Exterior body panels are constructed of various materials, due to the increased dent and corrosion resistance of modern composites. All vertical panels, such as fenders, doors, quarters, and rocker panels, are made from rigid thermoplastic. Front and rear fascias are constructed of thermoplastic olefin (TPO). The hood, roof, and deck are steel.
Different materials require different procedures for preparing and refinishing. Before beginning any repair, identify the type of material involved.
Identifying Symbol
| Chemical Composition or Plastic "Family" Name
| Typical Area where Used
| Common or Trade Names
|
PE
| Polyethylene
| Inner Fender Panels, Valances, Spoilers, Inner Trim Panels, Seatbelt Covers, Gas Tank Shields
| Dylan, Fortiflex, Marlex, Alathon, Hi-Fax, Hosalen, Paxon
|
PP
| Polypropylene
| Kick Panels, Deflector Panels, Cowl Panels, Interior Moldings, Radiator Shrouds, Inner Fenders, Bumper Covers
| Profax, Oleflo, Marlex, Azdel, Novolen, Tenite, Daplen, Escorene
|
ABS
| Acrylonitrite/Butadine/Styrene
| Instrument Clusters, Trim Moldings, Consoles, Armrest Supports, Steering Column Jackets
| ABS, Cycolac, Abson, Kralastic, Lustran, Absafil, Dyel
|
ABS + PC
| Acrylonitrite/Butadine-Styrene + Polycarbonate
| Instrument Panels, Exterior Door Panels, Rocker Panel Covers
| Babyland, Proloy, Cycoloy, KHA
|
E/P/TPO
| Ethylene/Polypropylene (Rubber)
| Bumper Covers
| TPO, TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber) EPI, EPII
|
PA + PPE
| Polyamide + Polyphenylene Ether
| Fenders
| GTX
|
