Model/Diecast savvy Oppos!

"Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow" (chriskf) 09/29/2014 at 09:40 • Filed to: None

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I need your help!

So my boss, actually my boss's boss, just came to me with the new diecast model he was sent (pictured above) saying that it had fallen and the mirror came off. So he has asked if I knew how/could fix it. I obviously said I can, and figured on going to get some sort of model glue at lunch. However, since I haven't built any sort of model in about 14 years probably I'm curious if there's a specific glue or apoxy that will work better than others. Any help is appreciated!

Frosted > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 09/29/2014 at 09:44

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Shared to Live and Let Diecast where our model car experts should be able to help. And drool over this beauty.

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 09/29/2014 at 09:45

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There was a discussion at Scale143 exactly about broken off mirrors the other day! I'll check it out, see what they recommend then get back at you.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Frosted 09/29/2014 at 09:46

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Much appreciated! Yeah, the perks of being someone important at a large automotive company. Maybe one day they will see fit to send me one too... but probably not. lol

Sn210 > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 09/29/2014 at 09:49

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I think i just unshared/reshared to LaLD... But its up there now!

I don't build plastic models, but Im not sure if you need special model glue for this. Regular superglue might work just fine.

RafelX > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 09/29/2014 at 09:50

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I use superglue gel. I can't quite tell from the photo, but if the mounting stub is still there it should be a simple fix.

Frosted > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 09/29/2014 at 09:51

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D....do you work for Porsche?

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Sn210 09/29/2014 at 09:54

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Thanks! This one is metal actually, at least the body. The mirror feels like it could be plastic.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > RafelX 09/29/2014 at 09:54

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The mounting stub broke a bit, but some of it is still there.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Frosted 09/29/2014 at 09:56

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Not quite. haha The blue logo on the front quarter panel and the logo/brand before the "911" are your hints as to where I work. I'll let you put the pieces together. ;)

Sn210 > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 09/29/2014 at 09:59

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Yeah the mirror is more than likely plastic

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 09/29/2014 at 10:07

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Alright, the first thing they suggest is that you find or create a support to help keep the mirror in place while whatever adhesive you choose to use sets. It can be done with a couple toothpicks and some soft non-sticky putty, as long as it keeps the mirror in position, you should be fine. As for reattaching the mirror itself, they suggest using plastic model cement and, when that fails, cyanoacrylate based superglues, though you have to be very, very, very careful when applying those because they tend to frost nearby surfaces as they set and if the glue runs down the paint, it'll create a nasty crust that kills even the best finish. My personal suggestion, seeing as how the mirror seems to have come off as a whole, as opposed to breaking off, is to apply some superglue using a toothpick or sharpened pencil or a pen you don't mind ruining at the hole, then reattaching the mirror and using the support to keep it in place while it sets. Leave it for a day or so, and it should be completely cured when you come back. It shouldn't frost at all if you're careful and steady handed. Oh yeah, and whatever you do, DO NOT handle the model if you drop glue in your fingers, there's nothing worse than a permanent fingerprint etched to a model car. Trust me, I speak from experience.

Another more permanent option is to get a finger drill, the finest bit you can find, and drill a tiny little hole at the mirror's base then reattach it using a brass tube. should keep the mirror in position while the glue sets, and it's unlikely to break off again, but it's a bit more complicated.

RafelX > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 09/29/2014 at 10:07

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Well that raises the challenge a bit. I forgot to mention before that a pair of tweezers can be you're best friend for showing like this. Good luck.

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 09/29/2014 at 10:13

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ZF! So, that's where you work?

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion 09/29/2014 at 10:16

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Excellent info! I will likely opt for the plastic model cement first, and then opt for the cyanoacrylate based superglue if it doesn't work, and secure it with putty and toothpicks. I don't think my boss realizes how involved of a process this will be, but hopefully he will appreciate it. haha However, I certainly appreciate your help!

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion 09/29/2014 at 10:17

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Maaayyyybe. :D

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 09/29/2014 at 10:28

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No problem, I'd be lying if I said I didn't have my share of snapped body parts, hahaha... I got a Porsche 993 from Minichamps which already had a snapped mirror, wipers and exhaust when I got it. The mirror had snapped right at the neck, leaving a rounded surface that was almost impossible to find the "right" positions, so I just set it how I thought looked best and superglued away. The fix still looks pretty good today, it didn't frost or run and I probably got it kind of right anyways so...

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion 09/29/2014 at 10:31

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Yeah, I'm hoping I can pull this off without any frosting or anything. Especially since he managed to break the mirror off on the side most likely to be displayed, since it has one of our brands, the model of the car, and the production number on the base. Wish me luck! haha

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 09/29/2014 at 10:34

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Don't worry, I'm pretty sure you'll do just fine. Applying a bit of glue with a pick should keep it from accumulating enough to frost, and I think it would take a pretty large helping to affect the windows, as they are farther up from the mirror.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion 09/29/2014 at 10:37

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For sure. I'm just planning on using a very light touch and taking my time.

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 09/29/2014 at 10:48

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Yeah, just like breastfeeding a baby... Wait, wat!:p

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion 09/29/2014 at 10:51

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O_o

CyborgAdaLovelace > RafelX 09/29/2014 at 10:56

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Gel superglue is good stuff. Lots less likely to run and frost surrounding areas.

philipilihp > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 09/29/2014 at 11:10

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The biggest question, of course, is ZedEff or ZeeEff? Thanks to Chris Harris I can only say ZedEff myself, despite living in a ZeeEff country. But you make a great transmission! :)

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > philipilihp 09/29/2014 at 11:15

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I often say ZeeEff, being a 'Murican, but I'm trying to get into the habit of saying ZedEff, since that is how it's pronounced by ze Germans and it is a German company after all. The guys who've been here a long time (i.e. my bosses) say ZedEff, so I figure I should do the same. ZedEff it is!

George McNally > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 09/29/2014 at 19:07

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Use some low tack masking tape and tape off the side and front windshield so you don't have to worry about frosting them with the outgassing of the superglue. You're just gonna need a tiny dab of super glue gel followed by a another tiny dab of accelerator.

Justin Javellana > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 09/29/2014 at 20:50

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Hope this helps!