Lock-Tight ate my tank!!

[Max-U52]

Two things I forgot in the video, first, this isn't even my tank, it's a commission upgrade and paint job I'm doing for a guy I know and he's paying me very generously for my efforts, and second, I used the exact same tube of prime lok to do the exact same things in the exact same fashion on my own Panzer IV about six months ago and that tank is absolutely fine. Both are Imex/Taigen PzIVs and are pretty much identical, but mine is much older (the tank in the video is brand new, arrived about three weeks ago) and the only difference I can find is that the hull MG34 on mine is movable, while the newer tank has it fixed in place.

[Max-U52]

Just for clarity, here's a video of me doing the actual work. See if you can spot anything I might be doing wrong that may have caused this. I personally think my technique and skills aren't bad at all, but maybe I'm doing something wrong and just need a fresh set of eyeballs to spot it? Hmmm

[brizo58]

Hi Max,
I see you are screwing into plastic? So you shouldn't need any form of loc-tight it will eat into the plastic.iI had the same problem when I first started with my tank upgrades.Brian...

[Max-U52]

I've found that without the loctite the screws work themselves loose. That's why I really researched different brands and whether or not they were safe to use for plastic. I've been using this tube for close to two years with no adverse results. The tube is almost empty, that's why I'm wondering if maybe something essential has evaporated over time. I did the exact same upgrade to my own PzIV about four months ago with no problems.

[jackalope]

If it didn't bother your other tanks then I'm thinking the plastic MUST have been changed.

I only use lock tite on metal on metal for metal on plastic I've never used anything nor ever has an issue with screws backing out.

Now if I strip a plastic hole for a screw I either use Magnum Steel which is a 2 part putty epoxy or I use plastic sanding dust mixed with crazy glue, both work very well.

I'm sorry to hear that your Panzer hull is ruined but thankfully it's not expensive. Check with Eric from Imex in Florida that way shipping should be less.

[brizo58]

Hi,
May well have done!! Or perhaps the newer tank plastic could be deferent to your older PzIV??. Brian...

[Max-U52]

So I've been looking into this more, and back when I bought this stuff I emailed them and asked what to use for plastic and they said prime lok 245 Blue, but now when I go to the website and check it out it says "Not recommended for use with plastic". Great. I should've stuck with loctite 425! I guess that's what I get for trying to save a buck or two.

The replacement hull isn't that much, about $48 if I have to get it from China, and I will call Erik on Monday to see if he has a hull. If he does and it's under twenty the shipping should be under ten so I'll jump on that. Otherwise I'll order one when I get home Monday night. I guess I'll just make a bit less on this job, but that's OK. I'll still make a bit to pay the vet with, and that was the whole point.