Crack In Plastic Fender

MudMav75 · #1 (**permalink**) 09-09-2004, 09:26 PM

I have a thin crack in my front right fender, extending from each side where my gear rack is attached. It seems to be getting bigger with time. I've heard a few different ideas as to how to fix it, but I don't know what is the best way. Should just try to seal it with a calk-like material or use a bonding tape? Someone also told me to take a drill bit and drill a hole at both ends of the crack and that should stop the crack from spreading.

Any ideas?

David · #2 (**permalink**) 09-09-2004, 09:27 PM

You got crack?? How much???

Not sure what to do, possibly replace it

MudMav75 · #3 (**permalink**) 09-09-2004, 09:33 PM

Crack kills :crossbones:

Replacing would be too expensive on an Eiger, hell, I'd have to replace damn near hole front end! I actually could care about the look of the crack, I just want to stop it before it gets too bad.

satrnfreak · #4 (**permalink**) 09-09-2004, 09:46 PM

Your best bet would be to drill it at both ends of the crack. If it has a starting point like th end of a fender, then i would probably drill two holes across the crack and "STITCH" it together with a tie strap. After that, cover the underside of the crack with GOOP, it is an awesome glue/bond agent that stays flexible.

Good luk
Freak

hcr400ex · #5 (**permalink**) 09-09-2004, 09:48 PM

Drilling a small hole at each end of the crack will stop it from going any farther. If you want you can try heating it up untill it melts back together, it looks almost like new but that will make it a little weaker for next time you crash. And lastly if you like the frankenstein look you can drill holes on each side of the crack and zip tie it together...this will hold it the best, but doesn't always look the best.

MudMav75 · #6 (**permalink**) 09-09-2004, 09:48 PM

Thanks. I'll give it a try.

Snafoow · #7 (**permalink**) 09-09-2004, 10:46 PM

Drill the holes like everybody says and stich it with tie wraps. It works well. You can also buy a kit to repair the plastics. Its like a hot glue gun for plastic. I seen it online a few times but I don't think it is cheap. If interested let me know and I will see if I can find a link for it

:rider:

Sycoholic · #8 (**permalink**) 09-09-2004, 11:10 PM

I've done the "zip tie-frankenstien" trick more than I'd like to admit. Use small zip ties, approx 4" long since they're thinner and drill holes just big enough to fit them through...oh and make sure the head of the zip tie is under the plastic so it'll look cleaner. You can get colored zip ties so they'll blend in better with your plastics. Take your time and make them even across and it'll look presentable. I wouldn't waste my time with adhesives or caulks. They have no structural integrity that would be required for a fender. :crossbones:

:devil:

#9 (**permalink**) 09-10-2004, 04:29 AM

Just a thought but if there wasnt any accident that started the crack it could be a weak spot or overstressed in that area and most of the drilling, glueing and other fixes wont be permanent if there is something else wrong. So just make sure that there isnt another bracket or other mounting point that is messed up or lose etc.

The absolute easiest way I have found for fixing tears in plastics when your not too concerned about the looks is to use the same epoxy products that body shops use for plastic bumpers (3m, SEM etc) and you can use a backing piece of plastic or whatever to hold the bond across the whole crack also.

There isnt any reason you couldnt take the time and do the repair very well and not only have a solid repair but also it could be almost unnoticable too.

I have used various varieties of these products on all kinds of plastics and have had excelent success beyond what I had expected.

Good luck either way and if you opt for the melting type repair just be real carefull and dont have a total melt down.