Chevrolet Sonic Repair Manual: 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
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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
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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
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- Cut a shaving of plastic from the back of the part.
The shaving should be free of mold release agents and paint.
- Place the shaving in a container of water.
- Thermoplastic polyolefin floats.
- Thermoset non-polyolefin sinks.
- Cut a shaving of plastic from the back of the part.
- Abrasion Test
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- 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:
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing the vehicle behind another vehicle,
such as a motor home. The two most common types of recreational vehicle towing are
known as dinghy towing and dolly towing. Dinghy towing is towing the vehicle with
all four wheels on the ground. Dolly towing is towin ...
Rear Side Door Window Regulator Replacement (Hatchback)
Rear Side Door Window Regulator Replacement
Callout
Component Name
Warning: Refer to Glass and Sheet Metal Handling Warning.
Preliminary Procedure
Remove the front side door window from the guide. Do not remove ...
Tire and Wheel Assembly-to-Hub/Axle Flange Match-Mounting
Note: After remounting a tire and wheel assembly to a hub/axle flange,
remeasure the tire and wheel assembly on-vehicle runout in order to verify that
the amount of runout has been reduced and brought to within tolerances.
Mark the location of the high spot on the tire and wheel asse ...
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