Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Exterior Body Panels All sections

Plastic Panel Information and Repair Buick LaCrosse I

Exterior Body Panels 1 illustration ~471 words

Repair Materials - Flexible Plastic Part

Thermoset Plastic TypeType of RepairRecommended Repair MaterialAvailability
Most flexible and semi flexible plastic (1)Most repairs (1)GM Goodwrench Compoxy Repair Material (GM P/N 12377980 (1) or equivalent)GM Dealer/Retailer
CMR-8 Composite Repair Material, P/N 82091 or equivalentRefer to local paint supplier
(1) TPO, TEO, (Polyolefin Plastics) require the application of GM P/N 1052364 polyolefin adhesive primer before the GM P/N 12377980 repair compound is applied.
(1)TPO, TEO, (Polyolefin Plastics) require the application of GM P/N 1052364 polyolefin adhesive primer before the GM P/N 12377980 repair compound is applied.

Repair Materials - Flexible Plastic Part

Repair Materials - Rigid Plastic Part

Thermoset Plastic TypeType of RepairRecommended Repair MaterialAvailability
Sheet metal compound (SMC), RIM rigid plastic partsCosmetic fillingGM Goodwrench® Structural Bonding Epoxy (GM P/N 12345726 or equivalent)GM Dealer/Retailer
Sikkens Polystop LP™ or equivalent polyester repair puttyRefer to a local paint supplier
Most rigid plastic partsCosmetic repair, adhesive bondingGM Goodwrench® Structural Bonding Epoxy (GM P/N 12345726 or equivalent)GM Dealer/Retailer
Lord Fusor® SMC Body Panel Repair Adhesive or equivalentRefer to local paint supplier
Most rigid plastic partsAdhesive bondingGM Goodwrench® Structural Bonding Epoxy (GM P/N 12345726 or equivalent)GM Dealer/Retailer
Dynatron Dyna-Weld Plio Grip® or equivalent (OE structural adhesive)Refer to local paint supplier
Most rigid plastic partsAdhesive structural bondingGM Goodwrench® Structural Bonding Epoxy (GM P/N 12345726 or equivalent)GM Dealer/Retailer
Most rigid plastic partsAdhesive bonding Structural bondingAshland Pliogrip® 7773B-3-minute Ashland Pliogrip® 7779B-10-minute Ashland Pliogrip® 7770B-35-minuteSupplied by Crest Industries 1-800-822-4100 fax 1-800-344-4461
SRIM most rigid plastic partsCosmetic repair, adhesive bondingGM Goodwrench® SRIM™ repair kit (GM P/N 12378523) or SIA™ Adhesives, INC. SRIM™ repair kit P/N 30208030001 adhesive 200ML TUBES P/N 30208020001 50ML TUBES P/N 30208010001SIA Adhesives, INC. customer service 1-330-374-2468
(1) Structural adhesive bonding may require the use of a pneumatic applicator, A8-37479-1A, or equivalent, to speed the application of the GM P/N 12345726 epoxy. For tool availability, call Kent-Moore 1-800-GM-TOOLS.
(1)Structural adhesive bonding may require the use of a pneumatic applicator, A8-37479-1A, or equivalent, to speed the application of the GM P/N 12345726 epoxy. For tool availability, call Kent-Moore 1-800-GM-TOOLS.

Repair Materials - Rigid Plastic Part (1)

General Plastic Repair Instructions

CAUTIONIn order to reduce the risk of personal injury when exposed to toxic fumes while grinding, cutting, or applying repair material on any type of sheet molded compound or RIM rigid plastic, observe the following guidelines: Work in a properly ventilated area Apply protective cream to any exposed skin Remove any mixture that comes into contact with skin Wash skin with cold water to remove glass and resin dust Use a sander with a vacuum attachment Follow the repair material manufacturer's instructions Also, always wear the following: An approved respirator, or air supplied respirator Eye protection Rubber gloves Earplugs Protective clothing

The following procedures should be followed when repairing all types of thermoset plastic

  1. Follow the manufacturer's application and curing recommendations.
  2. Do not intermix systems. Use the supplies and the repair materials from the same manufacturer.
  3. Clean the inner and outer surfaces of the repair area with a soap impregnated scouring pad in order to remove any dirt or mold release agent.
  4. Clean the area with a wax and grease remover, using only enough of the remover to dampen a cloth. Allow the panel to dry thoroughly.
  5. Remove the surface finish from the area to be repaired. Adhesives are designed to adhere to the plastic substrate, not the finish.
  6. Prime a metal surface before applying the repair material.
  7. Inspect the rear side of the work area before making repairs in order to avoid possible damage to wires, motors, etc.

Scheme 23

Scheme 23: How to Identify Plastic Parts

Plastic parts can be identified by the SAE code, which is usually found on the rear of the part, and/or by the characteristics of the plastic. Knowing the type of plastic aids in selecting the proper repair materials and in selecting the proper repair procedure.

Look for the SAE code stamped into the part.

Code Found

Match the code to those in the plastic identification chart to determine whether the plastic is thermoplastic or thermoset plastic, and whether the plastic is rigid or flexible. Refer to Plastic Identification and Refinishing Systems .

No Code Found

CAUTIONDo NOT use a plastic burn test to distinguish the type of plastic. The burn test produces vapors which are harmful.

Perform one or both of the following tests to determine if the part is thermoplastic polyolefin or thermoset non-polyolefin.

Float Test

  1. Cut a shaving of plastic from the back of the part. The shaving should be free of mold release agents and paint.
  2. Place the shaving in a container of water. Thermoplastic polyolefin floats. Thermoset non-polyolefin sinks.

Abrasion Test

  1. Sand a spot near the damaged area with Grade 36 Roloc Disc.
  2. Thermoplastic polyolefin material melts or frays when sanded.
  3. Thermoset non-polyolefin material sands cleanly.

Thermoplastic and thermoset plastics can be either rigid or flexible. Thermoplastic plastic parts are best repaired with a hot iron plastic material-feed welder, but are usually replaced. Thermoset plastic can be repaired with epoxy or other more rigid 2 package repair material.

  1. For rigid thermoset repair materials, refer to «Repair Materials - Rigid Plastic Part»(/buick/lacrosse/i-2004-2009/remont/exterior-body-panels/#plastic-panel-information-and-repair__repair-materials-rigid-plastic-part) .
  2. For flexible thermoset repair materials, refer to «Repair Materials - Flexible Plastic Part»(/buick/lacrosse/i-2004-2009/remont/exterior-body-panels/#plastic-panel-information-and-repair__repair-materials-flexible-plastic-part) .
  3. For general repair instructions, refer to «General Plastic Repair Instructions»(/buick/lacrosse/i-2004-2009/remont/exterior-body-panels/#plastic-panel-information-and-repair__general-plastic-repair-instructions) .

Plastic Identification and Refinishing Systems

Identifying Symbol - Old Symbol in ( )s (1)Chemical Composition or Plastic Family NameTypical Area(s) Where Part is UsedExamples of Common/Trade NamesType of Plastic
ABSAcrylonitrile/ Butadiene-StyreneArmrest Support, Console, IPC, Steering Column Bracket/Jacket, Trim MoldingABS, Absafil, Magnum, Cycolac, Dyel, Kralastic, LustranThermoplastic
ABS + PCAcrylonitrile/ Butadiene-Styrene + PolycarbonateInstrument Panel, IPCBayblend, Cycoloy, KHA, PulseRigid
ABS/PVCABS/Vinyl (Soft)Head Rest Cover, Instrument Panel Pad, Trim Molding/PanelABS VinylFlexible, Vinyl
EPDMEthylene Propylene Diene MonomerBody Panel, Bumper Impact StripEPDM, NordelRigid
EVA (EVAC)Ethylene/Vinyl AcetateHead Rest Cover, Misc Soft TrimElvax, MicrothaneFlexible
PAPolyamideHeadlamp Bezels, Quarter Panel Extensions, Exterior Finish Trim PanelsNylon, Capron, Zytel, Rilsan, Minion, Vydyne, WellandRigid
PA, PAG, PAGGPolyamideExterior Finish Trim Panel, Headlamp Bezel, Quarter Panel ExtensionCapron, Minlon, Nylon, Rilsan, Vydyne, Wellamid, ZytelRigid, Thermoset
PA + PPEPolymide + Polypheneylene EtherExterior Trim, FenderGTXRigid, Thermoset
PBT + TEEE (PBTP + EEBC)Polybutylene, Terephthalate + Ether, Ester Block CompoundFascia, Rocker Panel MoldingBexloy MRigid
PCPolycarbonateInterior Rigid/Hard Trim Panel, Valance PanelCalibre, Lexan, Merlon, MakrolonRigid, Thermoset
PC + PETPPolycarbonate + Polybutylene, TerephthalateBumper FasciaMacroblend, Valox, XenoyFlexible, Thermoset
PEPolyethyleneFuel Tank Shield, Inner Fender Panel, Interior Trim Panel, Seat Belt Cover, Spoiler, ValanceAlathon, Dylan, Foriflex, Hi-fax, Hosalen, Marlex, PaxonRigid, Thermoplastic
PFPhenol FormaldehydeAshtrayAmberol, Bakelite, Durez, Genal, Phenolic, Plyophen, ResinoxRigid, Thermoset
PPPolypropyleneBumper Fascia, Cowl Panel, Deflector Panel, Door Panel, Inner Fender, Interior Molding, Kick Panel, Load Floor, Radiator Shroud, Wheel CoverAzdel, Daplen, Escorene, Marlex, Novolen, Oleflo, Profax, TeniteFlexible, Thermoplastic
PPE (PPO)Polyphenylene EtherBezels, Chromed Plastic, Headlamp Door, OrnamentsNoryl, Oleflo, PrevexRigid, Thermoset
PSPolystyreneDash Panel, Door PanelDurathon, Dylan, Lustrex, Polystyrol, StyronFlexible, Soft
PURPolyurethane, Thermoset (Unsaturated)Bumper Fascia, Filler Panel, Front/Rear Body Panel, Pickup BoxBayflex, Castethane, RIM, RRIM, SRIMThermoset
PVCPolyvinyl Chloride (Vinyl)Interior Soft Trim, I/P Skins, Roof CoverGeon, Pliovic, Unichem, Vinoflex, Vinyl, VinyliteFlexible, Vinyl
SAN (SA)Styrene AcrylonitriteCenter Console, Glove Box Door, Interior Trim PanelForacryl, Lustran, TyrilRigid
TEO (EP, EPM, TPO)Ethylene/Propylene (Rubber)Air Dam, Bumper Fascia, Valance PanelEPI, EPII, TPO, TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber)Flexible, Thermoplastic
TPOThermal Plastic OletinBumper CoversTPOFlexible Thermoplastic
TPU (TPUR)Polyurethane, PolyolefinBumper Fascia, Gravel Deflector, Soft Filler Panel, Window MoldingEstane, Pellethane, Roylar, ToxinFlexible, Thermoplastic
UPPolyester/ThermosetAir Scoop, Air Spoiler, Fascia Extension, Hood, Instrument Housing, Rear Compartment Lid, Roof, Ventilation GridFiberglass, Premi-glass, Selectron, SMC, VibrinmatRigid, Thermoset
(1) For symbols not listed in this table, contact the Society of Automotive Engineers, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.
(1)For symbols not listed in this table, contact the Society of Automotive Engineers, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.

Plastic Identification and Refinishing Systems