Cracked plastic. Best way to repair?

[jimcor]

Is it a real clean crack? You might be able to use "Shoe Goo" on the inside. Once set up, you will probably not even be able to see the crack. Shoe Goo is absolutely amazing stuff!

Remember, you need a CLEAN crack, a jagged open crack is not good.......

Yeah, that's one of the Goop products. jpaul explained that the various Goop products are in reality the same thing in different named containers. His company tests competitor's prods and he is the tester.

[pntrdave]

Keith, if all else fails or you are interested I have a 79 gs 1000 parts bike with a decent chain guard on it. I'd be happy to send it to you and if you like it you could make a donation to the JoJo fund as payment. I just went out and looked I didn't see any cracks or deep scratches. If you want it I'll pull it off and look it over better. Dave

[cberkeley]

The Devcon plastic weld is good stuff and is what I use to repair stuff commercially ....it has saved my butt countless times on the job. The secret is surface prep (clean, clean, absolutely clean). However if a new part is economically available replacement would be my primary option.

[ghwrenchit]

Keith,

Suggestion on the cutting.... make a little dam of hot melt glue or packing foam on the inside of the area to cut to fill it up and not flex (hot melt will pop right out later). This will provide some support to reduce other cracking if you do try to cut it off and dress it up.

I too have a spare guard from an 80 750 that matches this number. I would need to dig it out and check the condition, but if you need it, it has your name written all over it.

Greg

[KEITH KRAUSE]

Thanks for the replies, tips and offers.
Between work and watching the Dodgers lose I haven't had time to work on it.
I can't make up my mind yet. If I cut it and don't like it, it's ruined. If I fix the crack, I'll probably still be able to see it. If I special order a new one, I have to pray it's in the new condition it should be in and doesn't have "storage damage", something I've dealt with before.:roll: Jeez, I sound pessimistic huh?
I'd really like to cut that ducktail off but I can't figure out just where or what angle I want to cut it...if I can cut it cleanly. I'd like the cut end to point straight back instead of that curve that ends in a ducktail.
I'll make up my mind this weekend when I have time to do it. If I cut it and it comes out nice, I'll post a pic.

[KEITH KRAUSE]

A pic' as promised, to those who want to see it. I decided to cut the ducktail off the end of the chainguard. I never liked it much. The crack was right where I would have cut it anyway. There's still a small amount of crack left but I PVC cemented the backside and I think it will be fine.
So the crack gave me the excuse to modify the look. With less material "after" the crack, I don't think the crack will re-open from vibration. I'll be ordering an NOS guard just in case. Need to get myself something for my birthday coming up. Sorry the pic's arent that good. I should've used the better camera.
Before:

[KEITH KRAUSE]

After:

[Pharkmeh]

nice clean work man...


as always.... bravo :-D

[Nessism]

Wow Keith, that's one clean ride. Oh, and the mod looks fine.

[Sandy]

WOW!!! That's one clean GS. Mine with 1/10 the mileage you have on yours ain't that nice. Maybe if I retire I'll have the time to put into it.

[KEITH KRAUSE]

Thanks! Actually, the bike's a little dirty right now, at least to me.
It's almost time for its 5-6 month polishing ritual. It does take time. I'll be taking a vacation day in a couple of weeks to polish her up. I gotta get her ready for the big annual ride around here. I have 350 vacation hours saved so I can afford it.:-D

[ikazuki]

one day i was at lowes and ran across the step by step polishing compounds you recommended. they were in the tool department.
great job on the duck-tail!!!!!!

[gke84]

cracked plastic,best way to repair

get some abs plastic pipe cut some slivers,then with a soldering iron apply the iron to the slivers and the part you want to repair and fill the crack taking care to melt it all together.i repaired my tail piece this way and it has not cracked again.

[KEITH KRAUSE]

What!? This is a tech question?
Sorry Frank. I kind of thought it fit into the general section. More or less how do you fix plastic.

[txironhead]

I am SO glad I have a chrome chain guard on my bike......

Nice work on the mod!