Chevrolet Sonic Repair Manual: General Plastic Repair
Warning:
In 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:
- Follow the manufacturer's application and curing recommendations.
- Do not intermix systems. Use the supplies and the repair materials from the same manufacturer.
- 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.
- 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.
- Remove the surface finish from the area to be repaired. Adhesives are designed to adhere to the plastic substrate, not the finish.
- Prime a metal surface before applying the repair material.
- Inspect the rear side of the work area before making repairs in order to avoid possible damage to wires, motors, etc.
Front Hinge Pillar Body Sectioning
Removal Procedure
Warning: Refer to Approved Equipment for Collision Repair
Warning.
Warning: Refer to Collision Sectioning Warning.
Warning: Refer to ...
How to Identify Plastic Parts
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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 sele ...
Other materials:
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage. Here are some driving tips to get the
best fuel economy possible.
Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.
Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.
Avoid idling the engine for long periods of time.
When road and weather conditions are appropriate, ...
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked, or badly rusted or corroded. If wheel
nuts keep coming loose, the wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel nuts should be replaced.
If the wheel leaks air, replace it. Some aluminum wheels can be repaired. See your
dealer if any of these conditions exist.
Your d ...
Toe Description
Toe is a measurement of how much the front and/or rear wheels are turned in or
out from a straight-ahead position. When the wheels are turned in, toe is positive (+).
When the wheels are turned out, toe is negative (−). The actual amount of toe is
normally only a fraction ...
0.0075