Service/Repair Procedures
BUMPER FACIA REPAIRRepair plastic material damage using heat, plastic welding, or adhesive repair, depending on the type and extent of the damage. If necessary, use a combination of these methods to complete a repair. Each repair method is described in the procedures below.
HEATING REPAIR METHOD
A jet heater, infrared lights or dry oven can be used to heat a deformed facia to its deformation temperature. At this temperature, the plastic becomes soft and the damaged area can be returned to its original shape. In some cases, a slight deformation may not return to its proper shape using heat.
PLASTIC WELDING REPAIR (POLYPROPYLENE ONLY)
^ If the facia is cracked or torn, use a plastic welding tool to repair the damage. With this method, the welding rod is welded into the damaged area. The welding rod must be the same material as the damaged part. Check with your local body shop supply or refer to the attached Resource Guide for availability of suitable welding materials.
^ The welding repair method can be applied to thermoplastic materials but not to thermosetting plastics.
ADHESIVE REPAIR - POLYURETHANE FACIA
If extensive reinforcing or patching from the back of the facia is required, use the following procedure.
1. Scuff the back side with 180 grade abrasive.
2. Cut a glass cloth patch to cover repair area.
3. Mix a quantity of Flexible Parts Repair Material. Lay the glass cloth on a clean surface. Use a squeegee to press the Flexible Parts Repair into the glass cloth.
4. Apply glass cloth patch to the back side of the repair area.
5. Apply additional Flexible Parts Repair Material over surface of the glass cloth patch.
FACIA SURFACE REPAIR
1. Clean the repair area with soap and water. Remove grease and tar with solvent. Avoid solvent contact with plastic base material - temporary swelling can occur.
2. Grind the repair surface with a 36 grit disc. Grind about 1 1/2" around the actual damage to achieve a taper for best adhesion.
3. Feather-edge the paint around the repair using an orbital sander with a 180 grit disc. Wipe with a clean, dry rag and blow off with air.
4. Mix Flexible Parts Repair Material according to the manufacturer instructions and apply to the repair area with a squeegee, building it up higher than the undamaged area. Allow it to cure for 20-30 minutes at 60-80° F.
5. After curing, sand with 180 grit disc followed by a 240 grit disc.
6. Fill sand scratches and pinholes with Flexible Parts Putty. Allow at least 15 minutes to dry. Sand with a 320 grit disc.
7. Apply a double wet coat of Flexible Parts Coating. After a 10 minute flash time, apply a second double coat. Let dry for 45 minutes and lightly scuff sand the coating with 320 grit disc. Apply color coats recommended for plastic body parts.
ADHESIVE REPAIR - POLYPROPYLENE FACIA
1. If extensive reinforcing or patching from the back of the facia is required, use the following procedure.
2. Scuff the back side with 180 grade abrasive. Apply Polyolefin Adhesion Promoter.
3. Cut a glass cloth patch to cover repair area.
4. Mix a quantity of Flexible Parts Repair Material. Lay the glass cloth on a clean surface. Use a squeegee to press the Flexible Parts Repair into the glass cloth.
5. Apply glass cloth patch to the back side of the repair area.
6. Apply additional Flexible Parts Repair Material over surface of the glass cloth patch.
FACIA SURFACE REPAIR
1. Clean the repair area with soap and water. Remove grease and tar with solvent. Avoid solvent contact with plastic base material - temporary swelling can occur.
2. Grind the repair surface with a 36 grit disc. Grind about 1-1/2" around the actual damage to achieve a taper for best adhesion.
3. Feather-edge the paint around the repair using an orbital sander with a 180 grit disc. Wipe with a clean, dry rag and blow off with air.
4. Apply one wet coat of Polyolefin Adhesion Promoter over the sanded surface and allow to dry for 10 minutes.
IMPORTANT:
You must reapply Polyolefin Adhesion Promoter after any sanding step.
5. Mix Flexible Parts Repair Material according to the manufacturer instructions and apply to the repair with a squeegee, building it up higher than the undamaged area. Allow it to cure for 20-30 minutes at 60-80° F.
IMPORTANT:
Any damage that penetrates the adhesion promoter coating into the plastic substrate should be filled with Flexible Parts Repair Material and finish shaped/sanded to the desired shape using steps 5-10.
6. After curing, sand with a 180 grit disc followed by a 240 grit disc.
7. Reapply Polyolefin Adhesion Promoter and let dry.
8. Fill sand scratches and pinholes with a thin coat of Flexible Parts Repair Material. (Do not use Flexible Parts Putty.) After curing, sand with a 320 grit disc.
9. Reapply Polyolefin Adhesion Promoter and let dry.
10. Apply a double wet coat of Flexible Parts Coating. After a 10 minute flash time, apply a second double coat. Let dry 45 minutes and lightly scuff sand the coating with a 320 grit disc. Apply color coats recommended for plastic body parts.
FACIA REFINISHING REMINDERS
When refinishing a repaired or replacement facia, it is critical that the part is clean and sufficiently abraded prior to painting. Be careful not to leave sanding scratches that can not be hidden with a proper basecoat application. The body repair technician is encouraged to review P194-003 for more information regarding the refinishing of polyurethane or polypropylene bumper facias.
In an effort to support the Nissan body repair technician, the following supplier names, addresses and phone numbers have been provided for materials, products and equipment. This Resource Guide of suppliers should be able to assist you in obtaining necessary materials, products and equipment.