fairing repair

[Bigfoot]

Back when i started getting my FJ back up and running, I paid someone to paint it, including fixing some of the cracks in the brittle plastic, etc. Well, it looked pretty good until the clutch master cylinder leaked and whatever glue he used ended up dissolving. Here was the end result



Yes, i lost a piece somewhere along the way 

So, since i had the fairing off to fix my turn signals, i decided it was time to do something about it. I went and got a small piece of lexan that was fairly easy to cut with just a straight edge and a very sharp hobby knife. I already had a rivet tool and some gorilla glue, so i figured i could make something work, and besides, it really couldn't get any uglier. lol



In hindsight, don't know why i didn't make it slightly larger and cover that other hole 

Here is the finished product. I did both sides just so they would be the same, but only one side was broken. Just need to drill mounting holes and put it back on the bike tomorrow after the paint is nice and dry. 

[Charlie-brm]

<snip> I did both sides just so they would be the same, but only one side was broken.

LOL. You're way ahead of me.

Very nice repair, in perspective with the age and use of the bike. What I thought was coming from seeing the first picture is that you were using the Lexan as a temporary backer to mold in some plastic compound from the inside.

[Russfjr1]

Why not make it look like it is supposed to look like that as in scrape the paint off the rivet heads so they stand out as per the bolt heads around the screen and then add more rivets along certain body lines on the fairing a bit like aircraft panels! I have seen this done in airbrush work but not with real rivets. Could look very trick and tie in the new panels and rivets.

[Bigfoot]

For a $5 fix done in a short amount of time, i was pretty pleased with the results. It really blends in fairly well. I was very discouraged when that piece broke off. I could see using rivets in conjunction with an air brushed paint job, would have to be easier than painting each rivet on. lol

I have not put the fairing back on the bike yet. After it was painted the painter got in a bike wreck himself before he was able to wet sand it down and polish it. So, it looks good from 10 feet away, but get close and you can see all the orange peel. I decided since i already had it off, now was the time. It will have a nice mirror finish when it goes back on.

[jscgdunn]

Why not make it look like it is supposed to look like that as in scrape the paint off the rivet heads so they stand out as per the bolt heads around the screen and then add more rivets along certain body lines on the fairing a bit like aircraft panels! I have seen this done in airbrush work but not with real rivets. Could look very trick and tie in the new panels and rivets.

I was thinking of the aircraft rivet thing as well for a resto-mod....aluminum paint color with pop rivets along "seams"...

[Russfjr1]

For a $5 fix done in a short amount of time, i was pretty pleased with the results. It really blends in fairly well. I was very discouraged when that piece broke off. I could see using rivets in conjunction with an air brushed paint job, would have to be easier than painting each rivet on. lol

I have not put the fairing back on the bike yet. After it was painted the painter got in a bike wreck himself before he was able to wet sand it down and polish it. So, it looks good from 10 feet away, but get close and you can see all the orange peel. I decided since i already had it off, now was the time. It will have a nice mirror finish when it goes back on.

Be very careful on the edges 2000 grit paper removes more paint / clear coat than you think !  Loads of soapy water to wash away particles of grit off the paper and paint build up (it also acts like a lubricant) and again when buffing that shine back keep it wet because of the heat build up. If you know this already I will shut up   

[Bigfoot]

Thanks Russ, yeah I was careful. i could polish it a little more but it came out pretty good.



I know some FJ purists won't like it, but I do

[Steve_in_Florida]

I know some FJ purists won't like it, but I do

That's the spirit!

How else are we to ride these bikes, when proper spares are naught to be had?

Ya gotta do whatcha' gotta do!

Besides, no one's gonna see it at kookaloo speed, anyways...

Steve

[Urban_Legend]

I have never really seen or heard of an FJ purist. I think every FJ i have ever seen has been modded in some way. Everyone has done some sort of tinkering the thier bike, either to keep it running or to make it just that little bit better (rims, forks, rear suspension etc). I love the flames.

[FJscott]

Looks great   ride that bitch

[Mark Olson]

Looks cool with the crazy flames , nobody is gonna notice the patchwork .