| Author | Message | ||
     Staves |
Anyone have any luck repairing a crack in the Journey topcase? What type of cement did you use? Any tips? This isn't a warranty issue. I bought a cracked case for the hardware recently. I'm planning to mount a Hardigg Storm waterproof case on the back rack of my '06 Uly and needed the locking latch, etc. But it seems a shame to just ditch the cracked Journey. The crack is about 6" long from the outside edge of the rear hinge up toward the top of the case. Let me know of any success stories. Also, what kind of plastic is the case made of? Thanks! - Scott | ||
| Froggy |
How is it structurally? How about a thin coat of RTV or something to stop the leak?
Shit.  | ||
| Staves |
How strong is the adhesive in RTV? The crack leaves a gaping opening in the case - I really need a strong, permanent glue. I have some Plastex stuff I've used to glue ABS plastic fairings on bikes. That's why I was wondering what the case is made of. | ||
| Mark_weiss |
ABS can be welded. If you cannot find someone who specialized in motorcycle bodywork repair, check a private airport. ABS repair is pretty common. Mark in Arizona | ||
| Staves |
So, can we confirm that the Journey cases are made of ABS plastic? | ||
| Sprintex |
I would put a layer of epoxy with fiber glass cloth behind the crack. | ||
| Etennuly |
Yeah, they are ABS, they can be welded and reinforced with the chemically correct adhesives. These can be found in Autobody supply stores. If you use anything other than those prescribed for ABS it will just peel right off, wasting time and money. Do a look up on Fusor products. | ||
| Staves |
Thanks for all the suggestions! Time for some experimenting. | ||
| Wbrisett |
Would JB Weld work? I know it pretty much sticks to anything and I've made some amazing things with it (usually I have some left over from when I am building something, so I get creative with toothpicks and various things laying about the shop).  Wayne | ||
| Staves |
The JB Weld site states that it won't bond to Polypropylene plastic or Polyethylene plastic. So it might work with ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). Anybody have experience to share? I'm no chemist! | ||
| Adamd |
JB weld wont work. You can weld it yourself using a soldering iron and some alum mesh screen. It's an old racing trick to fix plastics cuz dey expensive. Just heat the alum screen until it sinks in... | ||
| Ratbuell |
+1 on the soldering iron. Haven't done the screen trick yet though...gonna have to try that next time | ||
| Rwven |
I've done that trick on small parts using staples from a paper stapler. Just lay them across the break and melt them in. | ||
| Ronmold |
This stuff is great for ABS, has a strong odor when drying. I've used that mesh fiberglass joint tape that sheetrockers use under the glue but I like the screen melt-in idea. http://www.powerpoxy.com/productDetail.asp?product ID=479 |
