Faring reinstall

[PantheraLeo]

So...

My '05 GSF came with only the front fairing installed, but the PO did have the (somewhat damaged) side plastics.  I got to messing with the right fairing yesterday because it was too cold to ride.  It was pretty easy to get the brackets on and get it on the bike.  My issue was many of the clips, screws, etc were missing...particularly the left (more damaged) side.

So I found a screw/bracket/etc. part-out of an '05 GS on eBay.  I offered the guy 19 bucks for a bunch of screws, bolts, brackets, nuts, washers and the little plastic locking parts for the bottom of the fairings.  What do you know?  He sold 'em for that bargain price.  It also appears some decent slider bars come with the deal, which could be nice once I get the new plastic installed.

So now I'm gonna be able to prep and paint my fairings black, and get them on the bike for cheap.  The left one needs a bit of patching up.  What do others use for filler in these cases?  The faring is structurally sound, it just needs cosmetic repair.

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[Big Rich]

Leo, I have no experience with this so I'm working from what I've read..... but search around for the type of plastic used on the fairings. Then see of Lego blocks are the same type of plastic. There is some chemical (acetone?) that will melt plastics into a slush mix. When the chemical evaporates, the remaining plastic can be sanded down and smoothed over.

Good luck!

[PantheraLeo]

I've read a couple of articles on using ABS cement (like you use for the plastic pipe) to do what I am trying to do.  I'm thinking I am gonna go that route.  Most of what needs to be done is light filling before I sand it down prior to painting.  We will see how it goes.  So far, I have not invested too much into this...other than my time.  I think I can get the ABS cement for less than 10 bucks, although I will likely get the primer for it, too.  So maybe 15 or so for a couple of small bottles.  I may only have to purchase paint after this, which would be pretty cool.

The extra parts from the bolt buy that have nothing to do with the fairings will likely prove useful no matter how successful/unsuccessful my fairing repair proves to be.

[twocool]

PLASTIFIX.........

http://www.urethanesupply.com/PlastiFix/

Kit is $36....but well spent money for your repair job...

Here's the video......


I do extensive repair of antique aircraft...the interior panels are made out of ABS plastic sold under the trade name "Royalite".....Same stuff as motorcycle fairings...

The Plastifix is the best repair system out there....you can use fiberglass cloth (soaked with plastifix) on the unseen inside surfaces for more strength to a repair and use the plastifix to fill cracks.....sand  then paint...good to go..


Cookie

I've read a couple of articles on using ABS cement (like you use for the plastic pipe) to do what I am trying to do.  I'm thinking I am gonna go that route.  Most of what needs to be done is light filling before I sand it down prior to painting.  We will see how it goes.  So far, I have not invested too much into this...other than my time.  I think I can get the ABS cement for less than 10 bucks, although I will likely get the primer for it, too.  So maybe 15 or so for a couple of small bottles.  I may only have to purchase paint after this, which would be pretty cool.

The extra parts from the bolt buy that have nothing to do with the fairings will likely prove useful no matter how successful/unsuccessful my fairing repair proves to be.

[dennisgb]

The best way to fix broken fairings is by melting with a soldering iron (welding) and adding filler material. It takes some practice and skill but will result in a strong fix. Gluing or using any sort of glue type products usually don't work without reinforcing like a small patch glued over the crack. Plastic has chain linking when it is molded originally that give it strength. When it cracks the chains are broken. By melting it you sort of link the chains back together. Fiberglass does not work very well either because it just sits on the surface of the crack.

[PantheraLeo]

There really are no cracks, per se.  There are scratches but no cracks.  Some of the scratches are deep, some not so bad.  I'm going to sand them down and see if I need anything.  If I do, I'm going to consider the PlastiFix...while a bit more expensive seems to be a better bet.  Thanks for all the suggestions, guys!  I really appreciate it. 

I will take before and after pics and share.

[dennisgb]

Deep scratches should be filled with body filler or spot putty. I also use a primer filler which is thicker and fills scratches. Sand with 400 to finish and prep for paint. I've repaired a lot of fairings and tried the Plastifix with mixed results. The biggest problem is if you have a crack and repair it, then do all the work to prep and paint and it cracks again it's the worst. Proper way to fix cracks is by welding the plastic with an iron and ABS filler rod. The welds are strong and won't crack again if done properly.

[PantheraLeo]

I was able to sand out most of the scratches with some 220.  The deep damage by the bolt recess point was patched with JB plastic weld.  It sanded smoothly and nicely, and is in a well reinforced area that is pretty rigid.  The fairings had no structural cracks.

After a bit of additional sanding down, I think they should be ready for some paint.  The 400 grit is next.







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[twocool]

Nice!!!!!!!!!

Cookie

I was able to sand out most of the scratches with some 220.  The deep damage by the bolt recess point was patched with JB plastic weld.  It sanded smoothly and nicely, and is in a well reinforced area that is pretty rigid.  The fairings had no structural cracks.

After a bit of additional sanding down, I think they should be ready for some paint.  The 400 grit is next.







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[dennisgb]

Damage around mounting points are the toughest to fix. Your JB Weld looks decent and should work. Sometimes finding a washer of the proper size can be glued in there with some JB Weld to reinforce the mounting point. Even welding doesn't always hold on those stress points. Usually when they are broken like that I look for replacement fairings.

[PantheraLeo]

Well, I got them on.  The paint finish was...not great.  I may eventually take a second crack at it and see if I can't do better.  The polish just didn't quite come out.  Maybe I didn't wet sand quite enough, maybe my application of the paint was a bit uneven, maybe the compound I used was not optimal.  In any case...

Before:



After:

[Atesz792]

You certainly improved the looks

[dennisgb]

What paint did you use? Did you finish with 2 part clear?

[PantheraLeo]

I did.  I used the Krylon Fusion black gloss.  I think it was a poor choice, it was not very effective spraying consistently, and made the job much harder.  The clear (two coats) went on pretty well, but the underlying issues caused me some problems.  I felt like I wet sanded that stuff for a lifetime.

I'm confident I can do a better job.  But, the bike is not exactly in mint condition, so the fairings kind of fit right in...

In any case, I do think the look is improved, even if there is room for further improvement.

[dennisgb]

I won't use Krylon. It does not dry hard. Always gummy and weird. You can't wet sand it either. If you used a 2 part epoxy clear over it that should have sealed it tho. Unless there was a reaction with the Krylon.

[Big Rich]

Panther, I think the paint Dennis is referring to is Spraymax 2k Clear. It is hands down the best rattle can clear coat I've ever seen, but it is really toxic to breath. Cheapest place I've seen it for sale was repaintsupply.com I think?

[dennisgb]

Yes SprayMax 2K or good quality gun sprayed 2 part epoxy clear coat. You need an approved mask and a well ventilated area...bad stuff but tough as nails and looks awesome.

[PantheraLeo]

Gotcha.  Thanks guys.  Maybe if I get a little down period I will make another attempt at it.  I'll remember the Spraymax 2K!

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