Crack in tupperware

[rodneyinmaypearltx]

Been hearing a rattle for a couple of weeks. Finally figgered it out -- painted part of fender is cracked along the seam just ahead of the point it bolts to the tubes. ~3" split on both sides, right up to where it curves.

Any ideas on a fix?

I'd like to epoxy a 3" "splint" along the seam on the inside, but don't know where to procure compatible material that's flexible enough.

Maybe a fiberglas repair kit is the ticket.

How did it happen?
Only thing I can think of is whacking a major pothole. I can only remember doing this once in a big way in addition to the normal timber-shivering licks all riders of my caliber (unable to avoid) encounter.

[messenger13]

Looks like a job for JB WELD if you ask me. I just LOVE that stuff. Although ... it doesn't taste anywhere near as good as LocTite. ;)

[GBarnes]

I went through three front fenders on my '01, (180,000 miles). I tried, with little success, JB Weld & other epoxies. I usually just picked up used, but good, front fenders from this site.

Good luck,

GB



Been hearing a rattle for a couple of weeks. Finally figgered it out -- painted part of fender is cracked along the seam just ahead of the point it bolts to the tubes. ~3" split on both sides, right up to where it curves.

Any ideas on a fix?

I'd like to epoxy a 3" "splint" along the seam on the inside, but don't know where to procure compatible material that's flexible enough.

Maybe a fiberglas repair kit is the ticket.

How did it happen?
Only thing I can think of is whacking a major pothole. I can only remember doing this once in a big way in addition to the normal timber-shivering licks all riders of my caliber (unable to avoid) encounter.

[OU812]

I have used structural adhesive on my old Windjammer. It should work.
http://www.ellsworth.com/display/productdetail.html?productid=1230&Tab=Products
Did I say I once worked in the lab of an epoxy factory? :rotf:

[messenger13]

I tried, with little success, JB Weld & other epoxies.George, Have you ever try putting the piece your "welding" into a 200° oven for about 30 mins after applying the epoxy? I'm telling you, it makes the difference. I have yet to have JB Weld fail on me.

[nplenzick]

There's and epoxy I bought a while back from a plumbing supply that's by far the best epoxy I've ever used. It sticks to anything! Smells like hell though. I'll dig it out in the morning and repost. Fiberglass will not to a good job of sticking to the plastic fender.

[KIC]

A friend of mine flipped his new quad a while back. The new front end cost a fortune. Did a bunch of research. Long story short. I learned that most of that type of plastic is "weldable"

And I used a very simple tool. My soldering iron. I practiced on my dirt bike, it worked. I fixed a bottom panel on my son's crotch rocket. The quad front end was pretty cracked all up the front.

I fixed the whole front end, and it has lasted so far. Take an old piece of that type of plastic, or from an old motorcycle and practice. Play with it.

Clean the edges and area very well from any oils, road grime etc.

The key is to hold the pieces together with a clamp.
Then start at the edge and carefully melt the plastic from the inside of the plastic break. Play with it.

Learn how it "melts and then how to "mix it together in the cracked area. I would "burn" several parallel grooves across the crack to help hold it together.

Since it is in the under side you can really play with it. Once you get it all "welded" you can take the soldering iron and clean it up by just sliding it up and down the crack.

If you really want a solid weld you can do it on both sides. Hope it works for you. Good Luck.

I just broke a plastic trim piece on the bottom of my seat in my 4-wheel LT (Tahoe LT) and will "weld it" this weekend.

P.S. If it doesn't work, pick a plan "B".

[bmwstve]

My 02 had the same problem. I got a fiberglass repair kit from Auto Zone and laid up a couple of layers of glass and haven't had a problem since.

[BobW]

I had the same issue and tried several epoxies but nothing would hold. I bought a used fender from ltparts dot com and had it painted.

I also had two fo the three top mounting tabs on the nose piece break off so I replaced the nose too. Plastic just doesn't last forever.

[rodneyinmaypearltx]

Thanks for all the good advice.

Found another fender on Ebay in my color, so it's on the way. In addition I'm gonna try the JB and 3M if the fiberglas don't work.

I might end up with a 40 lb front fender. Talk about unsprung weight....

[nplenzick]

There's an epoxy I bought a while back from a plumbing supply that's by far the best epoxy I've ever used. It sticks to anything! Smells like hell though. I'll dig it out in the morning and repost. Fiberglass will not to a good job of sticking to the plastic fender.

This epoxy is called "All Crafts Professional Epoxy" sets in 12 minutes even works underwater, sticks to anything, really good stuff.