Go Back   EcoModder Forum > EcoModding > DIY / How-to
Register Now
 Register Now
 

Reply  Post New Thread
 
Submit Tools LinkBack Thread Tools
Old 07-26-2011, 08:45 AM   #1 (permalink)
Master EcoModder
 
Kodak's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: USA
Posts: 346

Canyon - '07 GMC Canyon 2wd regular cab
90 day: 24.95 mpg (US)
Thanks: 41
Thanked 39 Times in 24 Posts
Heat gun tips

Hi all,

I have two aero mods pending for the summer: a front air dam and fog light covers. Both will require the use of a heat gun, which I still need to buy or possibly rent. Never used one before as far as I can recall.

Does anyone have any tips for using a heat gun?

I need to mold PVC sheeting to fit the rounded edges of my air dam, and lexan to fit the slight convex of the lights.

Are any other tools required outside of thick leather gloves to avoid burns?

I plan on making a template out of cardboard or poster board for both projects. Will this be enough to match the angles with precision?

Much obliged to any advice, and I will post pics if I complete these projects.

__________________
EcoDriving: Turning more fuel into usable forward motion.
  Reply With Quote
Alt Today
Popular topics

Other popular topics in this forum...

   
Old 07-26-2011, 09:45 PM   #2 (permalink)
Master EcoModder
 
mcrews's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Texas
Posts: 3,523

The Q Sold - '02 Infiniti Q45 Sport
90 day: 23.08 mpg (US)

blackie - '14 nissan altima sv
Thanks: 2,203
Thanked 663 Times in 478 Posts
I have one. They are very usefull.
NOTE: they get VERY hot. Do not apply for long periods.

I`would use polycarbanate instaed of lexan. Less brittle, more forgiving
__________________
MetroMPG: "Get the MPG gauge - it turns driving into a fuel & money saving game."

ECO MODS PERFORMED:
First: ScangaugeII
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...eii-23306.html

Second: Grille Block
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...e-10912-2.html

Third: Full underbelly pan
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...q45-11402.html

Fourth: rear skirts and 30.4mpg on trip!
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...tml#post247938
  Reply With Quote
Old 07-26-2011, 09:58 PM   #3 (permalink)
Master EcoModder
 
JRMichler's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Phillips, WI
Posts: 1,013

Nameless - '06 GMC Canyon
90 day: 37.45 mpg (US)

22 Maverick - '22 Ford Maverick XL
90 day: 41.9 mpg (US)
Thanks: 188
Thanked 466 Times in 287 Posts
Lexan is polycarbonate. Polycarbonate could be Lexan, Makrolon, or other trade names.

Acrylic, such as Plexiglas, is easier to form than polycarbonate. Polycarbonate should be baked in an oven at 200 deg F for at least an hour to remove dissolved moisture. Otherwise, it may form bubbles when you try to heat form it.

Get a heat gun that has at least two heat levels. Continuously variable heat is not necessary. Heat guns are cheap. Just buy one.
  Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to JRMichler For This Useful Post:
graydonengineering (08-01-2011), mcrews (08-10-2011)
Old 08-09-2011, 03:54 PM   #4 (permalink)
Master EcoModder
 
Phantom's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Independence, KY
Posts: 603

Blue Meanie - '02 Volkswagon Golf TDI
TEAM VW AUDI Group
90 day: 48.52 mpg (US)

Wife's car - '05 WV Passat TDI

Rudy - '94 Chevy C2500
Thanks: 89
Thanked 47 Times in 44 Posts
My only advice is to keep the heat moving do not keep it to close to the piece and do not touch the metal part.

__________________
I move at the speed of awesome.


"It's not rocket surgery!" -MetroMPG
  Reply With Quote
Reply  Post New Thread


Thread Tools




Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.5.2
All content copyright EcoModder.com