Radiator shroud material

[diskullman]

Where can I found out what type of plastic was used for automotive radiator shrouds from the mid 60's on. It is a flexible dull black plastic. It seems to have some type of fibers in it. It tuurns brittle when old. I believe it is injection molded. Any clues?

Russell Giuliano

 

[patprimmer]

It might be glass filled nylon, but is much more likely glass couples polypropylene homo polymer.

If you cut of a slim slither and burn it and blow it out then smell the smoke, if it's PP it smels like wax or oil.

If it's nylon it smells like celery or feathers.

Regards
Pat
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[patprimmer]

It might be glass filled nylon, but is much more likely glass couples polypropylene homo polymer.

If you cut of a slim slither and burn it and blow it out then smell the smoke, if it's PP it smells like wax or oil.

If it's nylon it smells like celery or feathers.

Regards
Pat
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[TVP]

Based on the era in question, I would guess it is sheet molding compound (SMC), rather than a thermoplastic resin like nylon or PP. SMC is a composite material based on a thermoset resin (typically polyester) and glass fibers. It was frequently used for the front-end component that you described, sometimes called the grille opening reinforcement (GOR).

 

[patprimmer]

Easy test, see if it melts. If it will not melt, it is SMC or some thermoset. If it melts it is thermoplastic.

I was thinking mid 80s when I posted above. Cars here did not have fan shrouds as I remember in the 60s, they only became common in the 70s.

Regards
Pat
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[diskullman]

This stuff will definately melt, as part of the air cleaner snorkel (made of same material) had a meltdown a few years ago.

Thanks for your help.

Russell Giuliano

 

[CoryPad]

Likely it is glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene.