Any way to mend smashed plastic?

Sean · 03-18-2011, 07:45 PM

My left side rear plastic (the part that covers the subframe, under the rear seat) is smashed. It was a hit and run (I wasn't on it) and insurance will be replacing it, but I was hoping to get my old stuff usable enough to do track days on. What's the best way to mend this so it becomes somewhat usable?

G-Rex · 03-18-2011, 07:51 PM

I'd try taking a heat gun to it to soften it up enough to push out where you want.

There's a fine line between softening, and melting, but if you don't care about how it looks, it might be an option. I haven't tried it, just tossing that out as an idea.

Sean · 03-18-2011, 07:59 PM

Then what?

G-Rex · 03-18-2011, 08:02 PM

Hell man, you already have zip-ties in there! Those pass as fasteners in most track day organizations!

What? Are you worried about your ride not blingin' enough? LOL

eta: Did you heat it up already?

Sean · 03-18-2011, 08:05 PM

In the plastic? Nothing has been done to it yet. The crack is vertical behind the front fastener, so it bows out at speed. I fear a premature ejaculation of plastic on the front straight. Or on the I-15 on the way to the track.

derf · 03-18-2011, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-Rex

Hell man, you already have zip-ties in there! Those pass as fasteners in most track day organizations!

What? Are you worried about your ride not blingin' enough? LOL

eta: Did you heat it up already?

You could try plastic welding, but it doesnt really hold up in the long run, maybe some duct tape would work?

pauldun170 · 03-18-2011, 09:35 PM

plastic weld

buy the stuff...follow instructions

shmike · 03-18-2011, 09:40 PM

Hardest but most thorough to easiest and flimsiest...

Option 1: Scuff it up and fiberglass it from the inside. Put a final piece on the outside to finish it off.

Option 2: Drill 4 small holes, two in front and 2 behind the crack, rivet a small aluminum plate in place to hold it together.

Option 3: Same as 2 but use zip ties.

Rangerscott · 03-19-2011, 01:13 AM

Buy a cheap plastic welding kit. You can either buy abs plastic rods or melt down LEGOS (forgot what to use).

azoomm · 03-19-2011, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shmike

Hardest but most thorough to easiest and flimsiest...

Option 1: Scuff it up and fiberglass it from the inside. Put a final piece on the outside to finish it off.

Option 2: Drill 4 small holes, two in front and 2 behind the crack, rivet a small aluminum plate in place to hold it together.

Option 3: Same as 2 but use zip ties.

I like Option 1 the best...

03-18-2011, 07:45 PM	#1
Sean giggity Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: socal Moto: street, sumo & dirty Posts: 1,071	Any way to mend smashed plastic? My left side rear plastic (the part that covers the subframe, under the rear seat) is smashed. It was a hit and run (I wasn't on it) and insurance will be replacing it, but I was hoping to get my old stuff usable enough to do track days on. What's the best way to mend this so it becomes somewhat usable?

03-18-2011, 07:51 PM	#2
G-Rex Where to next? Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: OK to the C Moto: TL1000R, Hayabusa, R1150RT Posts: 1,333	I'd try taking a heat gun to it to soften it up enough to push out where you want. There's a fine line between softening, and melting, but if you don't care about how it looks, it might be an option. I haven't tried it, just tossing that out as an idea. __________________

03-18-2011, 08:02 PM	#4
G-Rex Where to next? Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: OK to the C Moto: TL1000R, Hayabusa, R1150RT Posts: 1,333	Hell man, you already have zip-ties in there! Those pass as fasteners in most track day organizations! What? Are you worried about your ride not blingin' enough? LOL eta: Did you heat it up already? __________________

03-18-2011, 09:40 PM	#8
shmike Follower Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 5,549	Hardest but most thorough to easiest and flimsiest... Option 1: Scuff it up and fiberglass it from the inside. Put a final piece on the outside to finish it off. Option 2: Drill 4 small holes, two in front and 2 behind the crack, rivet a small aluminum plate in place to hold it together. Option 3: Same as 2 but use zip ties. __________________ Racing For Smiles

03-18-2011, 08:05 PM	#5
Sean giggity Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: socal Moto: street, sumo & dirty Posts: 1,071	In the plastic? Nothing has been done to it yet. The crack is vertical behind the front fastener, so it bows out at speed. I fear a premature ejaculation of plastic on the front straight. Or on the I-15 on the way to the track.

03-19-2011, 01:13 AM	#9
Rangerscott Viff6N Mutated Warrior Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Texas Moto: '01 Honda VFR 800 & '09 ER-6N Posts: 8,704	Buy a cheap plastic welding kit. You can either buy abs plastic rods or melt down LEGOS (forgot what to use).