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MarkT Exhaust
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Author Topic: side cover repair  (Read 6637 times)
mark81
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Posts: 555


Cincinnati Ohio


« on: August 17, 2016, 11:23:36 AM »

The tab on my side cover was broken and missing when I purchased the bike. the side covers had been screwed into the center cover and chrome caps over the screw heads. That's one way to skin a cat. I thought I'd try another since it was a bit inconvenient to remove screws when I wanted to remove side covers.

it really is an easy fix that takes about 10 minutes total.  just take a heavy duty paperclip and slightly bend to fit, lightly scuff the surface and hot glue it to the cover and you're done.

paper clip


scuffed surface (you can see where it had been previously screwed together)


test fit


hot glue



strength test with 40 oz hammer



Hot glue is an underestimated underused adhesive. I have found it more convenient to use and has a stronger bond than most 2 part epoxies. however in this situation with the engine heat and it being mid august we will see how it holds up. update to come 
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1997 Honda Valkyrie
1981 Honda CB750 Custom
Fazer
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West Chester (Cincinnati), Ohio


« Reply #1 on: August 17, 2016, 01:10:55 PM »

Cool fix.  You must be some kind of genius! 
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doubletee
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VRCC # 22269

Fort Wayne, IN


« Reply #2 on: August 17, 2016, 01:42:06 PM »

Great idea! I'll, too, be interested to hear how the hot melt holds up in the summer engine heat.
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pancho
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Bonanza Arkansas


« Reply #3 on: August 17, 2016, 02:04:42 PM »

Cool fix.  You must be some kind of genius! 

+1
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gordonv
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VRCC # 31419

Richmond BC


« Reply #4 on: August 17, 2016, 03:59:06 PM »

Nice, I like the heavy metal from the paper clip. If you don't like the hot glue, try pouring over some ABS glue instead. Mine is dried out (forgot to close the lid), would most likely be good to use for this fix.
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1999 Black with custom paint IS

Tfrank59
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'98 Tourer

Western Washington


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« Reply #5 on: August 17, 2016, 08:42:06 PM »

That's a pretty good idea to fix it, though I am somewhat leery of using only epoxy (without some sort of threaded fastener as well).  My bike had the same issue when I bought it, so I just fabricated a little aluminum replacement tab and fastened it with a button head stainless screw (from the outside) and then painted the head of the screw to match the side cover. The whole fix took about 15-20 minutes and it's stronger than the original.
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-Tom

Keep the rubber side down.  USMC '78-'84
'98 Valkyrie, ‘02 VTX 1800, '96 Royal Star, '06 Drifter, '09 Bonneville, '10 KTM 530, '04 XR 650, '76 Bultaco, '81 CR 450, '78 GS 750...
mark81
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Posts: 555


Cincinnati Ohio


« Reply #6 on: August 17, 2016, 09:27:51 PM »

this is how it was originaly held on. there is a screw through the side cover into the center cover with a plastic button. chrome cap snaps over screw head onto button
 
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1997 Honda Valkyrie
1981 Honda CB750 Custom
mark81
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Posts: 555


Cincinnati Ohio


« Reply #7 on: August 17, 2016, 10:37:13 PM »

Just did a bit of research on this glue. Application temp is 250-375F  softening point is 176F.  it will probably get soft but not remelt. if I have any issues I will clean out this glue and use ???? whatever I find in my basement I think might work. A big glob of rtv will withstand the temp.  I've repaired side covers on other bikes with legos and a soldering iron. duct tape will match the chrome close enough  2funny Grin
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1997 Honda Valkyrie
1981 Honda CB750 Custom
Fazer
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Posts: 947


West Chester (Cincinnati), Ohio


« Reply #8 on: August 18, 2016, 07:28:11 AM »

Mark--JB Weld if your hot glue does not hold.  That stuff will fix an engine block.
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old2soon
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Willow Springs mo


« Reply #9 on: August 18, 2016, 08:39:21 AM »

Black A B S hardening. It's sandable and paintable-but in this application NOT an issue. Repaired a cracked-multiple cracks-saddle bag with this stuff. Mine has screws BUT the wind will NOT take them off!  coolsmiley Used the Velcro repair the first time-but didn't like it. RIDE SAFE.
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Fazer
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West Chester (Cincinnati), Ohio


« Reply #10 on: August 18, 2016, 12:31:32 PM »

His side cover is chrome, not ABS. 
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Bighead
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Madison Alabama


« Reply #11 on: August 18, 2016, 12:34:36 PM »

Nope still ABS.
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1997 Bumble Bee
1999 Interstate (sold)
2016 Wing
The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #12 on: August 18, 2016, 01:56:46 PM »

His side cover is chrome, not ABS. 
Its just a chrome coating over the ABS.
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Gavin_Sons
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VRCC# 32796

columbus indiana


« Reply #13 on: August 18, 2016, 04:58:15 PM »

You are a genius.   cooldude ill have to remember this one. U coming to the Dragon Round up next month?
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mark81
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Cincinnati Ohio


« Reply #14 on: August 18, 2016, 08:57:07 PM »

You are a genius.   cooldude ill have to remember this one. U coming to the Dragon Round up next month?
Goong to try to scrape together some money to make it
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1997 Honda Valkyrie
1981 Honda CB750 Custom
Fazer
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West Chester (Cincinnati), Ohio


« Reply #15 on: August 19, 2016, 06:51:18 AM »

Chrome over ABS???  Well OK, I stand corrected.  I just sold an 89 Shadow that had real chrome side covers.
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Gavin_Sons
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VRCC# 32796

columbus indiana


« Reply #16 on: August 19, 2016, 07:27:36 AM »

Chrome over ABS???  Well OK, I stand corrected.  I just sold an 89 Shadow that had real chrome side covers.

just like the alternator covers, chrome over ABS.
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Chrisj CMA
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Crestview (Panhandle) Florida


« Reply #17 on: August 19, 2016, 07:42:38 AM »

Chrome over ABS???  Well OK, I stand corrected.  I just sold an 89 Shadow that had real chrome side covers.

lol, real chrome...as opposed to fake chrome......or maybe just chrome on metal instead of chrome on ABS?   

 crazy2
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Bighead
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Madison Alabama


« Reply #18 on: August 19, 2016, 01:04:58 PM »

Chrome over ABS???  Well OK, I stand corrected.  I just sold an 89 Shadow that had real chrome side covers.
You are correct the older shadows had real metal chromed side covers my 96 had em too but the valk's are ABS.
Also if they were metal not likely to have broken.
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1997 Bumble Bee
1999 Interstate (sold)
2016 Wing
da prez
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Posts: 4357

. Rhinelander Wi. Island Lake Il.


« Reply #19 on: August 27, 2016, 08:37:43 PM »

J B weld will stick for a while. ABS and only black ABS will hold. I have repaired many bags and parts.

Some will say I am wrong , but I have a lot of experience with covers and bags.

                                  da prez
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mark81
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Cincinnati Ohio


« Reply #20 on: August 29, 2016, 09:34:56 PM »

The chrome "plating" is on the inside too. Dont know that the abs glue will be of any use inless i remove the chrome to get to the plastic.  I've put a few hundred miles on it in the heat and no issues with the hot glue yet. Ive seen hotter days though and that has me a bit skeptical of the longevity of my repair
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1997 Honda Valkyrie
1981 Honda CB750 Custom
rockbobmel
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Greenfield MA


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« Reply #21 on: March 07, 2018, 04:43:15 PM »

The tab on my side cover was broken and missing when I purchased the bike. the side covers had been screwed into the center cover and chrome caps over the screw heads. That's one way to skin a cat. I thought I'd try another since it was a bit inconvenient to remove screws when I wanted to remove side covers.

it really is an easy fix that takes about 10 minutes total.  just take a heavy duty paperclip and slightly bend to fit, lightly scuff the surface and hot glue it to the cover and you're done.

paper clip


scuffed surface (you can see where it had been previously screwed together)


test fit


hot glue



strength test with 40 oz hammer



Hot glue is an underestimated underused adhesive. I have found it more convenient to use and has a stronger bond than most 2 part epoxies. however in this situation with the engine heat and it being mid august we will see how it holds up. update to come  


Hey Mark, What is the distance from the clip outside to the edge of the cover? Is the clip bent?

I have the same parts to do the fix you did. Does it fit tight? Thanks,  Bob

« Last Edit: March 07, 2018, 04:44:48 PM by rockbobmel » Logged

2002 Valkyrie GL1500CD
1996  Shadow 1100 ACE
Hook#3287
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Brimfield, Ma


« Reply #22 on: March 08, 2018, 03:13:34 AM »

Cool fix cooldude

Hot glue is excellent for adhesion.  I use it to help anchor crown molding over cabinets.

My only concern would be the different rates of contraction and expansion between the cover plastic and the glue.

Everything contracts or expands due to temperature changes and if the glue is more or less stable than the cover, it will eventually release.

But, it could hold excellent for years, maybe decades.

Seems a periodic inspection of the glues "holdness" would be a good thing.

I used the velcro fix over 15 years ago and it's still working.   Grin
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rockbobmel
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Greenfield MA


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« Reply #23 on: March 08, 2018, 03:29:39 AM »

I didn't do the repair yet, but I got some OATEY medium black ABS cement that seems to be equivalent to Weld_On brand.
https://www.oatey.com/2373626/Product/Oatey-ABS-Medium-Bodied-Black-Cement

I'm trying to figure how much bend for the clip to fit tight while not exerting side to side pressure.
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2002 Valkyrie GL1500CD
1996  Shadow 1100 ACE
Hook#3287
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Posts: 6433


Brimfield, Ma


« Reply #24 on: March 08, 2018, 03:41:58 AM »

I didn't do the repair yet, but I got some OATEY medium black ABS cement that seems to be equivalent to Weld_On brand.
https://www.oatey.com/2373626/Product/Oatey-ABS-Medium-Bodied-Black-Cement

I'm trying to figure how much bend for the clip to fit tight while not exerting side to side pressure.
Bob, if your other cover is good, use it to get a feel for the distance the clip needs to be from the cover .
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rockbobmel
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Greenfield MA


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« Reply #25 on: March 08, 2018, 03:45:27 AM »

 cooldude Thanks!
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2002 Valkyrie GL1500CD
1996  Shadow 1100 ACE
Jims99
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Ormond Beach Fl.


« Reply #26 on: March 08, 2018, 04:39:40 AM »

I have not had good luck here in Florida with hot glue. I’ve used for a temporary hold, but over longer periods it will slowly release.
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00 interstate
97 standard
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mrgeoff
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My 99 CT..."Liahona"

Augusta, GA.


« Reply #27 on: March 08, 2018, 09:32:04 PM »

Just for information only...did you know that if you put baking soda over wet super glue, it hardens instantly and bonds stronger...it can be filed down but takes a lot of filing...use a dremel tool...try it on something else so you can see how it reacts and you can judge on much glue / baking soda you might need...just thought I would put my 2c in...!!!
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mrgeoff/SANDMAN
rockbobmel
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Greenfield MA


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« Reply #28 on: March 09, 2018, 02:39:35 AM »

The baking soda/super glue is a great secret!  That can even be used on guitar string nut repair.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slCMkvEfK_U
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2002 Valkyrie GL1500CD
1996  Shadow 1100 ACE
Valkpilot
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What does the data say?

Corinth, Texas


« Reply #29 on: March 09, 2018, 02:46:23 PM »

J B weld will stick for a while. ABS and only black ABS will hold. I have repaired many bags and parts.

Some will say I am wrong , but I have a lot of experience with covers and bags.

                                  da prez

+1

Most adhesives on ABS will give way over time. 

The Oatey's Black ABS cement works because it is ABS in a solvent carrier and the sovlent disolves the receiving surface and chemically welds the two.
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2007 Goldwing 
 
   
Savago
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Brentwood - CA


« Reply #30 on: March 10, 2018, 10:01:30 AM »

Nice hack!
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rockbobmel
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Greenfield MA


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« Reply #31 on: March 12, 2018, 05:37:03 PM »

Got the other cover home to compare the tab opening.  Did a little clip bending , sanding and got it welded on with the Oatey's ABS (4 coats).

Sorry, I'm still pic-illiterate  ???
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2002 Valkyrie GL1500CD
1996  Shadow 1100 ACE
da prez
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Posts: 4357

. Rhinelander Wi. Island Lake Il.


« Reply #32 on: March 13, 2018, 05:50:24 AM »

  I use the oateys abs glue. D O not try to use the multi purpose glue. It will not work. I have also filled the seams on bags and crack repair. I also re glued the joints on the inside of the bags. This was just done as a just in case. JB weld and bondo will not stay as a repair on ABS plastic. I also buy it in the small cans as it tends to dry out with contact to air.  One of my next purchases is a plastic welder. Yes , I know a soldering iron can be used. I do use one. A good plastic welder has a preheater.

                                 da prez
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MarkT
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VRCC #437 "Form follows Function"

Colorado Front Range - elevation 2.005 km


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« Reply #33 on: March 14, 2018, 02:45:11 PM »

I just use a small wire tie and a couple holes.  Not very noticable, very durable and easy to replace if it ever breaks.  Bonus, it acts like a hinge when you pull the cover off.

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recman25
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Tucson, AZ


« Reply #34 on: March 18, 2018, 05:48:37 PM »

  Mark81, thanks for sharing that fix! I just did it with my '99 Interstate. I dry fit it with duct tape to get the bend just right. When i was confident it would work out, I used crazy glue and baking soda, and a little prayer! Works perfectly!! You just saved me and countless others around $300 for a part that is on a national back order, and probably no longer available
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Dan
  1999 Valkyrie Interstate
  Tucson, AZ  formerly Jersey Shore
mrgeoff
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My 99 CT..."Liahona"

Augusta, GA.


« Reply #35 on: March 18, 2018, 06:37:04 PM »

You should see what I can do with a tooth pick...Just kidding...Nice to know somebody that is thankful...!!!
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mrgeoff/SANDMAN
mark81
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Posts: 555


Cincinnati Ohio


« Reply #36 on: March 19, 2018, 12:05:09 PM »



Hey Mark, What is the distance from the clip outside to the edge of the cover? Is the clip bent?

I have the same parts to do the fix you did. Does it fit tight? Thanks,  Bob


[/quote]

Not sure of the distance i guessed put a dab of glue test fit and repeat if necessary yes the clip is bent to follow the contour of the cover. Fits tight.  Been almost 2 years and 20k miles had the cover off and on a few times since then. no issues with the repair whatsoever even in the summer heat after riding 800 miles in a day still held strong.
  Mark81, thanks for sharing that fix! I just did it with my '99 Interstate. I dry fit it with duct tape to get the bend just right. When i was confident it would work out, I used crazy glue and baking soda, and a little prayer! Works perfectly!! You just saved me and countless others around $300 for a part that is on a national back order, and probably no longer available
Thats what this place is all about. Helping keep theae bikes together and looking good. Well that and political discussion.
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1997 Honda Valkyrie
1981 Honda CB750 Custom
Whattimisit
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Posts: 6

Edmonton, AB


« Reply #37 on: March 27, 2018, 02:09:13 PM »

I just had the other side of the tab break off on mine. The cover right where the key is. I haven't had time to fix it yet, but maybe I can do something like this too. Thanks for the ideas.
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rockbobmel
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Greenfield MA


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« Reply #38 on: March 27, 2018, 03:20:44 PM »

I'm very satisfied with the results I got.  Just like the pics above but I used ABS "Black" cement.


« Last Edit: April 07, 2018, 06:27:15 AM by rockbobmel » Logged

2002 Valkyrie GL1500CD
1996  Shadow 1100 ACE
rockbobmel
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Greenfield MA


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« Reply #39 on: April 07, 2018, 07:30:59 AM »

Got pics finally.
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2002 Valkyrie GL1500CD
1996  Shadow 1100 ACE
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