Steve, I checked with a couple of sources on how to repair cracks in the valance, and found what I believe is an excellent process:
The cracks should be 'welded' back together using a propane powered soldering iron.
The exhaust gas near the tip of the the soldering iron can be used to heat the parts being joined, then burn the tip of the iron into the crack making a V which is then ready to be fillet welded by working the plastic from both sides back and forth in a swirling motion. It's best to only due approximately one inch at a time as it's too hard to keep a longer portion soft and malleable.
After the two parts or crack is joined, there may be a resulting swale which can be filled by heating and melting 'spaggetti' strips of plastic from a donor piece into the swale, and then smoothing with the top with the tip of the iron.
Once complete, the entire weld can be vibratory sanded using 180 or 240 to smooth the highs/lows.
The propane powered soldering iron can be purchased from Sears or Northern.
Good luck with the surgery.
Greg
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