JB Weld instead of welding......

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Mar 2, 2011 | 11:48 AM

scot210

Thread Starter

Tourer

Joined: May 2008

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From: B.C. Canada

JB Weld instead of welding......

Would JB Weld be strong enough to fasten a lower kit to a front fender, or would it need to be welded by a machine? I know JB is awesome for a lot of things. I just don't have a welder handy. Or could I use just enough JB to hold the two pieces together to take it to a welder? I was wondering if my painter would be able to sand down the JB weld and be able to fill any gaps without a lot of issues. I am going from a 16" wheel to an 18" wheel with a fender lowering bracket, I don't want the rivets anymore, want it to look clean.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Cheers

Mar 2, 2011 | 11:59 AM

grbrown

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Joined: Jun 2007

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From: Bedford UK

I suggest you find a competent welder! Sounds like your lower kit is structural, in other words it has to hold the fender on your bike, resist twisting of the forks, bumps and thumps while you're riding, etc. That's important enough not to compromise IMHO!

Mar 2, 2011 | 11:59 AM

Tazzrider

Road Captain

Joined: Jul 2010

Posts: 609

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From: Grand Rapids MI

Quote:

Originally Posted by scot210

Not familiar with what you call a "lower kit". But in reading your post, sounds like you plan to paint after all is said and done. Investing that much coin, i would weld. JB is good but I've had it fail before.

Mar 2, 2011 | 12:11 PM

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2006

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From: Charleston, SC

Yeah don't.

Local muffler shop, for like 20 bucks.

lp

Mar 2, 2011 | 12:51 PM

scot210

Thread Starter

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From: B.C. Canada

I will have to come up with a way to mark the two pieces so the welder can weld the two parts and not have an alignment issue after it is welded. Do you think 3/8" clearance between the fender and tire is enough clearance when the tire heats up and expands?

Mar 2, 2011 | 01:41 PM

89FLHT

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Joined: Oct 2005

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just some .02 .......

no -go on the jb weld - last thing you want is for it to fail, hit the tire at speed and lock up.
JB wled is good for filling in holes or cracks, it is not comparable to a real weld for mating structural components.

3/8 clearance for a cold tire and a fender is cutting it close (in my book) - I'd run a 1/4".

Best to put a long 1/4 spacer on the tire and sit the fender down on it, set up the lowering brackets to the fender and use some clamps to hold it. Make sure it is centered and even and all that stuff and then use a scribe to mark the lines for both pieces. Bring it to a good local welding shop and have them work there magic.