Repair of cracks/scratches on pod and spats

[Bozz]

Hi guys

What is the best way to mend scratches or gouges in the pod or spats of a trike? Fibreglass construction.
Can it be filled with an epoxy or should you use resin to fill the scratches?

This includes fine cracks (from ageing?) or deeper scratches from outside objects.

Steve

[bobthebuilder]

I have tried to fix cracks in the gel coat on my race bike components. Nothing really seems to work. You need to try and mount fibreglass components in a manner that produces the least stress as possible. Even if filled and sanded as smooth as a babies butt, it will probably crack in the same place again. I would either learn to live with it, or buy new parts, and mount them carefully. Dont let a bolt ot fastener pull the fibreglass out of it's natural shape. Bolts should never go directly through the fibreglass. Use a ferule and hard rubber washers to try and reduce vibration and sudden impact forces.
Good luck.

[Tailspin]

Bobthebuilder has the right Idea, you need to put the fiberglass under as little twisting strain as possible.
I use superglue and Bicarb. This works but you need to leave it overnight to set properly and then sand it down.
Seems to work quite well well so far

[Bozz]

OK, thanks for the input.
Superglue and bicarb sounds interesting. I think I'll try that for a start.

[Tailspin]

Just try on something that you can toss away first till you get the hang of it.
That stuff even fixes chips on a prop. So practice before going at it. Can be fun and do not breathe the fumes it releases when it smokes. Not very nice.

[bobthebuilder]

Nice idea Gavin.

Sounds like you flew RC at some point.

[Tailspin]

Nice idea Gavin.

Sounds like you flew RC at some point.

Yebo

So very True
When you prang the plane the second time all that remains fixed is the area's you fixed with superglue Mix.
The rest she is Broken