Plastics Repair; Sheet-Molded Composite (Smc) Body Panel Repair - Ford Escape 2010 Workshop Manual

SECTION 501-35: Body Repairs
GENERAL PROCEDURES

Plastics Repair

Material
Item
Plastic Bonding Adhesive
TA-9
WARNING: Always refer to Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) when handling chemicals and wear
protective equipment as directed. Examples may include but are not limited to respirators and chemically
resistant gloves. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.
1. In deciding whether to repair or install a new component, follow these guidelines.
• Is a part readily available?
• Can the damaged part be economically returned to its original strength and appearance, or will the
labor cost exceed the cost of a new component?
• Will repair provide for the fastest, highest quality repair?
2. NOTICE: Never apply solvents such as lacquer thinner or reducer at any stage of plastic repair.
Solvents, cleaners and water are absorbed by many types of plastics and by the glass fibers used
for reinforcements. If this occurs, the plastic may swell in the area of repair and cause the repair to
fail. Remove cleaners and water quickly and use air and heat to speed up drying.
NOTICE: During the repair of most plastics and particularly polyolefins, an adhesion promoter must
be applied to the substrate to allow repair materials and paint to bond correctly. Reapplication is
required every time you grind or sand through the sealer or primered layers.
NOTE: When possible, it is recommended to carry out as much of the plastic repair as possible on the
vehicle. Parts mounted on the vehicle are held in correct alignment throughout the repair. Attempting to
repair the part off the vehicle may cause misalignment. This could lead to failure of the repair.
Select the correct repair method by identifying the type of plastic being repaired. Refer to
Identification in this section to determine the type of plastic being repaired.
3. NOTE: Always refer to the manufacturer's label directions for the type of repair materials, fillers and
bonding agents being used as they are material specific.
Determine whether a reinforcement piece is needed as a backer on large repairs.
• Construct a reinforcement piece from a scrap piece of the type of plastic being repaired and follow
manufacturer's label directions for the type of system being used.
• When repairing Sheet-Molded Composite (SMC), a reinforcement piece can be constructed using
several layers of glass cloth saturated with resin or structural adhesive. The weave of the cloth or
screening should be loose enough to allow the resin to thoroughly penetrate. Reinforcement should
cover the entire area of damage and extend outward beyond the damage or joint area.

Sheet-Molded Composite (SMC) Body Panel Repair

NOTE: The following procedure applies to repair of structural cracks and large gouges. If damage is cosmetic, use of
reinforcing cloth may not be necessary.
1. Panels to be repaired should be dry and at room temperature 18°C (65°F) to 24°C (75°F) prior to carrying
out any repairs. Both sides of the panel must be thoroughly cleaned before sanding or grinding.
2010 Escape, Mariner, Escape Hybrid, Mariner Hybrid Workshop Manual
Specification
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Procedure revision date: 07/27/2009
Plastics