Plastic body panels. Really??

[RNZack]

Plastic Welding (one method):

Ahh, I thought you meant a real welder, like a tig welder. I've never seen plastic welded before.


Sent from my iPhone

[I Leak Oil]

The fender I have is ABS plastic.

[slorocco]

What kind of plastic is it? Will it flex and buckle or bend and split. Can it be welded? Will it tear?

Those are some key questions aren't they? The part our hosts advertise is "ABS plastic" If they are durable and will flex and recover rather than buckle and split, that could be a big advantage.

So... does anyone have any experience with how well these panels are holding up? How tolerant are they to damage as compared to the aluminium panels?

[CRiordan01]

Les -
I would definitely consider buying hand built alloy wings for a price in the $550 range, particularly as clean examples of NOS disappear. I recently had repair work done and the insurance quote to strip my existing panels, properly repair and repaint was impressive. In my mind, someone needs to offer all of the body panels (and tubs). As I acquire additiaional new-to-me series rovers, I will be looking for alloy replacement parts versus plastic.

Just my two cents.

[Les Parker]

RN appeciates the feed back.

We have had some prototypes here of the front outer wings, we are not entirely happy thus far.

If there is a market at this price (we all need to make a small profit), I'll persue and see how it all developes. Any presales?

[disco2hse]

I have long thought that plastic on LRs was a sensible move, as opposed to going fibreglass which quite a few do around here for competition trucks. Fibreglass is prone to splitting and cracking (especially at stress points) and is not easy to repair.

I do not bother to straighten lumps and bumps in the alloy because I am pretty sure they will reappear on the next off-road jaunt. Too much effort and the Birmabright gets work hardened, then breaks.

Polyethylene plastics have been shown to be robust, durable, chemical resistant (petroleum and oil based chemicals especially, as well as battery acid and brake/clutch fluids), and able to withstand the rigours of the harsh UV and salt laden marine environment. For example, there are these sites with those kinds of plastics:

http://www.polyboats.com/models/conventional-mono-hull/10-metre-work-boat-with-cabin

http://www.plasticfab.com.au/aquatruck.html

http://www.samboats.com/smartcms/default.asp?contentID=587

HDPE seems to be the preferred compound. The ABS plastics are not UV resistant (hence recalls have been made where they were used), they are not particularly chemical resistant. They are fairly resistant to impacts because they are elastic, and they are heat resistant.

[SafeAirOne]

Fibreglass...is not easy to repair.

I wholeheartedly disagree.

[disco2hse]

I wholeheartedly disagree.

I wholeheartedly disagree.

[SafeAirOne]

Fair enough.

[disco2hse]

lol