Bending Plastic Fairing
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Tourer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 305
Likes: 10
From: Charlotte, NC
Bending Plastic Fairing
A couple of months ago I had a minor accident with my Ultra. No injuries, but I bent the crash bar and the lower fairing. I was amazed that the bottom edge of the lower bent when it came in contact with the floorboard rather than breaking. Anyway, I can't use the lower with the bent lip because it comes in contact with the floorboard. I was thinking about applying some heat to it with a heat gun and gently trying to rebend it back. Has anyone else ever tried this? I'm assuming that if it bent once, it will bend again. I know I have to be careful not to get the plastic too hot or it will blister or melt, but I think by taking my time I should be able to work with it. I know there are lowers for sale on Ebay, but this lower is in too good of condition not to try to fix it. Any thoughts?
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,118
Likes: 26
From: OOB, Maine
I think if it were me I would set up some sort of jig to hold it in the desired (original) shape. If you can get it back into that shape with out heat (despite it wanting to return bent) do so and clamp it so it stays, then apply the heat so when it cools it will retain the jigged shape. If not the heat to bend then figure a way to hold it there while it cools. Manual power may work but might become tiring quick.
Adam
Adam
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Tourer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 305
Likes: 10
From: Charlotte, NC
I think if it were me I would set up some sort of jig to hold it in the desired (original) shape. If you can get it back into that shape with out heat (despite it wanting to return bent) do so and clamp it so it stays, then apply the heat so when it cools it will retain the jigged shape. If not the heat to bend then figure a way to hold it there while it cools. Manual power may work but might become tiring quick.
Adam
Adam
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 876
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From: Eastern NC
I've used heat guns to remold plastic interior trim pieces. I found that there was a fine line between too little and too much heat. If the piece is damaged already, no harm in trying to fix it. I always started with the lowest setting and went from there, applying constant pressure with a tool that roughly matched the contour of the piece, working a small section at a time.
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Tourer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 305
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From: Charlotte, NC
True, but with a $500 deductible, it pays not to file a claim as they tend to increase premiums when you do. I was able to buy a new crash bar on Ebay for $95. A new lower would run around $400 painted. If I can bend it back and have it painted, I'll be ahead costwise.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,927
Likes: 5
From: Midwest
True, but with a $500 deductible, it pays not to file a claim as they tend to increase premiums when you do. I was able to buy a new crash bar on Ebay for $95. A new lower would run around $400 painted. If I can bend it back and have it painted, I'll be ahead costwise.
And I agree with the others on your heat gun idea--you've got nothing to lose, so give it a shot.
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