Engineering & Design Plastics

Oh I see what you mean

[terry.sc]

Firstly cutting and just gluing a polycarbonate shell won't be that strong, the small surface area makes a very weak joint. Usually anyone cutting and shutting a body bolts it together with a strip of plastic behind to reinforce the joint For gluing and reinforcing bodies the best stuff was Racers Choice FenderMender but that has stopped production. Both these methods still leave a visible gap on the outside of the body.

To just glue it together the most common non industrial method of gluing polycarbonate is to use methylene chloride, also known as dichloromethane. This can be found at industrial car paint suppliers, but you will need to buy a large quantity. As you just need a small amount look for Palstruct Plastic Weld, available from hobby shops everywhere.

[Blacque Jacque]

To just glue it together the most common non industrial method of gluing polycarbonate is to use methylene chloride, also known as dichloromethane.

We use & sell that too, it's no better for you than THF although probably more easily available.

[homerboi]

Here's a wikipedia definition (more layman) of Tetrahydrofuran - http://en.wikipedia....Tetrahydrofuran

The dichloromethane that Blacque Jacque mentions can be purchased under the name "poly weld" thru a UK company called StarLoc in Liverpool, or on fleabay - http://cgi.ebay.co.u...item=5995545026

I've used this myself on lexan repairs an it works well.

[monster_beetle]

That loctite I mentioned is nr. 401

[thorsteenster]

i did this to a bushwacker, the FJ knock off.
http://www.scale4x4r...amp;postcount=1
i used plastruct bondene. it worked pretty well but before i run it i'll back the joint with shoe goo.