Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Standard Procedure - Plastic Body Panel Repair: Notes
There are many different types of plastics used in today's automotive environment. We group plastics in three different categories: Rigid, Semi-Rigid, and Flexible. Any of these plastics may require the use of an adhesion promoter for repair. These types of plastic are used extensively on Daimler Chrysler Motors vehicles. Always follow repair material manufacturer's plastic identification and repair procedures.
Rigid Plastics:
Examples of rigid plastic use: Fascias, Hoods, Doors, and other Body Panels, which include SMC, ABS, and Polycarbonates.
Semi-Rigid Plastics:
Examples of semi-rigid plastic use: Interior Panels, Under Hood Panels, and other Body Trim Panels.
Flexible Plastics:
Examples of flexible plastic use: Fascias, Body Moldings, and upper and lower Fascia Covers.
Repair Procedure:
The repair procedure for all three categories of plastics is basically the same. The one difference is the material used for the repair. The materials must be specific for each substrate, rigid repair material for rigid plastic repair, semi-rigid repair material for semi-rigid plastic repair and flexible repair material for flexible plastic repair.
Adhesion Promoter/Surface Modifier:
Adhesion Promoters/Surface Modifiers are required for certain plastics. All three categories may have plastics that require the use of adhesion promoter/surface modifiers. Always follow repair material manufacturer's plastic identification and repair procedures.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.