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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Electrical => Topic started by: philo_beddoe on August 25, 2015, 05:52:03 pm

Title: Repair printed circut board?
Post by: philo_beddoe on August 25, 2015, 05:52:03 pm
I have a clean break in my printed circut board. Can this be repaired?? (http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/08/25/5026d72ddadbd68436aef85f087604ef.jpg)
Title: Re: Repair printed circut board?
Post by: roundhouse on August 25, 2015, 10:15:28 pm
Depends on how penniless you are

I've used a razor to peel back the plastic and a small wire nut to add in a wire and run the wire under the bulb base


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Title: Re: Repair printed circut board?
Post by: Chuck Step-a-side on August 26, 2015, 06:19:48 am
Yes, if you're handy with a soldering iron and flux. Peal away the plastic and put a dab of flux on the end joining copper and then a dab of solder bridged between the break. Don't get leave the iron on a moment too long or it will melt the plastic molding below.
Title: Re: Repair printed circut board?
Post by: philo_beddoe on August 26, 2015, 07:53:27 am
Okay, I was able to peel back the plastic laminate cover and use very fine grit sandpaper to clean the exposed copper ends. I overlapped them on both sides and taped them down tight. My left signal light works!!  (that's where the break was).   The tape may loosen in time, but even if I get a few years that's ok.  When i'm no longer penniless i'll get a nice new one.  Good experience overall...  Thanks.    Saved $69.99 plus s/h.
Title: Re: Repair printed circut board?
Post by: jetmech on August 26, 2015, 12:10:40 pm
Never tried it myself but I'm thinking a window defroster repair kit may work. Permatex, Loctite and others have these.
Title: Re: Repair printed circut board?
Post by: philo_beddoe on August 26, 2015, 01:43:18 pm
Any further problems and i'll try that. Thanks
Title: Re: Repair printed circut board?
Post by: philo_beddoe on August 27, 2015, 07:42:22 am
The tape didnt hold up.  Had to take it all apart again and this time used two small split shots. Pinched them on nice and tight. Works fine.
Title: Re: Repair printed circut board?
Post by: BBM3 on August 27, 2015, 09:39:43 am
I had to google "split shot" clearly I am not a fisherman.
Very clever idea!
Title: Re: Repair printed circut board?
Post by: Captkaos on August 27, 2015, 10:37:46 pm
I have used the defroster repair kit successfully in the past also.
Title: Re: Repair printed circut board?
Post by: philo_beddoe on August 29, 2015, 02:10:41 pm
Yup, the copper bands in those printed circut boards are super thin.  I was pacing back and fourth on ways i could bind them together. Almost used tiny alligator clips.  Then the lightbulb went off. Two very small split shots pinched them really nice.
Title: Re: Repair printed circut board?
Post by: Eastonfrench on November 12, 2015, 08:19:11 am
Just adding my two cents, but I had the same issue, only for my oil pressure gauge. I ended up soldering a wire from the oil gauge to the end of the printed circuit line. Worked really well.
Title: Re: Repair printed circut board?
Post by: philo_beddoe on November 12, 2015, 08:57:59 am
I agree, a little bead of solder is a great idea, need to get me a soldering kit.
Title: Re: Repair printed circut board?
Post by: Eastonfrench on November 12, 2015, 10:31:13 am
GO to harbor freight. You can get a kit for less than 10 bucks if i rememebr. Then, I literally uses speaker wire and wired directly from The guage end to the part of the printed circuit that touches the plug. Had to do it for three different gauges, but it was worth it! I will see if I can find some pictures.
Title: Re: Repair printed circut board?
Post by: philo_beddoe on November 12, 2015, 10:41:32 am
Yeah, I love harbor freight, not exactly snap-on tool quality, but not too cheap either.  And, they have everything!!

I need an air compressor and a jack too, I (we) always need something from home depot and harbor freight!!