Vararam cracking?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 688
Likes: 18
From: Seattle Wa
Vararam cracking?
I purchased a used one from a local forum member and within 2 months it's cracking (the housing).
Has anyone else had this issue? Can you purchase part of the vararam system or just need to replace the entire thing?
Has anyone else had this issue? Can you purchase part of the vararam system or just need to replace the entire thing?
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 600
Likes: 0
From: Bowling Green KY
you are not gonna believe this one, so strap on your waders and hang on:
I had the same issue and when faced with the cost for the new cover, I thought I would do some out of the box thinking. We all know that Billy Mays commercial for "Mighty Putty". Well I had some that I had never used. The idea hit me and I thought I had nothing to lose so what the h_ll.
I took the cover off and used the Mighty Putty liberally on each crack on the inside and on the outside and let it completely dry. Then I sanded it down. Then I masked off the manufacturer decals and spray painted the cover black. It worked like a charm and believe it or not, no further cracks has appeared.
Hey, I ran outta duct tape so I had to used the Mighty Putty !!!
True Story.................
I had the same issue and when faced with the cost for the new cover, I thought I would do some out of the box thinking. We all know that Billy Mays commercial for "Mighty Putty". Well I had some that I had never used. The idea hit me and I thought I had nothing to lose so what the h_ll.
I took the cover off and used the Mighty Putty liberally on each crack on the inside and on the outside and let it completely dry. Then I sanded it down. Then I masked off the manufacturer decals and spray painted the cover black. It worked like a charm and believe it or not, no further cracks has appeared.
Hey, I ran outta duct tape so I had to used the Mighty Putty !!!
True Story.................
Last edited by wcdaniel; Aug 13, 2010 at 08:10 PM. Reason: whuups
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 5,019
Likes: 508
From: Hilton NY
My older version cracked on the thin flange where the inlet tubes are bolted together, I made some 1/4" thick Lexan strips and solvent welded them to the flanges and now the parts are much stronger than before. To test if plastic can be welded this way, saturate a Q-tip with solvent or cement and apply to the plastic in question; if the plastic starts to dissolve it can be welded. I use Methelene Choride but other products work well such as PVC cement. For added repair strength to a crack you can add thick or thin plastic depending on how much strength is needed and for appearance.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,479
Likes: 36
I don't understand why something that costs so much is made so cheaply. I was thinking of getting one myself but I am now glad I didn't. I've read nothing but horror stories about the quality and fit of this system. Am I wrong?
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 600
Likes: 0
From: Bowling Green KY
To answer your question, I would rate my experience as being decent to good with the product.
Oh, i forgot to mention it was already on the Vette when I purchased it !!!!!
Last edited by wcdaniel; Aug 14, 2010 at 05:17 PM. Reason: forgot
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 833
Likes: 2
From: Boca FL
What I did to make it better.
Very thin, flimsy, and uneven surface for the filter to seal on.
Notice no modding, holes line right up. LOL
Card-board template
Transferring to PVC
Test fitting
From PVC to a harder plastic I put in the oven to soften-up and laid it in the upper shell to take shape
final shape
The final piece with holes drilled and finishing up the ports.
With the tubes installed in the car the plate is sealed with RTV and screwed in, then I drilled and
used small rivits around the plate to hold it in shape
Stronger surface and no chance of the tubes breaking at the point where the cheap wedge piece is bolted
Even the foam was cut wrong and the holes for the screws are in the wrong place. I didn't do a very good job of trimming it.
Notice no modding, holes line right up. LOL
Card-board template
Transferring to PVC
Test fitting
From PVC to a harder plastic I put in the oven to soften-up and laid it in the upper shell to take shape
final shape
The final piece with holes drilled and finishing up the ports.
With the tubes installed in the car the plate is sealed with RTV and screwed in, then I drilled and
used small rivits around the plate to hold it in shape
Stronger surface and no chance of the tubes breaking at the point where the cheap wedge piece is bolted
Even the foam was cut wrong and the holes for the screws are in the wrong place. I didn't do a very good job of trimming it.
Last edited by coanan; Aug 14, 2010 at 09:37 PM.
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