A car roof cargo box is very useful but what do you do when you find it has developed a crack? Instead of throwing the carried away and ordering a new one, you can try to repair it. That will save you a good amount, surely. You will need basic DIY skills and some items.
These Include:
- Fiberglass repair adhesive
- Strong plastic
- Newspaper
- Spray paint
- Painters tape
- Liquid rubber
The entire repair process is uncomplicated and you will not need to spend much time either.
Step-By-Step Guide
After you have bought and gathered the required items for carrying out the repair, you are good to go.
Readying For Doing The Crack Fix
At first, check the size of the crack. Is it a small, linear crack or a large, gaping hole? If the hole is big, using a piece of plastic with epoxy resin will be necessary. If there is a minor linear crack, just use glue and tape. You have to apply the fiberglass repair mixture on the hole or crack on the box surface. The spread should be even and you have to use a scraper. After applying the mixture, wait for some time to let it dry.
Filling In The Crack
After the fiberglass repair dries up, it will appear rough. Use sandpaper to rub it. Use the liquid rubber, to spray or paint the affected area. This water seal will ensure the area is waterproof.
Painting The Cargo Box
Now, put some painter’s tape outside the crack area. This will let you paint the area well. The paint need not spread to a large area on the surface. Apply a few coats of paint.
Checking The Fixture
Now, let the paint dry well. Wait for a few days. Then see if the repaired area is sturdy enough. Apply a bit of pressure on the box. Also, subject the box to a water test at this time.
How To Ensure Your Rooftop Cargo Box Does Not Develop Cracks Or Get Damaged
While fixing a broken and damaged car roof box is not tedious, it is even better if it does not get damaged. You can adopt a few precautionary measures so that the box does not get cracked easily.
Storage
When you do not use the carrier, store it in a safe location. Put it somewhere it will not be accessed by others.
Unloading Method
When you unload the cargo box, do not hurry. The carriers are made with fiberglass or plastic and careless and rough usage can damage these.
Packing Technique
If you pack the box carefully and evade cramming in too many objects, the box will not break or develop cracks easily. Evade loading heavy objects in it and ensure weight is evenly balanced.
Conclusion
As you can see, repairing a damaged cargo box is not hard. It does not take much time either. You just need to use the right materials in the proper method.
