Repair to damaged front panel of Datron 4808 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: perdrix
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2019, 02:59:51 pm
content: Before I acquired my 4808 it suffered damage to the front panelHas anyone experience of repairing this type of damage, and if so what products will do a good job?Thanks lotsDavid

author: dnwheeler
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2019, 03:36:40 pm
content: Check out this YouTube video for a more extreme case (a shattered Atari 800XL):The results aren't great, but your case is much simpler. The basic idea is to create a mold of the texture (from a good area), then use that and fill it with epoxy to replace the missing area. Then finish and paint as desired.

author: branadic
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2019, 03:47:52 pm
content: If you don't want to fix it, but replace it you could reconstruct the panel in a CAD program and send the CAD file to a chineese company to make a vacuum PU mold, a 3D-printed part both including textures or a cnc machined aluminium part and powder coat it, which should give similar results of the surface.-branadic-

author: pbarton
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2019, 08:48:14 pm
content: I have never used it myself, but I have heard of good results using 'Sugru'.https://sugru.com/

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2019, 01:22:19 am
content: Sugru +1 you can slowly sand it, and fit it to your frame, when its dry

author: perdrix
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2019, 01:05:59 pm
content: I sprayed the opposite corner of the panel with "mould release agent" and then applied silicone sealer in an attempt to make a negative mould.It appeared to work fine until I tried to remove it only to find that it had stuck like crazy to the plastic panel (you'd almost think I'd not used a mould release agent).So I need to get some silicone remover gel and try again. What do I need to do to get this to work?Addendum:I found this:https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Silicone-MoldSo I'll try the soap/silicone trick to 3/4 cure it before starting the process.ThanksDavid

author: George Edmonds
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2019, 03:54:02 pm
content: Hi DavidUse a very small drill to make holes to insert bits of steel wire into damaged area to provide a good key (paper clip bits) and then repair using P38 sand and repaint. Will not be quick to do a good job but it can be done and made invisible.73 George G6HIG

author: MadTux
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 14, 2019, 08:49:02 pm
content: Some epoxy with cotton fibers to thicken/strengthen it and perhaps some styrofoam as molding materialSanding/grinding and new paintjob afterwards and it should look as new.

author: perdrix
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2020, 11:48:56 am
content: I successfully made a mould of the diagonally opposite corner using the technique of "squidging" the silicone sealer in a jug of warm water with some washing up liquid in it to partially cure it before use.Used a soldering iron to add some 0.8mm stainless wires to provide reinforcement.Then sprayed the mould with mould release, taped it to the damaged corner and poured in a mix of polyester resin and white pigment (RAL9010) with hardener.Will update when it's fully set and I've taken the mould off (fingers crossed). I hope the pink from the catalyst goes away!Cheers, David

author: perdrix
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2020, 02:22:26 pm
content: Hmm... The pink didn't go away, and the result wasn't as good as I hoped. I did some patching and then textured the surface with some Isopon P38 car body filler. The result isn't perfect cosmetically, but I went through all my colour charts trying to find a good colour match for the original plastic and failed.So I've decided to leave it as is, as I don't really wish to re-spray the whole thing.David