Case repair?

[brawndo]

I have flown several times with my 4003 and its case and I haven't had an issue until now. The case appears to have fallen, cracking the edge badly and knocking the metal around the lip of the case slightly. Luckily it still closes and the bass is completely fine but I'm wondering how to repair it. I can't get the edges that are exposed to lay flat. Should I remove the lining of the case to try to fix this? I thought it would be a good idea to apply some sort of tape (analogous to the kind of mesh tape used to join drywall) and brush on some good epoxy. Does this sound like a good idea? It looks like the lining on the case is seriously glued in there so I'm debating on what I should do. In any case, I'm leaving for home in a few days and it's either this solution or a bunch of duck tape.

Here's a picture: http://i.imgur.com/GtjrC.jpg

Does anyone have some input? It certainly doesn't seem like I need to replace the case, especially given that my plan will only cost about 10 bucks. Hopefully when I get some more cash I can get a flight case that will fit my beloved bass.

[jingle_jangle]

Start saving for that flight case; meanwhile ductape on the outside is your best value solution.

The cases are vacuum-formed thermoplastic (ABS), which epoxy won't stick to for any length of time. You could theoretically repair the plastic by solvent-bonding another piece of ABS into the inside of the shell, but it isn't exactly made to disassemble easily.

[jdawe]

While ordinary epoxy won't bond with ABS, you can buy special epoxies that claim to work on ABS. I used one such epoxy about six months ago to repair similar crack in my case. The results weren't pretty, but at least so far the repair is holding up OK, although my case hasn't been exposed to much punishment since then. Unfortunately, I can't recall the brand of epoxy I used. I found it in the automotive section of the store rather than in the glue section.

[jingle_jangle]

These are two-part urethanes, as far as I can recall, that are formulated to repair plastic bumpers and body panels.

Due to the difficulty of disassembling the case, this material could be applied to the outside surface of the damaged area, and is sufficiently viscous to bridge small cracks and gaps.

But, like you say, it won't be pretty...

http://www.amazon.com/Plasti-Mend-Plast ... B003JC3UB2

Here's some new stuff from the UK:

http://www.plastexexpress.co.uk/repairs.htm

The high end:

http://www.carpartswholesale.com/v5/det ... 95abreki00 (wrong ABS...sorry...)

How about:

http://www.electricalconnection.com/non ... /08006.htm

Nice price and good product...

[brawndo]

Thanks a lot! I totally forgot that ABS can't be repaired like that.

[brawndo]

Since the pieces won't fit completely flush I'm going to try the epoxy route. I figure it has to be the best option anyway since epoxy is far stronger than ABS. I'll let you guys know how it goes and post a picture for posterity, just in case someone else learns the hard way that they can't trust airlines.

[jdawe]

I'm not 100% sure, but I think the stuff I used might have been PermaPoxy 5 minute Plastic Weld:
http://www.permatex.com/products/automo ... c_Weld.htm

[ken_j]

Hardman makes an epoxy fpr ABS. #4007 If you can find a place that will sell you a couple of packets. A box of 100 is a bit pricey. I have used many of their products for engineering progects with excellent results, including one for glass/nylon.
A quick Google search came up with the info but this place dosen't sell singles. http://www.ellsworth.com/display/produc ... b=products

[jingle_jangle]

Thanks for the tips, guys, especially the Permatex, which is easily procured--much easier than my urethane stuff!

Let us know how this worked out. Pics, too, if you can take 'em.