Repairing crack in hugger - how?

My bike currently has a black plastic hugger that i want to respray yellow to match the fairings. The problem is the numpty previous owner has managed to crack the hugger between the two bolts.

100_1555 (2).jpg

What is the best method of repair given that there still needs to be a certain amount of flexibility in the plastic - I have no idea where to start!!

Also when i respray, i assume it will just need primer, colour then top coat, but what is the best method of spraying so no runs appear in the paint. Obviously due to the shape I cant lay it flat. Forgive me if these are silly questions, i've not had to do this before....

Thanks in advance for any help, KJ x

[_Stretchie_]

Got a soldering iron?

Do a search on here and especially on google and youtube for 'Plastic Welding'.

I'm going to have a go

Plastic welding, eh? Never heard of it!!

Will go and research it......

Ta x

I repaired one with resin and fibreglass matting on the underside.

[Viney]

Originally Posted by kellyjo

My bike currently has a black plastic hugger that i want to respray yellow to match the fairings. The problem is the numpty previous owner has managed to crack the hugger between the two bolts.

Attachment 7407

What is the best method of repair given that there still needs to be a certain amount of flexibility in the plastic - I have no idea where to start!!

Also when i respray, i assume it will just need primer, colour then top coat, but what is the best method of spraying so no runs appear in the paint. Obviously due to the shape I cant lay it flat. Forgive me if these are silly questions, i've not had to do this before....

Thanks in advance for any help, KJ x

My Hugger just fell to pieces after a few years as there is too much flex in the swing arm.

You could always do a bit of fibregalssing as well to stop the crack spreading.

Spraying, not as easy at it seems. Yes though,rub down, Primer, rub down, guide coat for smoothness, rub down, then top coat in light coats and build up. After colur is all over, then rub down again, then another coule of coats, then lightly rub down, then lacquer, then cutting compund then t cut to a shiny finish! Probably easier to find a yellow hugger to be honest.

Cant find a yellow one and though the black looks ok, yellow will look more 'sporty'

Ive got time to keep spraying and rubbing down so im happy to do that!

Thanks for the replies, I definitely think fibreglass and resin is a more probable solution than plastic welding!!

Definately try fibreglass repair kit on underside of hugger, used it a few times now on plastics and it works a treat! Halfords will have one.