Fix your black plastic scratches by melting it (DIY)

[Area51BS]

This works very well on those little white scratches on the interior plastics. The more time you spend on it the better. As the scrap plastic mushrooms out just trim it and start again if it becomes too wide. I did it quickly to make the video short. You can use larger or smaller piece depending on scratch size and if it’s bigger perhaps use a small torch to melt plastic. The black rubber blends it in if needed. Some repairs do not.

I’ve worked with ABS and plexiglass for years. But the products were far more durable materials than the material used in the Bronco. Direct heat can work except you can easily go too far.

Here is the link.

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[Mean Green]

I have a scratch on my console I’m gonna have to try this on

 

[Area51BS]

I have a scratch on my console I’m gonna have to try this on

Just remember it’s not for gouges where plastic has been displaced.

 

[indio22]

This works very well on those little white scratches on the interior plastics. The more time you spend on it the better. As the scrap plastic mushrooms out just trim it and start again if it becomes too wide. I did it quickly to make the video short. You can use larger or smaller piece depending on scratch size and if it’s bigger perhaps use a small torch to melt plastic. The black rubber blends it in if needed. Some repairs do not.
I’ve worked with ABS and plexiglass for years. But the products were far more durable materials than the material used in the Bronco. Direct heat can work except you can easily go too far. Here is the link.

Interesting but I wonder the toxicity of the fumes, might not want to get too many whiffs.

 

[Area51BS]

Interesting but I wonder the toxicity of the fumes, might not want to get too many whiffs.

Respirator. Or just breathe it in like the new car smell.

 

[Mean Green]

It is a scratch, not gouge. I missed with the seat belt buckle and slid it across the console. It left an inch long white “J” on the side… Not sure when, but I’m gonna try it.

 

[Valhalla]

Just the other day I looked in my cargo area and thought how cheap they went on that plastic. I'd need a 4x8 sheet to fill all the gouged marked up plastic. Hope it doesn't crack over time.

 

[RNC]

The interior plastic takes a scratch if you look at it hard. I'm just going to wear the shame of Ford's poor quality with quiet forbearance.

 

[Area51BS]

Just the other day I looked in my cargo area and thought how cheap they went on that plastic. I'd need a 4x8 sheet to fill all the gouged marked up plastic. Hope it doesn't crack over time.

The ABS plastic doesn’t deposit on the scratch. It transfers the heat gently. So you won’t need a 4x8.

 

[Valhalla]

The ABS plastic doesn’t deposit on the scratch. It transfers the heat gently. So you won’t need a 4x8.

Thank you for the clarification

 

[Guzzler22]

On a related topic. Has anyone found a method for dealing with broken tabs used to fasten black plastic trim? ... short of hot glue or some other "adhesive" likely to make it difficult to remove for access later? Using proper plastic tools and being extra careful (I thought) I managed to break 2 tabs on the longer horizontal access panel on the tailgate door, to access and feed wiring. The pieces are now lost in the lower abyss.
Any advice is welcome.

 

[Area51BS]

On a related topic. Has anyone found a method for dealing with broken tabs used to fasten black plastic trim? ... short of hot glue or some other "adhesive" likely to make it difficult to remove for access later? Using proper plastic tools and being extra careful (I thought) I managed to break 2 tabs on the longer horizontal access panel on the tailgate door, to access and feed wiring. The pieces are now lost in the lower abyss.
Any advice is welcome.

If you could retrieve them. ABS solvent/cement could work. It chemically melts the two pieces back together. You could possibly create new pieces with razor knife, dremmel tool, heat and fuse them together. I would certainly try unless the part is cheap.

 

[Guzzler22]

Thanks for the suggestion.

That sounds reasonable. I was thinking that I could do that with JB Weld and possibly drill a couple of holes in the parts for stabilizing flexible wire or nails to keep them together... assuming I can retrieve the lost parts. I'm thinking through the pros and cons of putting a stocking over the end of a vacuum hose to pull the missing parts out of the space.

The replacement part is $100+ and otherwise, still usable.

 

[Area51BS]

Thanks for the suggestion.

That sounds reasonable. I was thinking that I could do that with JB Weld and possibly drill a couple of holes in the parts for stabilizing flexible wire or nails to keep them together... assuming I can retrieve the lost parts. I'm thinking through the pros and cons of putting a stocking over the end of a vacuum hose to pull the missing parts out of the space.

The replacement part is $100+ and otherwise, still usable.

Maybe 3M double side tape for a quick fix.

 

[indio22]

On a related topic. Has anyone found a method for dealing with broken tabs used to fasten black plastic trim? ... short of hot glue or some other "adhesive" likely to make it difficult to remove for access later? Using proper plastic tools and being extra careful (I thought) I managed to break 2 tabs on the longer horizontal access panel on the tailgate door, to access and feed wiring. The pieces are now lost in the lower abyss.
Any advice is welcome.

Depending on the type of plastic/rubber, this 3M product can work great. I glued a rubber cut on my spare tire. Some people in a pinch use it to glue sidewall patches on their tires when off-roading. I used the PR40 version pictured but it comes in various viscosities. Apparently it's similar to super glue but stronger and works with a wider range of materials.

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