Fixing ABS Plastic

[natemoen]

So I have a fairing I need to fix. Its got some cracks and a little chunk missing from the mounting lip. So my question is, who has fixed ABS and how do you do it?

[DiverRay]

There is a special glue that the body shops use. It's a two part epoxy that mixes in the applicator, and it works. I would build up the missing part with plastic wrap and tape, and then pay the $20 to $40 to have someone at a shop seal it up for you. After it's cured, just re-drill the mount hole and you should be good to go.
I'm actually going to be doing this myself, as I have a fairing off an '80 bike that is cracked as well. I tried fiberglass cloth with ABS cement on a different fairing, but it did NOT work that well.

[natemoen]

Yeah I was thinking about doing something like that to fill in the speaker and radio holes. I figured I would buy a sheet of ABS and cut out patch panels for filling the holes. Glue it with some ABS melted with some MEK solvent to use as a filler and glue then back it with a steel mesh melted into the ABS.

Its just the mounting lip that I am a little more concerned about because that is actually structural.

[Pat Kelly]

Plastic welding works great. I had someone weld the whole windshield mounting section from one Pacifico fairing to another.
It used heat and compressed air instead of flame to make the weld.
Harbor Freight had some nice kits

[jetmechmarty]

I've fixed that stuff. I got the epoxy from the body shop or just had them do the fix. It's 100%. YOU JUST HAVE TO HAVE THE RIGHT STUFF.

[CatatonicBug]

Craig Vetter sells a product called "Hotcha" that is supposed to be just for that purpose.

[SFerinTEXAS]

Should change my handle to JUNKYARD_DOG. Used a desktop TV case and acetone. Took a drill bit and drilled multiple holes in the case (made of ABS as most are). The shavings will spiral out as the drill cuts. Use a old Orange type prescription bottle (acetone proof, tested first) dissolve the shavings with acetone and turns it to goo (may take a day or so) lid on tight. Had a complete corner missing of a mounting hole. Tape the bottom and side to ruff shape and fill with goo. Let it sit 3 or 4 days to let the acetone evaporate out. Dremel grind to finish shape, place on bracket and drill mounting hole. Solid as new. MEK is supposed to work the same . Or just get the other commercially available stuff as suggested. I'm to cheap
The TV case flat pieces will give you ideas on other uses on the fairing too.

The acetone in the goo will melt into the fairing and it all dries and joins together as a solid.

[Incubus]

My Pacifico fairing had a broken front nose mount when I got it. The PO, however, had cut a strip of aluminum into a V shape that fits on the inside of the mount and is held on by bolts into the remaining lip. The mount itself attaches to the metal. It is actually a very solid and permanent repair.

I don't often give props to a PO, but sometimes they did smart things.

Patrick

[natemoen]

Incubus can you get a pic of the mounting frame from your fairing? I don't know what it should look like and it would make my life easier as I search for the mount for my fairing!

[motoman]

You all forget all that glass and epoxy............THE best for fixin' these things comes from any automotive paint supplier. It is called Fuser 143. This manufacturer makes several......and I do mean several different types depending on application. Correct one for any ABS or the newer "plastic" bumpers is the above mentioned. First was used on my ST for the very top left windshield screw mount, the very end of the mount when I had all the tupperware re-painted. /it mixes in a a small chamber tube that is put on seperately. A fine line of it on the EDGE only.....butt it together and you have less than a minute to keep all in proper position......yeppers, sets that quick.....guarentee. Afterwards I tried forcing that little piece laterally both directions and I believe I would have broke ABS somewhere else before that would give up. Was a good test as there can be quite a force on windshield.....specially if running a short 60 over the posted, which was another good test. That was on the ST........so I'll let you all surmise what that speed was. Its cost is about $20. The gun which operates the two-part tube is the pricey item, but good to use with any other of there products, so a one time cost there......seems it was $40 IIRC. Well worth it as it has many other uses. First one off hand I can think of is those that have broken off the lock on the left side-cover.....again, guarentee this stuff will hold and IS permanent. It also is sandable, paintable, etc. That particular one comes in black ........hope that helps some in the future........Also the mixing chamber tips are a one time use for obvious reason, and they a $1.69 each. Always have a few extra for that quick fix.

[Incubus]

I posted this once. Not sure where exactly. I thought it was on this thread, but....

Anyway, this is the fairing mount for my Pacifico, Nate...



Patrick

[natemoen]

Thanks Patrick now at least I know what I am looking for!

[b.walker5]

You all forget all that glass and epoxy............THE best for fixin' these things comes from any automotive paint supplier. It is called Fuser 143. This manufacturer makes several......and I do mean several different types depending on application. Correct one for any ABS or the newer "plastic" bumpers is the above mentioned. First was used on my ST for the very top left windshield screw mount, the very end of the mount when I had all the tupperware re-painted. /it mixes in a a small chamber tube that is put on seperately. A fine line of it on the EDGE only.....butt it together and you have less than a minute to keep all in proper position......yeppers, sets that quick.....guarentee. Afterwards I tried forcing that little piece laterally both directions and I believe I would have broke ABS somewhere else before that would give up. Was a good test as there can be quite a force on windshield.....specially if running a short 60 over the posted, which was another good test. That was on the ST........so I'll let you all surmise what that speed was. Its cost is about $20. The gun which operates the two-part tube is the pricey item, but good to use with any other of there products, so a one time cost there......seems it was $40 IIRC. Well worth it as it has many other uses. First one off hand I can think of is those that have broken off the lock on the left side-cover.....again, guarentee this stuff will hold and IS permanent. It also is sandable, paintable, etc. That particular one comes in black ........hope that helps some in the future........Also the mixing chamber tips are a one time use for obvious reason, and they a $1.69 each. Always have a few extra for that quick fix.

We used to use similar stuff in the appliance repair business years ago, except it came in 3 little glass bottles. 1 for cleaning and preparing and 2 for mixing together (like epoxy, but it wasnt). Fisher and Paykel, a major whiteware manufacturer over here supplied it for repairing cracked liners in fridges. Cant remember the name now but it was really easy to use and seriously strong once set.