Cracked My Fairing

[xlock]

So I have taken my fairing off 2 times and for some reason the inner fairing on left side below the storage pocket cracked today when I removed it again :ohno: . I have been really careful and didn't put it in a bind or anything; can't figure out why it did that.
Can anyone suggest a kit to repair this? I can easily access the inside but have limited knowledge of fiberglass repair (actually none). When I push it back together it doesn't look bad at all so I figure if I can fuse it from the back and apply a little touch up paint I'd have to point it out to be noticed but as it is it's pretty unsightly.

[ponch]

Looks like you have a third party gauge installed there...

[xlock]

Yep, it's a super light voltmeter; I ruled it out as the culprit but do enjoy it! I have an aftermarket Temp Stick as well so all my vitals are on the left side and the dash.
The reason I ruled it out is that it weighs about 1/4 of what the OE 12V plug weighs and required no modification to the existing hole. Both sides were identical regarding the knockout accessory hole and the OE 12V plug is obviously no problem.

[Peg]

I've had damage to my bags and fairing repaired by a plastic welder, and I'd say that's your best option for getting it looking like new. Any body shop should be able to point you in the right direction.

It won't be cheap though, since there'll be paint required.

[xlock]

Thanks Peg, I'll investigate the plastic weld; I remember your thread on it now. I just finished putting it together and its got under 700 miles on it so I'm prepared to spend the money required to make it look right again.

[Vaqrider2276]

I drilled and installed a momentary switch for a garage door opener and the inner fairing on my Vaquero cracked in several directions from the hole i drilled. It started cracking a couple of days after I installed the switch. I was able to repair it using Q-Bond. It's a powder and glue system that can be sanded. I repaired the fairing from both the inside and the outside and filled in the hole I had made. I "V" grooved out the cracks both on the inside and outside of the fairing with dremel tool prior to using the Q-Bond. I sanded the repair on the outside, filled in any imperfections with Bondo glazing putty and sanded that. I then primed and painted it and its good as new and looks factory again. I have a black Vaquero so the painting was pretty simple. (I repainted the whole inner fairing, not just the repair area so that it all looks good.) The repair from the inside was left alone, no sanding. The Q-Bond is very strong and melts into the surrounding plastic for a very strong repair. I was very impressed with the outcome and would suggest that you try it. The Q-Bond was about $25 for the kit and I have also repaired a damaged Harley Tour Pack that I am just getting ready to paint and ultimately install on the Vaquero. GOOD LUCK.

[HwyRider]

If your fairing is ABS plastic you can't use fiberglass you have to use ABS. You can get liquid ABS at Home Depot or Lowes in the plumbing section. Just brush it on to the crack from the inside. It's black in color. and has an applicator similar to what you would find in shoe polish bottles. Let it harden and put a second coat on.

If it's fiberglass get a can of fiberglass resin and hardener at an auto parts store. Also pick up a small amount of fiberglass cloth. Mix the fiberglass resin according to the can with the hardened. Put a small amount on the back side of the crack. Lay the fiberglass cloth in the resin and add some more resin. Use squeegee meant for bondo or fiberglass to smooth it down. Let it dry for an hour and add an additional coat of resin. If you're not concerned about the look inside the fairing that's it.

[xlock]

Thanks for all the advice! I'll give it a shot and worst case take it to a body shop if I can't get it right.

[HwyRider]

If the fairing is ABS you won't see any fiber strands in the crack. If it's fiberglass you will see strands.

[xlock]

It's ABS then. Thanks for the info!

[plumber63]

Putting just the glue on the crack isn't going to hold. You are going to need a piece of abs plastic to bond to the back to hold it together and then it will be iffy. you can get sheets of abs on ebay. I would recommend you cut a patch then heat it up to get pliable, and form it to the inside shape behind the crack. Then glue it on. Use some good tape to pull the crack together/ line it up and hold it while it drys. Good luck.

[ponch]

http://www.harborfreight.com/plastic-welding-kit-with-air-motor-and-temperature-adjustment-96712.html