Oh for the good old days of metal side panels

My latest addition (v65 Magna) has a couple of cracked side panels. Looks
like the PO had a bash at fixing it by applying epoxy or summat to the back
of them, but it has not worked very well as the stuff is hanging off and the
cracks are prob more visible than before.

Is there a way to make a decent repair to these things other than replacing
them

cheers

John H
VF750FD
V65 Magna (undergoing cosmetic surgery)

 

You could try plastic welding them. If there's enough room I usually
just clean up the back, key it then slap on a layer of fibreglass.

--

Dave

GS 850 x2 / SE 6a
SbS#6? DIAABTCOD#16 APOSTLE#16? FUB#3
FUB KotL OSOS#12? UKRMMA#19

 

A couple of useful sites there, although you need a special hot air gun for
the procedures in the 2nd one, I noted...... 'The most important rule in
plastic welding is that it is only possible to weld like with like.'

Enter.. the black plastic coat hanger. I will give it a go with a soldering
iron. Will auto body filler stick to side panels ok for smoothing out
imperfections after welding? Just curious as I am not too confident on
achieving a blemish free repair with a shaky soldering iron

John H
VF750FD
V65 Magna (undergoing cosmetic surgery)

 

I think it was on Sat, 19 Jul 2003 23:05:26 +0100 that "John H"

Might be worth having a word with your milkman.

A few years back (20+ !) a friend of a friend set up a plastic welding
business on the strength of a contract with Express Dairies to repair
plastic milk crates. Not seen the original friend for 15 or so years
so I can't help with names/numbers I'm afraid.

Your local Express dairy may have a similar contract in place, or may
even do it themselves on site.

--

Rob
Broseley, Shropshire
1991 Yamaha XV 535 Virago
1988 Saab 900i

 

A bit late in the day for an answer, but I've always had considerable
success by reinforcing panels (and fairings) on the inside with glass
fire cloth. You can't see it where it's in place. And then you just
touch in the paint on the side you can see.

Glass cloth is also ace for fixing those little plastic mounting lugs
that always seem to break off side panels, too.

 

A bit late in the day for an answer, but I've always had considerable

<numpty mode on>
I've never heard of that before - what is it & where can you buy it?
</nmo>

Cheers

Buzby

 

Buzby was seen penning the following ode to ... whatever:

Glass fibre mats, usually used to either repair boats or bodge
bodywork on a cage. You use the mats plus some resin and once the
resin hardens the whole thing is more or less stable.

Halfords sells this stuff amongst others. And boat builders
obviously.

Oh, and do us a favour and leave the correct attributions in when
snipping.

 

I am going to take this route there is enough clearence behind the pannels.
Someone else sugested plastic welding with a hot air gun with a fine nozzle.
I tried for one on ebay t'other day but was out-bid in the final straight
(went for ?31).