Ok so I've driven my GS for about a little bit and dropped it once or twice, now I'm ready to sell it for a small profit and buy something bigger. Before I do, I would like to ask yous guys what is the best way to repair the scuffs and a small crack in the faring before I repaint it? There isn't major cracks or major scuffs but I want it to look like new for resale, any help would be greatly appreciated.
with the small crack, grind it out abit and sand the sides of the crack, then use a plastic fix compound. What your really want is a set, i couldn't name any names but there are alot and they all work in the same way. You place a powder in the crack, dry, then you use a sringe and sringe on some chemical in the set an it gets hot and hardens like the original plastic. then you need to sand it right down and do it again till you get it level with the frame.
Be careful though, if you inhale it too much you will be sick, and when your sanding it back it is much harder than fairing plastic so be careful not to sand away ur fairings and not the plastic fix.
Any decent motorcycle or bodywork repair shop should be able to get you some if you ask for a plastic fix set. And just specify the powder one with the sringe set. Some sets are just a liquid you mix in a bowl and paste on, some involve fiberglass work. I havn't found one which works as well as the plastic fix sets.
http://www.sportrider.com/tech/146_9510_hand/
If the fairing is made from fibreglass a fibreglass repair kit is what you require, just follow the instructions on the box. If the fairing is made from ABS thermoplastic as most modern ones are Plastic welding is by far the best method, particularly around fixing holes and mounting points but you wont be able to do it yourself and will have to find a specialist. Fillers and glues are ok short term but they always crack given time due to flexing, vibration and different expansion/contraction rates plus it can be difficult to get a high gloss finish that matches the original when you overpaint due to the different surfaces.......unless you are very good at painting.
http://www.steve-edwards.com/plastic.php
If it is just a small hairline crack, I have used solvent glue for plastic with good results. Typically found at hobby store where r/c and models are found. Usually it does not harm the paint if applied carefully. All the factory fairings I have repaired have been ABS.
Most Plumbing supply retailers carry a two part epoxy product for fixing fiberglass and acrylic tubs and shower enclosures that would also work extremely well for your situation. :cheers:
You can actually get the ABS solvent pipe glue from any hardware store and it's cheap. It actually bonds the crack together similar to welding. I'm experimenting now with fairing repair and am planning on trying the CA and baking soda method. You basically apply the powder and glue at the same time. It hardens almost instantly so there won't be much waiting time. When you're done just sand it smooth. This should be done on the back side of the fairing unless you have gouges on the front to fill. I've used that method for other things and it makes an extremely strong and high adhesion repair. I'll know how it works on fairings sometime next week.
abs cleaner and glue from PVC tubing section at home depot..
be carefull that stuf sets in seconds.. be completly ready, lined up, cause this stuff dries a little faster than super glue... andnot easy to get seperated afterwards.
Cheers. then bondo,sand, paint
Now this is just a thought so take it with a grain of salt.
Being a plumber, I got this idea. Take some abs pipe and cut it with sawzaw, take the shavings that are left behind and mix it with a small amount of abs cement, if mixed correctly you should end up with abs paste, now you'd have to act fast cause the solvent sets fast. But use that to fill in a small crack or hole, just dab the fairing with a small amount of glue to make it all stick.... Dunno? I'd try it but I haven't broke anything lately.
Quote from: rob1bike on March 04, 2007, 12:18:46 PM
Now this is just a thought so take it with a grain of salt.
Being a plumber, I got this idea. Take some abs pipe and cut it with sawzaw, take the shavings that are left behind and mix it with a small amount of abs cement, if mixed correctly you should end up with abs paste, now you'd have to act fast cause the solvent sets fast. But use that to fill in a small crack or hole, just dab the fairing with a small amount of glue to make it all stick.... Dunno? I'd try it but I haven't broke anything lately.
hmmm... I kinda like that idea. I would like to stay away from bondo if possible, but we'll see. I'm gonna talk to the body shop friend of mine this week to see what he thinks.