How-To: use styrene as body filler

[pantablo]

Instead of squadron, Bondo, etc.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2m9rVrVNa6A

[C*H*U*D]

Nicely done video! For a styrene idiot like me, this kind of information is great! Thanks for posting that.

[clockworks]

A method I've used in the past is to put pieces of styrene into a nearly empty bottle of solvent, making a thick goop. Apply more solvent to the body, then spread the goop into the crack.

For the round depressions in the body sides in that video, I'd just drill a hole bigger than the depression, ream it to size and fit a length of styrene rod. Use the reamer from the inside of the body and apply plenty of solvent. The slight taper made by the reamer gives a very tight fit.

[Robbob]

Great video. I was just discussing this with a friend last week and how it can be better/stronger then using the green putty.

[gr33nlemon]

Originally Posted by clockworks

A method I've used in the past is to put pieces of styrene into a nearly empty bottle of solvent, making a thick goop. Apply more solvent to the body, then spread the goop into the crack.

For the round depressions in the body sides in that video, I'd just drill a hole bigger than the depression, ream it to size and fit a length of styrene rod. Use the reamer from the inside of the body and apply plenty of solvent. The slight taper made by the reamer gives a very tight fit.

That's how I fill body the body post holes etc in my bodies, except I just drill the hole to 1/4" and stuff a piece of 1/4" styrene rod in it. I keep the rod a little long and sand it smooth after solvent cures. Works awesome.

[pantablo]

Thats a great, simple way to do holes. My method isnt the only way, just the way I learned (and not having any solid styrene rod around, lol), but this is also the method I use to fill seams when I join bodies, etc. it's a broader method. I do like the styrene paste method too. I'll have to try that sometime.

I just thought it would be good to document it for someone that has never worked with it. I love all the other methods and that everyone is sharing them. Thats the best scenario really, giving people the most information. Its not as hard as people who've never used it think it is.

[clockworks]

Yes, it's good to have videos showing how to do this stuff.
A lot of people seem to be scared of styrene, but quite happy to work with aluminium or acetal. I guess that's because not many youngsters build plastic kits these days.

[philthewrench]

I like the idea of stretching it into fibers, great idea. Thanks for sharing!

Phil

[FireWire79]

Time for a n00b question. Why would you want to use this method as opposed to using a filler like bondo or squadron?

Just asking as this seems like a lot of work vs using a filler. Is it a strength issue or something?

[pantablo]

mostly strength. the bondo/squadron filler is more likely to crack when drying and crack off when the body takes a tumble. Its much stronger because it bonds and becomes one with the main body instead of the bondo/squadron filler that is always separate.

[BLOODBANE]

Really good info. Thanks for the vid(and the other tips).

[squatch71]

There was another comment on here that's no longer there....musta been deleted...


that is very cool, have some holes that I will try this on...out of the two glues, what is the one you like better..you said plastistruct (use that) but then you mentioned the other...do they have there plus's and minus's???

[theslowguy]

tenax 7r. Plastistruct is faster curing from what I found.