Plast-Aid Fix

[blackcat]

About four years ago while removing the side panel cover in some fairly cold weather the tab on the side panel broke and I fixed it with Plast-Aid.  A couple of weeks ago it broke again from age so it was time to do it again.  I do have an extra side panel cover but don’t feel like having it painted and this is in such a hidden area that it works for me, and it isn’t a real Lemans I, just my commuter bike

My first attempt didn’t work, waited too long and it hardened before formed so I tried again with a more liquid application.





I used a piece of duct tape as a platform to create the tab which was easily removed once the plastic hardened, then it was just some sanding to create the tab end. The last time I purchased this product it came in some tiny bottles, but this time I purchased the larger kit on eBay for $26 bucks plus shipping.

The bike is due for a major re-paint and I’ll use one of the newer non-broken side panel covers sitting in the garage and hang this one up, but in the meantime it’s just fine from five feet away.

[fotoguzzi]

I once reenforced a tab like that bay epoxying a washer on the inside.

[blackcat]

I once reenforced a tab like that bay epoxying a washer on the inside.

Yeah, I considered doing that too but wanted it to look reasonably close to what was there originally.

[Knuckle Dragger]

I once reenforced a tab like that bay epoxying a washer on the inside.

Now that's clever.  Thank you very much for an excellent workaround solution.

[wirespokes]

Thanks for taking the time to post that blackcat. 

Reinforcing with a washer is also a good idea if there's room.

[dguzzi]

I've reinforced that type of repair with a small piece or strip of window screen. Seems to work well.

[bigbikerrick]

I am pretty sure that cover is made from ABS. You could also use abs glue and reinforce it from the back, with a piece of screen or better yet stainless steel mesh to add strength. You want a strong but slightly flexible repair so it wont crack in the future. I think what you used may be too rigid for that application.
  A good quality 2 part epoxy can also be used with good results.
Rick.

[Kiwi_Roy]

I usually get some thin gauge aluminium and drill it like a Swiss cheese to use as re-enforcing, JB Weld that to the inside.

[bigbikerrick]

I usually get some thin gauge aluminium and drill it like a swim cheese to use as re-enforcing, JB Weld that to the inside

Thats a good idea Roy! I have done similar, using aluminum  roof flashing material, and drilling a bunch of small holes in it. I recently ordered a sheet of actual woven carbon fiber material from a boat supply place, and plan to experiment with it a little. I think it would work for  reinforcing  areas like this.
  Rick.

[blackcat]

I am pretty sure that cover is made from ABS. You could also use abs glue and reinforce it from the back, with a piece of screen or better yet stainless steel mesh to add strength. You want a strong but slightly flexible repair so it wont crack in the future. I think what you used may be too rigid for that application.
  A good quality 2 part epoxy can also be used with good results.
Rick.

From the manufacturers literature: “It chemically fuses to many plastics such as ABS, acrylic and PVC...”  It has worked for the last four+ years.

[gearman]

Abs can be fused together with mek. I fused a honda pc 700 back together once.