How to repair valance insert?

[Mopar_Mudder]

I have a 1971 front lower valance insert that need a couple of small cracks fixed. Is their any good tech articles on how to repair these or what the best product is to fix cracks?

[Barracudadan]

I am right in the middle of working on mine now for a 72 and have been having excellent results with JB Weld.Here are some before and after repairs so you can see what I have to work with.I used rubber bands clamps anything that will hold the piece,fit it up dry before you apply your epoxy to see if your clamping setup will hold it properly once you are satisfied the clamps wont slip off glue it up and let it cure.I used the stuff that takes 24 hours to cure so I had 3 damaged areas and worked each damaged section one at a time.They sell JB Weld with a faster cure time I might try that next time just to speed up the process.I still have to sand down the repairs and repaint. Anyone know where you can find the correct silver paint for the valance panel?

[moparclown]

I have tried JB weld and it eventually cracks at the same point it was broken.Try and find a product called plastic weld by Devcon,its in a syringe and is a two part plastic bond that really etches into the plastic.I have repaired many plastic grilles and interior parts and after trying all kinds of different products including mixing plastic shavings with acetone(didn't last very long) and I stand behind this product as I tested some plastic repairs I did and the stuff works.Its probably on the same shelf at the hardware store as the JBweld products.
Doug

[purple1]

A trick I used to repair my broken grille was to epoxy a small thin piece of aluminum flashing to the back side. Give it some strength so it doesn't crack at the same spot again. And it's thin enough that no one will ever notice it after paint.

[Barracudadan]

I have tried JB weld and it eventually cracks at the same point it was broken.

Well this isn`t good news for me I hope mine holds up. Not to hi-jack the thread but who sells the correct silver paint for the valance. I am going to need to repaint mine when i`m done. I assume where to get the paint may also be of interest to the original poster as well.

[purple1]

For the paint you can try Totally Auto Inc.
http://www.totallyautoinc.com/

 

[rallye73]

3m makes a structural adhesive for use in panel bonding that also works real good for what you are doing also. There is a fast set and slow set version. The slow set works the best. I think the part number is 8115 Automix. Most refer to it as panel bond. it requires a special gun to use it, but you may be able to borrow one from you local auto paint store. We've used it to repair grills in the past, and it's sandable. I used it to repair the stress cracks in my header panel for my '73. Be sure you V out the crack when making your repairs.