GraniteCrystal build thread

Tried something new tonight with good results. I want to fix my cracked fender. Before going to work on it, I did a dry run with one of the parts I cut off last weekend. I'll write this in the form of a how to.

Here are the two parts I used. Just took a dremel and cut a bit off. The goal is to get them back together.
IMG_20170310_170912.jpg

Also cut a piece off that will add in later as a structural support
IMG_20170310_171014.jpg

Step 1: clean them
IMG_20170310_180132.jpg

Step 2: clamp them and heat them
IMG_20170310_180406.jpg

Step 3: graft them
Use a flat piece of metal to pull melted plastic from one side to the other and vice versa
IMG_20170310_180628.jpg

Step 4: smooth it
Use a knife to flatten out the weld
IMG_20170310_180824.jpg

Step 5: attach structural support
Use same technique of heat and grafting
IMG_20170310_180930.jpg
IMG_20170310_181000.jpg


All done
IMG_20170310_181152.jpg

Quick video showing results
https://youtu.be/Dv0MhS8F094

Thoughts? Feedback before I try on fenders?
 
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Went for it on the cracked fender this morning. Pretty happy with the results. Could try to touch up the front too, but then I'm messing with the paint job.

Before:
IMG_20170311_094920.jpg

IMG_20170311_094936.jpg

The weld:
IMG_20170311_101444.jpg

After:
IMG_20170311_101505.jpg

IMG_20170311_101457.jpg

The grey haze around the crack is the dried glue I tried a year ago. Don't try glue.
 
boardsurfer said:
Nicely done! More pics of the Jeep Dog please. :)
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Ha, yeah, he snuck in there. Good pup.
Trail JK said:
Great job on the fenders looks good!


Sent from my iPhone using WAYALIFE mobile app
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HighwayTrout said:
Awesome work on the fender. How did it split and crack like that?
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Thanks! I hit something on the highway last year, kicked it up, hit the fender. I think it must've been cold outside because I tried to reproduce on a scrap piece yesterday and it just bent, no crack like that.
 
More spring time prep work. As some of you may recall, my home made storage boxes did some damage to the tailgate over the course of a multi-day trip last year:
IMG_20170311_155135.jpg

To prevent that this year, I've updated the boxes.

First, added some metal edging to increase the distance between butterfly clips as well as protect the bottom box. The two clip together without any movement now.
IMG_20170311_155053.jpg

Used the rubber housing off some large gauge wire, then wrapped it in electrical tape to pad the handles:
IMG_20170303_180438.jpg
IMG_20170311_155002.jpg

Added pads to the corners up top:
IMG_20170311_154958.jpg

And, most importantly, recycled the isolators off the stock spare tire carrier to prevent box from making contact with tailgate:
IMG_20170311_154936.jpg
IMG_20170311_154928.jpg
 
Wow great job with those fenders; really like the line. In TX we gotta keep that side light to pass inspection (least that's what the dealership told me). Not sure what to do with it if I cut mine like that.


--Erin
 
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