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Old 07-15-2017, 10:03 AM   #1
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1973 Argosy 22
San Bruno , California
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73 Argosy taillight area, molding repair / replace

Hello Argosy owners!

I am repairing my 1973 Argosy, and I am looking to replace the damaged taillight molding, on the rear exterior. It is the large, horizonal plastic piece that surrounds the taillights. It is broken & brittle. Not sure if a replacement part is available? Or, what have others done in this case. Would love to restore, or make look presentable at the very least, (before new paint).

My Argosy has a little work to get it rolling, but I look forward to getting it sound, looking sharp, and on the road. I am a newbie, and appreciate all your help! Thank you.

Two photos attached.

Cheers,
bozo Dave
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Old 07-15-2017, 12:40 PM   #2
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hartselle , Alabama
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Mine had a few small holes that we fiberglassed before painting. Yours is still salvageable, a good body man can glass it back to like new. Have seen others that did away with the piece all together and went with airstream lights. For the airstream lamps to work you have to do a little cutting of the body and I'm sure a little engineering to get things fitting right.
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Old 07-15-2017, 12:44 PM   #3
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And welcome to the forums! There is a wealth of knowledge here that will be very helpful to you. Do a search for the Argosy registry and add yours in.
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Old 07-16-2017, 07:31 AM   #4
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Thank you for your feedback. I will look into seeing if it is salvageable, which would be nice. What is not broken on the piece, is pretty brittle ... but we will see.
Thank you, again!
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Old 07-16-2017, 01:51 PM   #5
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I would take the piece off, and fill it with spray foam to make it solid. You can then carefully trim the foam around the broken spots, and then glass over them. A bit of bondo, and you should be good.

I've been doing a project on the upper cabinets in carbon fiber- so I have it on the brain (and my fingers, clothes, hair, etc.). That frame would look awesome in carbon fiber!
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Old 07-16-2017, 03:41 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bozo Dave View Post
..... I will look into seeing if it is salvageable, which would be nice. What is not broken on the piece, is pretty brittle ... but we will see.
As you've discovered, the plastic part in question can become very brittle...probably from too much time sitting in the sun. Unfortunately there is no way to fix the brittleness, and attempting to do partial restoration repairs is likely to be frustrating.

Short of finding a complete intact replacement part...almost impossible...the only thing you can do is try to strengthen the existing part. Very carefully remove the entire part, very carefully trim back the cracked/broken edges, cover over the broken out areas with aluminum foil from the back side, then fill the back side of the part with rigid spray foam. Carve away any excess foam, then fill with Bondo, contour to original shape, sand to smooth, and paint.

The last part is the most difficult. Let a body shop do the final work if you don't have experience. Or tell them what you want and let them do the whole thing. Good luck.
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Old 07-16-2017, 11:03 PM   #7
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Thank you for the great tips, greatly appreciated!
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Old 07-16-2017, 11:04 PM   #8
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Thank you for the valuable feedback / ideas!
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Old 07-16-2017, 11:25 PM   #9
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If you remove it you'll find that while there may be some cracks, it's really a pretty tough piece. I removed ours and tossed it. I liked the clean look without it. But I'm not a purist. I think some fiberglass repair would take care of it if you want to keep it.
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Old 07-26-2017, 07:55 AM   #10
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Or you could do this.Click image for larger version

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It's an easy mod. No more brittle plastic. Cleaner look (in my opinion). Inexpensive upgrade plus you can do these in led. I had the same issue with mine. Made repairs but was concerned about breaking again. I like the new look better the original piece just hung out there. Big and clunky. [emoji106][emoji1]
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Old 07-27-2017, 08:11 AM   #11
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Matt, thank you you. The pictures look great. After much consideration, I think this is the route we will take!
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Old 07-27-2017, 08:18 AM   #12
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There is also a two lens replacement also
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Old 07-28-2017, 07:43 AM   #13
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Thank you, Matt. By the way, your paint job looks nice. That is on my agenda too. Is it just one color? And did you do it / have it done?
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Old 07-28-2017, 07:45 AM   #14
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Thank you. I did it myself. It's a great opportunity to get new tools and new skills[emoji106][emoji1]
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Old 11-05-2018, 12:43 PM   #15
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Omaha , Nebraska
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Rugkenkins do you remember where you bought those assemblies. I am running into the same issue and haven’t found anything. All the fixtures are flat and won’t match the body curve


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Or you could do this.Attachment 290527Attachment 290528
It's an easy mod. No more brittle plastic. Cleaner look (in my opinion). Inexpensive upgrade plus you can do these in led. I had the same issue with mine. Made repairs but was concerned about breaking again. I like the new look better the original piece just hung out there. Big and clunky. [emoji106][emoji1]
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