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Cracked plastic under driver's door, repair, or no?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Vincent Detour, Sep 27, 2020.

  1. Vincent Detour

    Vincent Detour Junior Member

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    I guess I hit something and this crack developed in the plastic under the driver's side door.

    Is this going to get worse if I just leave it? Should I repair it? In another thread, someone talked about using a plastic bumper repair kit like this one from Canadian Tire...

    But that's probably going to look worse afterwards than it does now... it's not all that noticeable, and I'd rather leave it alone, unless it's liabe to cause more troubles... anyone know?

    Thanks for any advice!
     

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    #1 Vincent Detour, Sep 27, 2020
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I've used that CT bumper repair kit, if it's this one:

    IMG_3452.jpg
    It will do a pretty good job. You will need to get the piece off to do it properly, which I think will be a hassle. I like to remove trim clean behind; did once try removing that but got stuck quickly.

    The reason it should come off: the usual method with the kit is to clean everything very well (with solvent) roughen up the inside surface, and deburr the crack. Then tack together with supplied crazy glue. Then lay a strip of supplied fibreglass mesh along inside length of crack. Then mix up the two part adhesive/filler and butter up the mesh and fill the outside of the crack.

    From there on its sand, prime and paint.
     
    #2 Mendel Leisk, Sep 27, 2020
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  3. Vincent Detour

    Vincent Detour Junior Member

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    Thanks very much, Mendel. I suppose I could try to do this... but do I need to? Do you know if such cracks typically continue to spread?
     
    #3 Vincent Detour, Sep 27, 2020
  4. RRxing

    RRxing Senior Member

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    If that's the rocker panel it should come off pretty easy...
     

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    #4 RRxing, Sep 27, 2020
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  5. bettergolf

    bettergolf Active Member

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    Three words......white duct tape, lol.....just to keep the water out.
     
    #5 bettergolf, Sep 27, 2020
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  6. Johnny Cakes

    Johnny Cakes Senior Member

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    How about 8" wide and run it like a stripe the entire length of rocker panel.
     
    #6 Johnny Cakes, Sep 27, 2020
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  7. Vincent Detour

    Vincent Detour Junior Member

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    I like the Duct tape idea. What is inside there that should not get wet?

    If I were using tape, couldn't I use clear tape? Like this Gorilla Tape, maybe? I don't know how long it might last... And I also get how wider tape might hold better...
     
    #7 Vincent Detour, Sep 27, 2020
  8. orenji

    orenji Senior Member

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    Can always replace with a used set. I sold my set for $60. Went with after market side skirts.
     
    #8 orenji, Sep 27, 2020
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  9. Vincent Detour

    Vincent Detour Junior Member

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    We spoke to them at our Toyota dealership about this crack. They said that it's not protecting anything, and that it's not a problem to leave it. It's barely noticeable so I think that's what I'll do for now.
     
    #9 Vincent Detour, Oct 29, 2020
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