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Chevrolet Sonic Repair Manual: How to Identify Plastic Parts

Chevrolet Sonic Repair Manual / Body / General / How to Identify Plastic Parts


Plastic parts can be identified by the SAE code, which is usually found on thesaepvcsae

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

Warning:

Do 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
  • Sand a spot near the damaged area with Grade?€‰36 Roloc Disc.
  • Thermoplastic polyolefin material melts or frays when sanded.
  • 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.

For general repair instructions, refer to General Plastic Repair.

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 plas ...

Plastic Collar Quick Connect Fitting Service
Removal Procedure Warning: Refer to Gasoline/Gasoline Vapors Warning. Note: There are several types of plastic collar fuel and evaporative emission quick conne ...

Other materials:

Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
Warning lights and gauges can signal that something is wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to the warning lights and gauges could prevent injury. Warning lights come on when there could be a problem with a vehicle function. Some ...

SIR Disabling and Enabling
SIR component location affects how a vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the SIR system installed in various locations around a vehicle. To find the location of the SIR components refer to Supplemental Inflatable Restraint System Description and Operation. There are several reason ...

Special Tools
Illustration Tool Number/Description 207649 Rod Hairpins 547324 Flange Screws EN-232 KM-232 J-21867-L40 Oil Pressure Check Adapter ...

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