Any way to mend smashed plastic?

Sean · 03-18-2011, 08:45 PM

My left side rear plastic (the part that covers the subframe, under the rear seat) is smashed. It was a hit and run (I wasn't on it) and insurance will be replacing it, but I was hoping to get my old stuff usable enough to do track days on. What's the best way to mend this so it becomes somewhat usable?

G-Rex · 03-18-2011, 08:51 PM

I'd try taking a heat gun to it to soften it up enough to push out where you want.

There's a fine line between softening, and melting, but if you don't care about how it looks, it might be an option. I haven't tried it, just tossing that out as an idea.

Sean · 03-18-2011, 08:59 PM

Then what?

G-Rex · 03-18-2011, 09:02 PM

Hell man, you already have zip-ties in there! Those pass as fasteners in most track day organizations!

What? Are you worried about your ride not blingin' enough? LOL

eta: Did you heat it up already?

derf · 03-18-2011, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-Rex

Hell man, you already have zip-ties in there! Those pass as fasteners in most track day organizations!

What? Are you worried about your ride not blingin' enough? LOL

eta: Did you heat it up already?

You could try plastic welding, but it doesnt really hold up in the long run, maybe some duct tape would work?

Cutty72 · 03-19-2011, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by derf

You could try plastic welding, but it doesnt really hold up in the long run, maybe some duct tape would work?

I'm with the Jew... duct tape.

Sean · 03-18-2011, 09:05 PM

In the plastic? Nothing has been done to it yet. The crack is vertical behind the front fastener, so it bows out at speed. I fear a premature ejaculation of plastic on the front straight. Or on the I-15 on the way to the track.

pauldun170 · 03-18-2011, 10:35 PM

plastic weld

buy the stuff...follow instructions

shmike · 03-18-2011, 10:40 PM

Hardest but most thorough to easiest and flimsiest...

Option 1: Scuff it up and fiberglass it from the inside. Put a final piece on the outside to finish it off.

Option 2: Drill 4 small holes, two in front and 2 behind the crack, rivet a small aluminum plate in place to hold it together.

Option 3: Same as 2 but use zip ties.

azoomm · 03-19-2011, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shmike

Hardest but most thorough to easiest and flimsiest...

Option 1: Scuff it up and fiberglass it from the inside. Put a final piece on the outside to finish it off.

Option 2: Drill 4 small holes, two in front and 2 behind the crack, rivet a small aluminum plate in place to hold it together.

Option 3: Same as 2 but use zip ties.

I like Option 1 the best...

03-18-2011, 08:45 PM	#1
Sean giggity Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: socal Moto: street, sumo & dirty Posts: 1,071	Any way to mend smashed plastic? My left side rear plastic (the part that covers the subframe, under the rear seat) is smashed. It was a hit and run (I wasn't on it) and insurance will be replacing it, but I was hoping to get my old stuff usable enough to do track days on. What's the best way to mend this so it becomes somewhat usable?

03-18-2011, 08:51 PM	#2
G-Rex Where to next? Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: OK to the C Moto: TL1000R, Hayabusa, R1150RT Posts: 1,333	I'd try taking a heat gun to it to soften it up enough to push out where you want. There's a fine line between softening, and melting, but if you don't care about how it looks, it might be an option. I haven't tried it, just tossing that out as an idea. __________________

03-18-2011, 09:02 PM	#4
G-Rex Where to next? Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: OK to the C Moto: TL1000R, Hayabusa, R1150RT Posts: 1,333	Hell man, you already have zip-ties in there! Those pass as fasteners in most track day organizations! What? Are you worried about your ride not blingin' enough? LOL eta: Did you heat it up already? __________________

03-18-2011, 10:40 PM	#9
shmike Follower Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 5,549	Hardest but most thorough to easiest and flimsiest... Option 1: Scuff it up and fiberglass it from the inside. Put a final piece on the outside to finish it off. Option 2: Drill 4 small holes, two in front and 2 behind the crack, rivet a small aluminum plate in place to hold it together. Option 3: Same as 2 but use zip ties. __________________ Racing For Smiles

03-18-2011, 09:05 PM	#7
Sean giggity Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: socal Moto: street, sumo & dirty Posts: 1,071	In the plastic? Nothing has been done to it yet. The crack is vertical behind the front fastener, so it bows out at speed. I fear a premature ejaculation of plastic on the front straight. Or on the I-15 on the way to the track.