Crack Repair Plate

thingiverse

I hit a raccoon with my car. For those who haven't encountered these pests, they're rugged, compact creatures that can cause significant damage to a small car's bumpers. My vehicle was no exception. After inspecting the damage, I found a substantial crack in the inner fender of my car. As someone who has repaired cracked plastic parts before, I knew I could do a great job with a 3/16th drill bit and some zip ties. However, this time it was my own car that needed repair. I decided to take a different approach, one that utilized technology to create a simple solution. The design consists of a rectangular shape with evenly spaced holes that allow for the use of 1-inch wide exterior-grade waterproof double-sided adhesive tape for extra security along the crack's length. Although the repair is primarily mechanically fastened, a little adhesive can go a long way. The holes are sized to accommodate 3/16th inch zip ties. Looking at the pictures will give you a clear idea of how to install it. While I designed this solution specifically for car fenders, I think it could be used to repair any light plastic crack that can be zipped together. Just keep in mind that it's best suited for areas that won't be visible. Notes: 1) A clean surface is essential for the adhesive to adhere properly. 2) The size of this solution is 4 x 1 3/4 x 1/16 inches (100 x 45 x 2mm). 2) I know it looks unfinished in one picture, but it started raining before I could finish the job. Bad luck! Warning!!! I must stress that you should not use this solution to repair anything that could potentially cause harm or danger to yourself or others. This design is intended for repairing plastic trim pieces on cars and other insignificant items. Avoid attempting repairs on heavy objects or those meant to support a person's weight – it's just common sense!