Propeller repair

prostreet Wed Nov 13, 2019 10:08 pm

Hello,

I just picked up a Testors P-38 Lightning in beautiful shape with the exception of a blade being broken off one of the props. Is there a good adhesive that will glue the two broken pieces back together. The plane will not be flown so it is only a repair for static display. I think the prop is made of nylon and its black in color. I've tried liquid superglue and regular modeling cement but neither worked to hold the pieces together. Do any of the members have a suggestion as to an appropriate glue for this repair? Also, does anyone know of a source for replacement Testors propellers? I have a Wen Mac prop but it is stamped W/M on one of the blades whereas the Testors prop has no markings at all. Thank you.

Prostreet

Mark Boesen Wed Nov 13, 2019 11:21 pm

remove prop and lay flat, try super glue again or try this: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Laser-Bonding-Tech-Bondic-Welder-Kit/880214642?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=13047&adid=22222222227078664913&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=192015271832&wl4=aud-566049426705:pla-300351210460&wl5=9021896&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=117446507&wl11=online&wl12=880214642&veh=sem&gclid=CjwKCAiA8K7uBRBBEiwACOm4d2Cewt9tqbauA_jXKmoEaICa_1Ipq3O8SyMbG0nr7z8dS_5ixPTxJRoCKWsQAvD_BwE

Oldenginerod Thu Nov 14, 2019 1:10 am

Regular cheap super glue is not much good on a lot of plastics. I use Loctite 406 for "difficult to bond substrates". Works really well, but not cheap.

Cox International had some Testors 3 bladers a while back. May be worth enquiring.

getback Thu Nov 14, 2019 7:34 am

I got some of those props , if you can put up a pic i will see if its the right ones i think i payed $5 for one each Huh...

prostreet Thu Nov 14, 2019 1:09 pm

Thanks for the replies. The blades on the prop are square tipped and each blade is 2.25 inches long from the square tip to the center hole of the prop. Not sure how to post a photo as I've never done so but I hope this information helps match up the prop.

dckrsn Thu Nov 14, 2019 4:30 pm

Close?

Bob

66 Malibu Thu Nov 14, 2019 7:42 pm

Mr. Prostreet,
Are you needing a 3 blade or 4 blade 5D x 3P RH black square tipped Wen Mac prop ?
I have a 3 blade that has some gouge marks on the back of each blade that appear to be done by an improperly adjusted starter spring.
The only marking on it is Wen Mac 5D x 3P on the back of the prop hub that cannot be seen when installed.
The prop should never be used to run an engine since it would probably immediately fail with hurtful results.
Since it is only safe for a static display, just send me something to cover the postage and you can have it.
PM me your address and I'll try to get it your way this weekend.
Steve......

Oldenginerod Thu Nov 14, 2019 8:38 pm

I'd suggest this is what prostreet is after.

If we read his original post, he's after black and Testors brand, not Wen Mac.

For display only, just stick ( Laughing

) with the glue treatment. Otherwise, you could sand the W/M off the blade and paint it black. The P-38 is pretty rare in Testors as compared to the Wen Mac version, so I don't like your chances of finding the real deal.

Oldenginerod Thu Nov 14, 2019 10:12 pm

This is currently on ebay

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vtg-Wen-Mac-NOS-Nylon-3-Blade-Square-Tip-Propeller-4-5-3P-/323369539158

Just an option.

prostreet Fri Nov 15, 2019 10:44 am

Thank you for all of the replies, suggestions and photos. I am in need of a three bladed prop, not four as one pictured. I do have that exact Wen Mac prop in its original plastic bag as pictured but I didn't want to sand off the W/M logo. I think I will probably simply glue the prop back together as best as I can since this will only be a display piece. I also wasn't aware that the Testors version of this plane is more rare than the Wen Mac one. I appreciate all of the help and suggestions. Thank you and may you all have a nice weekend.

prostreet

fredvon4 Fri Nov 15, 2019 11:20 am

For static use I have been known to snip off one or two or three 1/4~ 1/2 inch pieces of a pin or needle, heat in flame, and poke a holes in each plastic piece, then use J&B epoxy AND the steel needle(s) .....as with ANY gluing good mechanical and chemical bond demands absolutely clean surfaces and some lite sanding to give the epoxy a bit of tooth to adhere to

That said the best solution here is any two 3 blade props still in existence........super cheap correct diameter can be found in on line drone sections for quadcopters etc and I do mean cheap......

getback Sat Nov 16, 2019 5:40 am

I am still looking prostreet , i got to much inventory and can't seem to find them were i thought they would bee Huh...

**RknRusty** Sat Nov 16, 2019 9:44 pm

If it were me, I'd try using baking soda as a bonding agent. Moisten the two broken ends and apply a dab of the soda to each. Then secure it upside down in place with pins or weights on top of wax paper and apply a tiny drop of thin(The thinnest) C/A to the back side. It should wick in following the soda. I think this will hold it and hopefully not bleed through to make an ugly joint in the front face.
Rusty

P.S. What kind of pro-street machine do you run? I'm Surprised 66 Malibu-Steve didn't ask. Or Mark. We're a bunch of old racers here.

prostreet Mon Nov 18, 2019 1:53 pm

Please let me know if you find a correct Testors three bladed prop for the P-38 Lightning as I would be interested in one. I put the new W/M prop on just to make the plane complete but the logo is glaringly obvious. I run a 1968 pro street Camaro with a Dyers supercharged 468 inch big block Chevy under the hood. She's underdriven by 5% and makes 820 hp set up this way. Back halved and tubbed with 31x18x15 Mickeys and 4.11 gears in the Chevy 12 bolt rear. Not raced-just street driven. Lots of fun!

prostreet

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Propeller repair