[s-cars] Botched front end plastic

[ron kirkham]

S-Folk,

I was at the annual Steamboat slide-fest last week (my first) and managed to
farm-out the front end of my '93 S4 in a ham-fisted attemp to apply "an old
rally secrect" as demonstrated by Torsen Boy hisself.  It worked extremely
well for him, but sadly not so for me.  I'll have to try it
again.........someday.  I can say that this was my one and only "off"
requiring extraction by the monster dually tow vehicle.  In case you didn't
know, the lower front end plastic bits of our beloved rides is not a
terribly robust area, and does not like this type of hooning about.
Everything below the black plastic bumper cover is now in several large
pieces including the belly pan.

I would like to repair said pieces by plastic welding.  I know it won't look
"great", but this is no beauty queen we are talking about, and perfection is
not required.  Many moons ago, I used a product to repair a motorcycle
fairing after a light drop, but cannot remember what I used.  You could see
where the welds were, but it was an acceptable repair and saved many
hundreds of dollars.  I'm hoping to make a similar repair now.  Eastwood has
a few options, but I was looking for any first-hand experience from the
list.  Anyone?

I'd love to replace these plastic bits with a nice custom rolled and welded
1/4" aluminum skid-plate afair that would attach below the bumper cover and
roll under. It would of course include the requisite venting for the oil
cooler, intercooler and radiator and hold the front end of the belly pan, or
even replace the belly pan.  Paint it black, and it would look cool.  But
sadly, I don't have the gear or skills to do this, and finding someone
willing to take on the project I fear would be big money.  Anyone
interested?

BTW, if you have ever even considered attendind this much-lauded little
gathering in Steamboat, I can tell you that it's way too much fun.  Just
keep in mind that some "old tricks" are not meant for rookies!  Hopefully
I'll be back for another demonstration Justy.

I also need an oil cooler line, but thats in a seperate post.

Any thoughts appreciated.

Thanks,

Ron
'93 S4 with issues