Hi Chaps, I recently had a "scrape" with another vehicle and have a small tear in the 2000 front bar. The size of the tear is about 2mm across and 30mm long and is all of the way through the plastic (i.e. a hole). Welding this stuff is very difficult so I am wondering if the solution is tofill using a glue. Has anyone had success with either method? If a glue is used please advise which type? Cheers and thanks
I would have thought that professional Plastic Welding would be the best choice, however, I believe that a good quality Eurothane Body Filler would be OK for such a small cut(or so I'm told, by my local Panel Beater).
Except there is a small piece actually missing. I guess John doesn't want to drive all the way to Queanbeyan to get a quote
Sikaflex and Fibreglass matt has worked for a similar tear on stock bar bottom lip. Its really strong and remains flexible, so reduces chance of vibration or gutter damage You rough up the back of the tear, soak the strip (or two) of fibreglass mat (woven not chopstrand)... but really any type of cloth would do the same thing as long as it allows the sikaflex to soak in . Apply the cloth as re-inforcement to the back of the damage (unseen) then fill up the hole from the front. and build up with a bit more sikaflex on top (you cant see it so it doesn't matter) Perhaps don't do it all at once (from the front) let it set then add more the next day or so .. you'll need a couple of days to dry or make sure its sunny and warm. longer set when cold. Wipe off all excess from the front, and you can also use gladwrap over the fix to get the required smoothness ...wait till fully 'set' before removing the gladwrap. Sikaflex is under $20.00 from Hardware stores . Off cut of matt =$FA Welding is the best but this may be a second option for you.? Hope this may help?
Hi Ian, I've spoken to two plastic welders and they are reluctant to weld polyurethane bars. When I said there was a hole both said it probably needs to be glued and I'm looking at about $100 (maybe more). So, I thought I would explore my options through this forum. Cheers
Hi John You could try a snow ski repair stik. I've had some on the soles of my skis for years now, without any problems. It might be worth a try. You just hold a flame to the stick & it melts into holes & scratches. It's some form of Plastic/Poly material that sets hard, but can be shaped & sanded. Works wonders on skis & I think they would take a fair bit more punishment than your bar. (most of the time) Cheers Kerry :zlove:
