T4 Topaz Sliding Door Step Moulding Cracked

This is super-lazy of me but before I contact AS, does anyone happen to know if the black plastic moulding which fits on the side-door step on the T4 Topaz is available from anywhere or have any tips on fixing them when they’re cracked/broken?

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No idea if this is different on the Topaz.

Unfortunately it's a custom part for the Topaz, because the rear passenger seat hangs over the right-hand part of the step. It looks to be a vacuum moulding, which A/S used quite widely on vans from that era. By all means ask, but I doubt they will stock spares now. If it were mine, I would probably have a go at repairing it in GRP.

That’s a great idea Roopert! Cheers for the tip 

Paulmold wrote:[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

No idea if this is different on the Topaz.

Thanks Paul - unfortunately, it does look as if it’s a custom part but appreciate you trying to help! 

I think I would have a go at repairing it. I would find a strip of wood or similar that can be clamped into the relevant groove to push the plastic back to shape, then inject black CT1 or OB1 adhesive into all the hollows, clean off the surplus, let it cure and then apply a further layer of adhesive, sculpted and smoothed as necessary, to try and replicate the original contours. It probably wouldn’t be an invisible repair but it is just a step!

Alternatively obtain a piece of aluminium checker plate, cut to a suitable shape and bond it over the plastic.

Edit: on reflection I think I would do the bonding bit just to reinforce what is there, without worrying about the sculpting, then fit alloy chequer, cut to fit over the ribbed area.

The Bargee wrote:I think I would have a go at repairing it. I would find a strip of wood or similar that can be clamped into the relevant groove to push the plastic back to shape, then inject black CT1 or OB1 adhesive into all the hollows, clean off the surplus, let it cure and then apply a further layer of adhesive, sculpted and smoothed as necessary, to try and replicate the original contours. It probably wouldn’t be an invisible repair but it is just a step!

Alternatively obtain a piece of aluminium checker plate, cut to a suitable shape and bond it over the plastic.

Edit: on reflection I think I would do the bonding bit just to reinforce what is there, without worrying about the sculpting, then fit alloy chequer, cut to fit over the ribbed area.

Thanks for the very detailed suggestion!

Had the same issue with our Topaz but a bit worse than that. As a temporary fix I carefully covered over with black gorilla glue cloth tape which has a similar finish and blends well with the plastic. That was over 2 years ago now and it's so hard wearing that I forget it was ever cracked in the first place.

Alternatively 3D printing could be an option if you're that way inclined.

pjperry wrote:Had the same issue with our Topaz but a bit worse than that. As a temporary fix I carefully covered over with black gorilla glue cloth tape which has a similar finish and blends well with the plastic. That was over 2 years ago now and it's so hard wearing that I forget it was ever cracked in the first place.

Alternatively 3D printing could be an option if you're that way inclined.

 That’s a great suggestion too. Thanks! This forum is with its weight in gold.