Another & Different 320 Front Window Failure =DIY Repair Completed=

MuttonChops · July 30

Trailer: 2018 TAB 320S (front window standard that year)
Usage: 8+ years in western states, hot summers and cold winters. Year round travel.
Failure: The bond between the Plastic Hinge and acrylic window has failed.

Only the passenger side bond failed but window still 'wants' to fallout.
I've emailed Plastoform (in EU) asking for a recommendation on a compatible glue but don't really expect a useful (if any) answer.

Google AI recommends Loctite Plastic Bonder Epoxy since I do not know what type of plastic the Hinge piece is made of.

Your Thoughts on Best Glue to Use ?

Some Reference stuff:

FC1 · July 30

FC1 · July 30

JB weld plastic bond.

Has worked great on everything I have put it on

MuttonChops · July 30

FC1 said: JB weld plastic bond.

AI search suggests it lacks the long term strength needed for this application:

Bayliss · July 31

@MuttonChops, back in 2021, I made a note to myself that Plastoform is now "AcryForm", so I am wondering if that is who you sent your E-mail message to. If not, here's their info:

E-mail: info@acryform.com

Web: www.acryform.com

https://www.acryform.com/en/products/recreational-vehicles.html

Good luck!! I will following this to see what you learn (for future reference).

P.S. I also found this Forum post, which appears to be the same failure you are dealing with. Unfortunately, it does not include a solution, other than replacing the window:

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/18820/front-window-of-t-b-hinge-broken

P.P.S. And, I just found this link to a YouTube video that I kept regarding Acrylic repair. Maybe it will help you with identifying a glue that will work:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hT6Ow_cBTps

The adhesive discussed can be found at:

https://www.tapplastics.com/product/repair_products/plastic_adhesives

MuttonChops · August 1

@Bayliss Thanks.

I'll forward my 'repair help message' to Arcyform.
Any response will be for future reference as I'm going to proceed today with the Loctite product.

'TAP' video confirms the window hinge is a different plastic type as the original bond is clearly some type of (spot) epoxy/glue and not a 'solvent weld'.

MuttonChops · August 2

August 1st = DIY Repair Completed

I used the Loctite Plastic Bond recommended by google AI;
two-part epoxy, 20-minute set, 60 minute okay to move, 24 hour full cure

Re-installed window about 5 hours after completing the epoxy application step.

Had to remove 'sliding' metal hinge part from trailer . . . it must be placed in the Plastic Hinge before sliding it and window back into the mounting base plate.

Sliding rail lock screw broke off (mixed-metal-corrosion)
It took some effort to drill/cut out the broken off screw so the slide would slide

Aligning the Window slide hinge to the Base Plate was a major pain. Can't see, so try and try again.

Once Window Slide was in track it just took a few minutes to correctly center/align so the up/down adjustment rods connected correctly.

Reference:

Window is working great, epoxy bond has cured clear and seems to be well bonded.

Bayliss · August 2

Nice work @MuttonChops! Thanks for the very helpful writeup and diagram. Definitely hanging onto it.

MuttonChops · August 17

August 17 . . . Acryform Replied to "recommended repair adhesive" request

The best non factory glue to use to glue the hinge would be 2k adhesive - mma 7306.

MMA 7306 is an industrial adhesive, Methyl MethAcrylate formula adhesive
- - read available in larger container sizes, higher cost, industrial supplier sourced - -

I used** Loctite Plastic Bond [UPC 079340685857] a Cyanoacrylate formula adhesive
- - read available in retail user sizes, lower cost, HW store stock - -
** did not wait for Acryform 3 week reply, won't have purchased MMA7306 if I had known

Loctite Plastic Bond was easy to use and initial results are positive.
Sun exposure and travel vibration will tell if the Cyanoacrylate formula is acceptable.

MMA 7306 and Loctite Differences

Another & Different 320 Front Window Failure =DIY Repair Completed=

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August 1st = DIY Repair Completed

MMA 7306 and Loctite Differences

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