Chevrolet Cruze Repair Manual: 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 plastic, observe the following guidelines:
- Work in a properly ventilated area
- Apply protective cream to any exposed skin
- Remove any mixture that comes into contact with skin
- Wash skin with cold water to remove glass and resin dust
- Use a sander with a vacuum attachment
- Follow the repair material manufacturer's instructions
Also, always wear the following:
- An approved respirator, or air supplied respirator
- Eye protection
- Rubber gloves
- Earplugs
- Protective clothing
The following procedures should be followed when repairing all types of thermoset plastic:
- Follow the manufacturer's application and curing recommendations
- Do not intermix systems. Use the supplies and the repair materials from the same manufacturer.
- Clean the inner and outer surfaces of the repair area with a soap impregnated scouring pad in order to remove any dirt or mold release agent.
- Clean the area with a wax and grease remover, using only enough of the remover to dampen a cloth. Allow the panel to dry thoroughly.
- Remove the surface finish from the area to be repaired. Adhesives are designed to adhere to the plastic substrate, not the finish.
- Prime a metal surface before applying the repair material.
- Inspect the rear side of the work area before making repairs in order to avoid possible damage to wires, motors, etc.
How To Indentify 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 th ...
Other materials:
Ashtrays
For vehicles with a removable ashtray, the ashtray can be placed into the front
console cupholders.
To open the ashtray, lift the lid of the ashtray. After using, close the lid.
To empty the ashtray for cleaning, slightly turn the upper part of the ashtray
counterclockwise and remove it.
Noti ...
Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle's right wheels can drop off the edge of a road onto the shoulder
while driving. Follow these tips:
1. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer the
vehicle so that it straddles the edge of the pavement.
2. Turn the steering wheel about one-eight ...
Installation Procedure
Cut the front compartment front rail in corresponding locations to fit
the remaining original panel. The sectioning joint should be
trimmed to allow a gap of one-and-one-half-times the metal thickness at the
sectioning joint.
Create a 50 mm (2 in) backing plate from the unused porti ...
