Warped Dash Trays - the solution?

[PeterZRH]

Hi, Just wondering having stripped down a car for parts, what the collective opinion is for fixing this?

The tray was indeed remarkably easy to remove and I noticed it had a fairly thick jute pad underneath.

I wonder whether epoxying some 3mm plywood and obviously clamping it evenly work? I'd allow a cut-out to clear the metal plate in the center and used a thinner pad of sound deadening material underneath.

Obviously this would completely fix the warping at a stroke. My question is do we think this would cause any problems reinstalling it? I seem to remember it came out straight and didn't need to bend.

Opinions please. This issue must affect nearly all of us to a greater or lesser extent...

 

[Dangermouse]

Heat it up with a hot air gun, clamp it, let it cool off and that should fix the warp.

 

[PeterZRH]

True but it would have the potential to warp again in hot weather. I'm looking for a permanent cure.

 

[Chalky]

Hi, Just wondering having stripped down a car for parts, what the collective opinion is for fixing this?

The tray was indeed remarkably easy to remove and I noticed it had a fairly thick jute pad underneath.

I wonder whether epoxying some 3mm plywood and obviously clamping it evenly work? I'd allow a cut-out to clear the metal plate in the center and used a thinner pad of sound deadening material underneath.

Obviously this would completely fix the warping at a stroke. My question is do we think this would cause any problems reinstalling it? I seem to remember it came out straight and didn't need to bend.

Opinions please. This issue must affect nearly all of us to a greater or lesser extent...

Ply can still warp might be better with mdf or windscreen heat shield on hot days

 

[Vern Klukas]

Having tried this, wood is not stiff enough unless it is too thick to be refitted with any padding. In the end, I settled on a .125" aluminum stiffener. I used a aircraft two-part polysulfide compound, which sticks better to the plastic than epoxy. These days, I'd try a polyurethane product like Sikaflex 291.

Yours
Vern

 

[unstable load]

I used a aircraft two-part polysulfide compound, which sticks better to the plastic than epoxy.

About the only thing that stuff doesn't stick to is grease and oil.....
I have a few tins of it in my garage, once it's passed it's shelf life we dump it.

 

[PeterZRH]

Great. I does make a huge difference to have a flat tray. I've got friends in SR Technics maybe I can buy some scrap/offcuts from them?

 

[unstable load]

Great. I does make a huge difference to have a flat tray. I've got friends in SR Technics maybe I can buy some scrap/offcuts from them?

If you are getting an offcut from them, ask your guy for a left-over tin of PRC or Pro-seal, it's the compound Vern is referring to. Sometimes also called fuel tank sealer.
One of the part numbers is PR 1422-B1/2, the 1/2 part can be either 1/2, 1 or 2 as it is the pot set-off time in hours.
PPG AEROSPACE SEALANT 100ML SEMKIT PACKAGE PS870B1/2-1001 PRC. | eBay