Broken bodyshells (posts, frames etc)

[Mr Stock]

Hi all

Ive got a few "older" kits in my stash that have suffered damage over the years, and Id like to put this question out there and see what you guys do in this situation.

How do you permanently and successfully fix a snapped windshield post, or a break in the middle of the top of a windshield frame, Ive tried gluing the damaged halves back together but I can never get it to look right.

So do you just glue the break?, or maybe pin it ?

Over to you ........

[MrObsessive]

Opinions may vary, but you're going to need to reinforce the joint that's glued to prevent it from breaking again. Some plastic rod (square or round) and some liquid glue is what I use when I want to reinforce windshield posts.

In the pics below, you can see where I reinforced the posts. These weren't broken, but I made my own windshield glass so I needed some kind of lip to hold it. Now having said that, if you follow this method, you may need to make your own windshield or modify the kit piece.

Hope this helps!

Edited March 6, 2014 by MrObsessive

[Ace-Garageguy]

This...

is becoming this...

Broken windshield posts can be fixed the same way as I repaired the bodywork. It's delicate work, but entirely possible. Here's the build thread.

http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=58538

[Ace-Garageguy]

Mr. Obsessive's technique also works VERY well to reinforce broken posts.

On this model, someone had cut the top off thinking they might chop it, made a total mess, and gave up. I had to make new complete windshield pillars using a technique similar to Bill Geary's (Mr. Obsessive) above, but I used very fine fiberglass cloth to reinforce the joints.

[Mr Stock]

Fantastic thanks Bill and Bill !, My main issue was fixing the top windshield frame on a Fujimi Ferrari Daytona it had split right in the middle and no matter how I tried with glue I could not get the plastic to look like it did originally it kept wanting to arch itself up...if that makes sense. rather than glue flat.

I will be trying the reinforcing method to fix an early 70s AMT Chevy van shell which I have, its broken in two on the scuttle panel (not sure if you guys call it the same) .

Edited March 6, 2014 by Mr Stock