Solution for cracked plastics?

[GRich]

So the factory plastic saddlebag for my GK has been thru some trauma..... I am looking for the best solutions to make this sturdy, and not totally hideous. On the corner, the crack is spread out and even opened up a little so the gap would need filled in. Also, one of the bottom mounting holes is cracked and even missing a little piece.

I considered using just an ABS slurry (I'm assuming they are made of ABS.....) but then I was contemplating using super glue / baking soda. Maybe even a store bought ABS cement or epoxy? What does the collective say? The cracks are circled with a black dry erase marker btw - nothing permanent.

 

[argonsagas]

Try a search for this info. You will surely find a number of suggestions/solutions.

One I recall,...and have used...is black ABS cement. Black, not yellow.

It contains MEK so needs ventilation when using it, but it worked for me on fairing and case damage. .

 

[Grimly]

Dissolve some ABS in MEK and make a paste, use it to fill the gaps.

 

[nvr2old]

Save your self hours of work by simply using 2-part plastic epoxy available at any hardware store. Get the stuff that dries in 5-10 minutes. It comes in side-by-side syringes so even the mixing ratio is done for you. V the cracks with a Dremel tool and sand the areas that are broken. Add the epoxy, even in places where chunks are missing, let it dry and it's as good if not better then before it was broken. I've done it a hundred times and it's a permanent repair.

 

[chuck hahn]

YES as Larry said. JB WELD PLASTIC WELDER.I grind a ditch along cracks and then fill with the epoxy. I let it set overnight Sand and paint as normally you would do plastic parts

 

[Sandy]

Save your self hours of work by simply using 2-part plastic epoxy available at any hardware store. Get the stuff that dries in 5-10 minutes. It comes in side-by-side syringes so even the mixing ratio is done for you. V the cracks with a Dremel tool and sand the areas that are broken. Add the epoxy, even in places where chunks are missing, let it dry and it's as good if not better then before it was broken. I've done it a hundred times and it's a permanent repair.

I managed to build one good fairing out of three bad ones for FZ750 way back when. Worked great, even survived being tossed down the road.

 

[Grand Rouge]

I have been a fan, a subscriber, an EMail friend of / with Windy Urtnowski for about 4 years. Has a nice motorcycle collection. One is his owned since new 82 1100E. That bike in a thumbnail started the following. Living in Rutherford NJ, Windy is an avid rider, painter, repairer, lots of years building world championship grade model airplanes etc...

Plastics repair etc...... Lots and lots of excellent repair vids on his channel. TRACK BIKE FAIRING REPAIRING DAMAGE WITH CARBON FIBER AND CA. - YouTube​

 

[GRich]

Tons of good info and ideas - big thanks to everyone.

I ended up getting the plastic welding kit from Harbor Freight, and used the metal mesh. Seems to be working out really well so far - but time will tell. To fill in the smaller holes / cracks, I'll be using the ABS slurry.

I also brought this question up on another forum and someone pointed out that the plastic is 40 years old, and might be prone to more cracking in the future. I was talking with my wife and we want to run the stock panniers for daily use. But for any trips we plan on getting some Tusk aluminum panniers.

Thanks again for all the help fellas!​

 

[650Skull]

At the end of every crack drill a small hole this stops the crack from running. The end of the crack has to finish in the middle of the hole or at the beginning..............if that make sence.