Body Work

[Drano]

So this is what my bike looks like after my crash in October. Shredded muffler, bent handlebar end (removed in photo), bent and chewed up brake pedal and lever, and the lovely scraped front cowl. I'm getting ready to replace parts, but I'm curious, can a body shop repair the cowl, or should I just save up and replace it?

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p312/Moniras/2012-01-06_15-23-21_115Smaller.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p312/Moniras/2012-01-06_15-23-51_615Smaller.jpg

[willb003]

Why replace the cowling?

[bornwildnfree]

I replaced the cowl on my SV when I wrecked it but I did look into having it fixed at a body shop. I didn't want to see the lines in the sun from the plastic weld.

[tlees82]

I was going to say plastic weld and have it repainted, or they have a bondo for plastics as well. All in all, it doesn't look that bad as far as a repair standpoint!

[Drano]

I was going to say plastic weld and have it repainted, or they have a bondo for plastics as well. All in all, it doesn't look that bad as far as a repair standpoint!

That's good to know. I was worried that a repair might not be possible. Now I need to find a body shop in the Springs. :up:

[TinkerinWstuff]

that can be repaired good as new. That's a fiberglass job. Have done a couple now.

Not painted yet but built up in the same spot. also filled in the blinker holes on the side in favor of LED blinker mirrors:
http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac47/tinkerinWstuff/98vfr800/IMG_1170.jpg

This cowl was fixed in the same spot but the lower needed the most "re-fabrication"
http://www.usgunowner.com/photohost/is.php?i=1100img=PrePrimer01-.JP.jpg
http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac47/tinkerinWstuff/90VFR750/isphpi1107imgsmall_VFRdecals.jpg

but really, by the time you fix it and repaint it, you're probably better watching for one on ebay and paying a couple hundred bucks for one you can bolt right on.

[Clovis]

Yep, sand it, plastic weld and repaint. Or just leave it, it's not bad.

[Drano]

@Clovis Yeah, it's not that bad, but being the perfectionist I am, I won't want keep it that way for long. :banghead:

[tlees82]

You sound like me Drano! I don't like ANYTHING being messed up on my ride!

[Drano]

@TinkerWStuff The work you did on the VFR is incredible! It looks great! I'll definitely keep my eyes peeled on ebay etc. If it costs more to repair, then I'll certainly go that route. Unfortunately, since I'm banned from riding for a few more months, (due to the internal injuries I sustained from the crash) I have plenty of time to spend getting her fixed up, so that's not an issue.

@tlees82 lol yeah, I like keeping my rides pristine wherever possible. When it looks that good, why wouldn't you want it keep it spotless and shiny?

[TinkerinWstuff]

thanks. Hope you're feeling better soon.

Here's my latest work
http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac47/tinkerinWstuff/98vfr800/BodyWork/DSC00552.jpg

This was a plastic weld job
http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac47/tinkerinWstuff/98vfr800/BodyWork/DSC00554.jpg

plastic weld tweaks the shit out of the panel. clamped to mating panel, reheated, and allowed to cool in proper location:
http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac47/tinkerinWstuff/98vfr800/BodyWork/IMG_1206.jpg
http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac47/tinkerinWstuff/98vfr800/BodyWork/IMG_1207.jpg

once the panel was tweaked back to exactly the right form, short strand fiberglass was applied with hour after hour of sanding. Now the 1st coat of primer is applied so I can sand some more. 1st coat shows any imperfections underneath.
http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac47/tinkerinWstuff/98vfr800/BodyWork/IMG_1208.jpg

Looking at the pics of your damage again, I originally missed the spot where the panel is cracked all the way to the light. I thought it was just ground down on the side. Definitely recommend some plastic weld for a good fix. Getting a paint match is your problem. Worth the money if you can find a replacement on fleabay that's the right color for a couple hundred bucks.

[Drano]

@TinkerinWstuff yeah I was worried about that crack. I don't think I would be so worried if I had your patience and skills. I'm keeping my eyes peeled, and once I have the damaged parts replaced I'll get some quotes from some shops around town. Impressive work in those pics, you, Sir, have a gift. :)