Sorry for the click-bait title. Pictured below is one of the rear mounting holes on the belly-pan / fairing. As you can see, it's pretty knackered and cracked. My question: How would you fix/reinforce this? What brand glue would you use? Any other hints or tips? Thank you!
(https://bn1303files.storage.live.com/y4mMrUOLSIPWemc6zs3JCz9ck1DWjjtWd0rSsp2DGuw7I_9djsCjV0AbwZq8JUxflYyDVHX39doCmrPhVmwGavKNPEAy74FacTPLwwkBr1Ltj9MsGtQkZyvi14nvo86uMYcMr7md5mc0Kt63JCN8CvifMf0fNDWuk1ipTBdji4EXti7we4SS4CX2M1qmLt6qxfr?width=1200&height=571&cropmode=none)
(https://bn1303files.storage.live.com/y4miYJq9PB8fAq10qX88iD390LcJidDmBOlxG51iLsajQ9wis9JNrmsZz-_DKb4hcv_xmLg6zvxiGuz5rrYVrqw_l2eMF5J1nxi28eETDYSvriLtSAxMmmoy1VMyL4Pa4hDKiViDWtsDQ_kjlmQ4w9U7a8TchnT6CAl800_LCoW5eOcOyOQANvMmL8d2VQZIGWw?width=1200&height=571&cropmode=none)
I'd use plastex on the cracks then I'd use fibreglass mat and plastex on top as reinforcement, and this would all be done on the back so you don't see it .
Definitely worth repairing - I've used Plastifix and hot staples on my bellypan.
Aviation Fred did a brilliant job on his damaged fairing with the hot staples, first time I'd ever seen of them being used :good2:
I've used a soldering iron to good effect, hold the pieces together and on the unpainted side run the iron down the crack slowly while moving side to side melting the pieces together. You can strengthen the weld by adding more abs material.
Plastex. With fiberglass cloth on the back. And be done with it. Use a dremmel tool to grind the cracks. Like sparky did.
I think using Hot Staples with liquid ABS cement or Plastic would create a very long lasting repair.
Here is a link for a Hot Staple kit.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/122704795136 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/122704795136)
Here is a short video showing the use of the Hot Staples on my FJ main faring.
https://youtu.be/BSTntSs6HOQ (https://youtu.be/BSTntSs6HOQ)
Fred
I used the 99 cent superglue (cyanoacrylate) from harbor freight to great success repairing FJ fairings. Obviously you can get it from anywhere as long as it is decent quality. Sands down nicely and can be painted over so you can't even tell it is there. The other repairs suggested here are more professional and will likely have more strength, but superglue has held up fine for me so far.
Add some baking soda and I think you have Plastex...
Quote from: ajacstern on February 25, 2021, 09:15:43 PM
I used the 99 cent superglue (cyanoacrylate) from harbor freight to great success repairing FJ fairings. Obviously you can get it from anywhere as long as it is decent quality. Sands down nicely and can be painted over so you can't even tell it is there. The other repairs suggested here are more professional and will likely have more strength, but superglue has held up fine for me so far.
Super glue is good, as you say, but if a butt join is under any sort of stress (and that's why they're usually cracked) the join needs strengthening. Superglue is also good for temporary alignment while fibre glassing or other such repair, I even use superglue to hold parts together for welding if clamping or magnets are impractical.
Noel
Quote from: FJmonkey on February 26, 2021, 12:31:38 AM
Add some baking soda and I think you have Plastex...
:sarcastic: