Metal sunshade for a Kioti DK40se??

IslandTractor · Dec 26, 2010

Thanks Coyote. I'll try to remember to call them Monday. Real issue for me is what bonds to ASA plastic.

I looked over the cracks on the sunshade and wonder if I am going to need some backing material to hold things in place while I glue. The cracked areas are pretty thin material and the sunshade is big enough that just gravity makes it hard to line things up properly while waiting for glue to set (only 30 seconds or so). If I had three hands I could do it so maybe I'll just get a helper.

mrutkaus · Jan 6, 2011

After bumping into tree limbs several times, taking off my metal sunshade, putting it on a soft surface, and pounding it out and remounting it, I either need to be more alert, or...and this is why this msg...make an easily break-off 'loose' mounting system for the roof. I'm thinking of just using some urethane glue/caulking to hold it on so next time i hit a tree it just loosens or displaces.

Mike

IslandTractor · Jan 6, 2011

A break off mount might save dents in the sunshade but I'd imagine having the displaced sunshade land in your lap or on your head would be rather unpleasant.

MikeD74T · Jan 6, 2011

One thing to keep in mind when repairing plastic items is how different "glues" work. I.E. pvc isn't glued , it's solvent welded -the pvc cement partially disolves the plastic which bonds to it's self when the solvent evaporates. It won't work well in a surface application. Similarly super glue, many locktites, etc. rely on the absence of air to cure. They also are poor glues for surface applications like bonding mesh. Epoxies are better for surface bonding but rely on surface conditions & material compatabilities. MikeD74T

IslandTractor · Jan 6, 2011

Thanks Mike. I have been studying this issue and agree with all your points. My biggest problem now is that I cannot find much information that deals specifically with ASA plastics. It isn't PVC or ABS or one of the "polys". It would seem that welding would be best but no one seems to sell ASA welding rods. Two part glue has been recommended but probably requires some supporting patch because of the flexiblility issue. I haven't figured out what patch/glue combo is best. I've bought books on plastic repair but they just don't answer these specific questions.

IslandTractor · Jan 6, 2011

Thanks Mike. I have been studying this issue and agree with all your points. My biggest problem now is that I cannot find much information that deals specifically with ASA plastics. It isn't PVC or ABS or one of the "polys". It would seem that welding would be best but no one seems to sell ASA welding rods. Two part glue has been recommended but probably requires some supporting patch because of the flexiblility issue. I haven't figured out what patch/glue combo is best. I've bought books on plastic repair but they just don't answer these specific questions.

MikeD74T · Jan 6, 2011

About all I know about plastics is they were designed to be temporary. In your shoes I'd be looking at sheet metal, pop rivits, & orange paint. I would be really impresed if you end up welding it successfully. MikeD74T

IslandTractor · Jan 6, 2011

MikeD74T said:
About all I know about plastics is they were designed to be temporary. In your shoes I'd be looking at sheet metal, pop rivits, & orange paint. I would be really impresed if you end up welding it successfully. MikeD74T

Actually I have been impressed with what i have learned about modern plastics. They even injection mold engine headers with some of the new materials.

I'd go the route of substituting a piece of diamond plate except for the noise issue. May still go that route if I cannot get the plastic repair done. If I do go with a metal top I may take the opportunity to fabricate a full FROP type support linking to the FEL mounting posts.

MikeD74T · Jan 6, 2011

I agree that plastics are amazing in what they can do but most are impervious to permanent repair once damaged.

Any refrigeration shop should have 1" foam insulation that can be glued to the top that will reduce noise & impact from head bumps. MikeD74T

IslandTractor · Jan 6, 2011

MikeD74T said:
Any refrigeration shop should have 1" foam insulation that can be glued to the top that will reduce noise & impact from head bumps. MikeD74T

I'm not sure insulating foam designed for heat control will be much use. The little air pockets in the foam insulate well but don't stop sound transmission all that well unless it is very dense. Have you used just the refrigerator foam and found it effective? There are some expensive sandwiched foam/lead/foam products that clearly do work for engine rooms in boats but those are $$$.