Cracks in plastic - Best solution

[Mike Kindler]

Hi all,

I recently acquired a used subway for my STTNG and on cleaning it up I can see cracks appearing where the one in my machine has broken. (see pics)

Does anyone have a good way of preventing the cracks from getting any worse?

It occurs to me that I could flow superglue or a plastic glue (the type used for models) into the cracks to try and seal them up. Or perhaps fabricate some kind of support bracket or reinforcement.

All contributions welcome and appreciated.

 

[bartron]

Mantis Amusements sell a subway protector kit for sbout $35 .
Look on there website

 

[Phil Lee]

I've been having good success (albeit on plastics that don't show or don't matter) by using a soldering iron to push metal supports in to strengthen. Depends on size - either a staple, or a paperclip - press into the plastic with the tip of the soldering iron across the split/break. Ensure it is fully embedded and I reckon it will always be stronger than the original.
Note - I haven't tried this on any pinball pieces - but have fixed fridge drawers, pepper grinders and such like objects that have a lot of stress..
Hope this helps - I'm a bodger at heart (but top quality bodges!) And one needs to be resourceful - especially where items are made out of unobtainium. Always good to catch items before they are in several pieces - so unless you are going to replace - this would be my solution.
All the best.

Sent from my FP2 using Tapatalk

 

[Mike Kindler]

Mantis Amusements sell a subway protector kit for sbout $35 .
Look on there website

Ordered! Let's hope customs don't add too much to the price!

 

[mappy24]

I used fiberglass on mine, since it's under the playfield it doesn't really matter what it looks like

Here's the kit I used: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Davids-Fastglass-polyester-containing-protective/dp/B01B85H5C6