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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: Formori on August 15, 2012, 07:41:18 AM

Title: Lower Fairing Crack, Fix?
Post by: Formori on August 15, 2012, 07:41:18 AM
Okay, so I've had my '05 GS now since May and have done all of my standard maintenance, added frame sliders, cleaned the chain, engine casing, air filter, etc. and basically all the stuff I need to do to keep her shiny and running good.

But now I'm getting really annoyed by something and want to fix it, because the PO of the bike cracked off the clip between the left and right lower fairings and to fix it they riveted a small piece of tin in place, and every time I take the lower fairing off to work on the bike it's a pain to get off without someone to help me remove the lower fairing as one piece.

Basically, I don't have the original clip to try and plastic-weld or epoxy back in place, so I'm wondering what you guys would suggest I do to try and fix it and make it functional again, while keeping the outer aesthetic.

From the outside it doesn't look any different, it's a little scratched up but there aren't any holes in the plastic, but underneath where the clip should be is all gone and it's just 2 rivets holding on a strip of metal.

I'll try to post pictures when I next get to take the lower fairing off.
Title: Re: Lower Fairing Crack, Fix?
Post by: Formori on August 16, 2012, 05:40:55 AM
Nobody has any ideas?
Title: Re: Lower Fairing Crack, Fix?
Post by: jdoorn14 on August 16, 2012, 07:57:47 AM
I think we're all waiting for pics before throwing ideas out there.   :thumb:  It's kind of hard to offer suggestions for repairs when we only have a text description to go by.

That said, check out www.plastex.net (http://www.plastex.net). I believe others have used this product to repair plastics. I would suggest watching the how to video and see if that gives you any ideas, since you know exactly what you are wanting to repair on your bike.
Title: Re: Lower Fairing Crack, Fix?
Post by: DoD#i on August 16, 2012, 08:17:23 AM
Generically, fiberglass something up, unless it's a JB Weld sized (small, not over-much strength) job.

Depending on what you actually have going on, you might be able to replace the tin with a hinge that has a loose pin, and pull the pin to separate. Not having an F, I don't know your specific part, but I have dealt with other fairings, and fiberglass/epoxy (don't use polyester resin, use epoxy - that's my word of advice on that stuff) is the best solution for most broken bits.
Title: Re: Lower Fairing Crack, Fix?
Post by: Formori on August 16, 2012, 09:12:03 AM
Ok, next chance I get to pull the fairing off I'll snap a few pictures and put 'em up here for you to dissect.

Thanks for the plastex link, I'm looking there now at repair options for plastics like this!

And DoD the hinge idea is good, I'll have to look an see if that'll work in that spot or maybe come up with a new snap connector.
Title: Re: Lower Fairing Crack, Fix?
Post by: weedahoe on August 16, 2012, 09:26:24 AM
Hmmm..... Lucky for me I have a plastic welder.
Title: Re: Lower Fairing Crack, Fix?
Post by: jestercinti on August 17, 2012, 01:30:41 PM
Did a search, and this is what I found.  Hopefully it may give you some insight:  http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=59020.msg672609#msg672609
Title: Re: Lower Fairing Crack, Fix?
Post by: BassWoW on August 17, 2012, 05:44:29 PM
You may have fixed it already but I used the clear epoxy from JB- i had three cracked fairings and a clip that broke off with the plastic. Everything is repaired from the inside and it looks great- time to sand down and either add paint or re sticker. cost was $4.28