How to fix 1991 cupholder?
 

Hi there,
I have a (mostly) nice driver's side cuphold for a 1991 Firebird, but the upper screw mount is broken .. I have tried a couple types of JB Weld, and now styrene model cement, but nothing holds up.

Does anyone know a type of adhesive that works on this kind of plastic?
Thanks in advance
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.thi...0a24a85d5f.png
armrest (the upper mount is broken)
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.thi...4bfb3ea2a5.png
back side of mount
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.thi...82a0aebe91.png
side view of upper mount

Re: How to fix 1991 cupholder?
 

This will work:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1990-92-Fir...-127632-2357-0

Re: How to fix 1991 cupholder?
 

Thanks for the link.. That looks interesting, I might give it a try.

Re: How to fix 1991 cupholder?
 

Before you go about buying something try this: look on you tube for super glue and baking soda mix. I had tried several glues on mine and have just tried this. It does look like it is working for me. If not later on you can always try what is listed above. My 2 cents worth.

Re: How to fix 1991 cupholder?
 

after glueing mine several times with gorilla glue, I tried stacking a few orings between the door and the cupholder top mount to cushion the blow of slamming the door, seems to help so far.... knock on wood. also, leave the top screw barely snug.

Re: How to fix 1991 cupholder?
 

If you have a soldering iron you might try "welding" it. I've had good luck with other plastic pieces before doing that (so long as it's in a place you're not going to see, because it does provide a fairly rough looking piece). I usually have to heat up both ends of the piece, then melt another piece of plastic between them and let it cool.

Might not work, but since you've tried everything else it could be worth a shot.

Re: How to fix 1991 cupholder?
 

Those ebay repair parts look interesting. Thanks for sharing that J.C. Denton.

This works (on motorhome TV cases anyway). I can't recall what I used for "filler" material. But she was broken apart pretty good. This repair and some proper support made a big improvement. I welded it inside and out. I had a broken straight blade screw driver (no handle) that I was able to chuck up into the soldering iron, giving me a wide, flat tip to melt across to both sides of the crack.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.thi...d2bf821add.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.thi...dbd265bc4a.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.thi...ca0ddeeb8d.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.thi...aa3577a4b6.jpg

Something else you might consider. This effect would not be too hard to mimic.

Eastwood Hot Stapler

Re: How to fix 1991 cupholder?
 

Ive used this on many types of plastic, including my cup holders. Works excellent, but if there are chunks/pieces missing from the broken parts. Results may be less than. The original name for this was TENAX 7R but its discontinued. Others have stepped in to reproduce it. Got mine on ebay. A little pricey too, but cheaper than the linked auction.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.thi...2f8b52f40d.jpg

Re: How to fix 1991 cupholder?
 

'AMAZING" Clear casting epoxy from Hobby Lobby. Rough up the plastic, reinforce with wetted cloth if necessary. That stuff is great for fixing damn near anything.

Re: How to fix 1991 cupholder?
 

I tried the Styrene Tack-it II and it did. not. work.
The armrest broke the first time I tried to screw it on.

Re: How to fix 1991 cupholder?
 

Armrest?

Re: How to fix 1991 cupholder?
 

Sorry I meant the cupholder. It kinda looks like an armrest, for a very very short person. How they would see over the dashboard, I don't know. lol

Re: How to fix 1991 cupholder?
 

Did you clean off any old adhesive from the contact surfaces?
Did you hold the two parts tight in place then apply the tackII ?
I know when I don't hold parts tightly together the stuff doesn't work. It's very thin and gets in between the two parts no matter what.

Re: How to fix 1991 cupholder?
 

Hi thanks I will try it again. I still have a full bottle of this garbage, I guess I might as well try it.

Re: How to fix 1991 cupholder?
 

Mine's been holding for a few years. As PA mentioned, I also leave the screw heads a couple mm from full contact. In case I bump into it with my hoof getting in/out.

Re: How to fix 1991 cupholder?
 

Hi, I tried this junk again, and it immediately snapped off. Just no good.

Re: How to fix 1991 cupholder?
 

Well that sucks. It worked great on mine. How about crazy glue?

Re: How to fix 1991 cupholder?
 

Try my suggestion. super glue mixed with a small amount of baking soda. I just did it on mine with no problem. In fact I made the whole spacer out of this mixture. You have nothing to loose. Mine is holding very well. Look on You Tube for examples.

Re: How to fix 1991 cupholder?
 

I tried using a soldering gun to melt the plastic and fuse the ends together. It melted the plastic alright, but it did not fuse together. Still searching for the answer...

Re: How to fix 1991 cupholder?
 

FIXED! I bought some Loktite brand superglue, and so far it is holding up. I used the other advice here, I used a couple small rubber O-rings and tightened the screw 1/4 turn past finger tight. Seems to relieve stress on the mount hole.

Re: How to fix 1991 cupholder?
 

I'm having the same issue, except for all three mounts on the Driver's side. I have not had much luck yet, so I tried to order the mounts from Berry Performance as mentioned in the ebay post mentioned earlier, but through his website. The order was canceled a few days later, so I called him today about it. He informed me that he does not make these pieces anymore and they were accidentally left on his website. I believe they have been removed at this time. Just a heads up to anyone else that comes across this later and tries that route.

Re: How to fix 1991 cupholder?
 

Hi there,
The superglue is still holding up. However I never put any drinks in the cupholder. I don't want to tempt fate.

Re: How to fix 1991 cupholder?
 

I don't blame you there. Good to know the superglue is still holding. I will have to try that method next.