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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:

Front Floor Console Extension Replacement - Left Side
Front Floor Console Extension Replacement - Left Side Callout Component Name 1 Front Floor Console Extension Push-In Retainer 2 Front Floor Console Extension Procedure Use a flat bladed ...

Rear Disc Brake Mounting and Hardware Inspection
Warning: Refer to Brake Dust Warning. Caution: Support the brake caliper with heavy mechanic wire, or equivalent, whenever it is separated from its mount and the hydraulic flexible brake hose is still connected. Failure to support the caliper in this manner will cause the f ...

Front End Upper Tie Bar Replacement
Front End Upper Tie Bar Replacement Callout Component Name Preliminary Procedures Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling. Remove the front fascia. Refer to Front Bumper Fascia Replacement. Rem ...

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