Patching a fender liner.

[Rustedtruck]

There's a hole about 4 in diameter in the fender liner than I'm trying to patch. I'm not sure what plastic material it is but it's very flexible and I do have the doonor part ready. Will using epoxy produce a more durable result than abs cement?

 

[DGersic]

Without knowing what it is, you’re shooting in the dark. I’d go with mechanical fasteners, like pop rivets.

JB Weld (original) doesn’t stick well when flexed.

 

[Rustedtruck]

You mean not knowing the material?

 

[no704]

Just clean the surface well and apply a few layers of aluminum tape over the hole. Apply from both sides if access permits. Spray with some under coat.

 

[Rustedtruck]

Just clean the surface well and apply a few layers of aluminum tape over the hole. Apply from both sides if access permits. Spray with some under coat.

How long is that going to withstand rocks being slung at it?

 

[no704]

How long is that going to withstand rocks being slung at it?

It’s pretty tough stuff. Big question is why is there a hole in the original? Could just pop rivet a beer can over it.

 

[BillK]

You will find that there really is no good "glue" for that type of plastic. It is probably HDPE or something similar. If you have a donor piece that is the same material you should be able to plastic weld it. Cut some strips of the donor piece to use as filler rod.

Do a search on "Plastic welding"

 

[OldnSlo]

Don't overthink it.

1. Solve the issue that caused it (ie the tire hitting it from liner fasteners missing, etc) causing the rubbing.
2. Pop rivet (with backing washers) your donor piece.

Sit back and enjoy your efforts. Brag to neighbors, give yourself a pat on the back.

 

[yhprum]

If it’s an overlying patch, some flexible urethane adhesive from a tube with a few pop rivets for backup should hold it just fine.

 

[Snip's]

"I'm not sure what plastic material it is"...

Most if not all plastic injection molded automotive parts will have a date and manufacture code in some inconspicuous location, including a material identifier. Since you said it's flexible, it may not a thermoset material but a thermoplastic... More than likely a polypropylene, polyethylene or a TPU blend... Look for a mold code somewhere on the part... An epoxy patch will probably be too brittle to resist the impact of road debris and won't have a good bond to the polyolefins... Mechanical fasteners, as suggested, would be best...

This might help...

 

[Hank11]

Then there’s simply buying a new or good used one.

 

[CraigStu]

I'd cut a small piece off your donor and try E6000 to attach it to the liner where it won't be readily seen/ Leave on there for w eek of use and try to pull it off. One advantage of E6000 is that it remains flexible.

 

[lilredex]

Just seal the patch with caulking and attach with screws or rivets.

 

[Motown]

Its probably made of Poly Propylene, glues don't stick to it very well. Depending on the vehicle, maybe a aftermarket replacement might be available.

 

[Jazz1]

cut a patch from a motor oil container and fasten it with pop rivets or Seam Sealer(sticks to everything )

 

[Imatk]

How expensive is the fender liner? And why is there a hole to begin with?

I would determine the "why" of the hole... fix that, then find a good used liner or just buy a new one.

That's just me though

 

[gmcgeo]

There's a hole about 4 in diameter in the fender liner than I'm trying to patch. I'm not sure what plastic material it is but it's very flexible and I do have the doonor part ready. Will using epoxy produce a more durable result than abs cement?

Year make and model?

 

[Imatk]

cut a patch from a motor oil container and fasten it with pop rivets or Seam Sealer(sticks to everything )

Seam sealer is a great idea.

 

[c39er]

Flex tape...seals/covers any hole...
Saw this absolutely amazing product on TV.

 

[Danno1]

.


If it's a round hole, you can also use a plastic or metal hole plug.


.

 

[retDAC]

If that hole was made to access something in order to facilitate replacement, you might want to make a patch that isn't too hard to remove if whatever needs to be done again.

 

[cmandp]

Yeah adhesive isn't going to hold up on most fender liners. They are often Polypropylene or Polyethylene. Both of which adhesives will not a stick to.

I'd look up how much a new liner is and replace the whole thing or if you want to patch riveting sounds like it would work to me.

 

[mrbill55]

There's a hole about 4 in diameter in the fender liner than I'm trying to patch. I'm not sure what plastic material it is but it's very flexible and I do have the doonor part ready. Will using epoxy produce a more durable result than abs cement?

What type of vehicles is it, and is it in the front wheel well or rear wheel well?
This retired bodyshop owner needs to know before he can respond with a solution.

Bill

 

[mcj115]

Flex tape? Gorilla tape? Zip flashing tape? Are you wanting functional or beautiful? Any type of heavier tape from two sides should be functional, but not beautiful.

 

[mike93lx]

Zip flashing tape?

Roll the tape!