Honda Spree Front Fairing Repair
Moderator: Moderator
Honda Spree Front Fairing Repair
I’m looking for suggestions on how to fix the front fairing on my Spree. The crack is in a location where any reinforcement cannot be hidden on the “back side”.
I’ve tested a couple different epoxies (JB weld-clear weld and Permatex-plastic welder) on a broken front fender. I roughed up and then cleaned the plastic with acetone before applying the epoxy. It seems to me as though the bond broke fairly easy when I tested the fix but maybe this is as good as it gets? Any suggestions on different products or methods I could use?Re: Honda Spree Front Fairing Repair
After years of trying to find something to repair that type of plastic, the only thing that has worked successfuly for me is to imbed a stainless steel screen "band-aid" into the plastic with a plastic welder. I have two from harbor freight that work pretty good. This process takes a lot of patience and practice, so try repairing on scrap stuff first. Don't over heat. It will distort the back side. Good luck!
- Wheelman-111
- Moderator
- Posts: 11319
- Joined: Wed Oct 22, 2008 5:09 pm
- Location: Deepinnaharta, Texas
Re: Honda Spree Front Fairing Repair
Greetings:
From what I can tell, the Spree fairings are made of a type of plastic (Polypropylene? Polyethylene??) that until recently NOTHING could bond except for plastic welding as Otto said. I have heard of (but have not explored...) a new-fangled adhesive that bonds these previously non-stickable plastics, perhaps a search is in order. I'd be willing to bet that the stuff will be expensive, but epoxy and polyurethane resins are hopeless.
From what I can tell, the Spree fairings are made of a type of plastic (Polypropylene? Polyethylene??) that until recently NOTHING could bond except for plastic welding as Otto said. I have heard of (but have not explored...) a new-fangled adhesive that bonds these previously non-stickable plastics, perhaps a search is in order. I'd be willing to bet that the stuff will be expensive, but epoxy and polyurethane resins are hopeless.
Wheelman-111
Most of my money is spent on scooterparts. The rest is just wasted.
"ISO": '03 Vespa ET4 Malossi187 74MPH
Flash 9: 2001 Elite SR Contesta 72 ZX Tran, 9:1 Gears, Stock Airbox/Carb/Pipe 58.8 MPH
Punkin: 2010 Vespa/Malossi S78, 61MPH
Most of my money is spent on scooterparts. The rest is just wasted.
"ISO": '03 Vespa ET4 Malossi187 74MPH
Flash 9: 2001 Elite SR Contesta 72 ZX Tran, 9:1 Gears, Stock Airbox/Carb/Pipe 58.8 MPH
Punkin: 2010 Vespa/Malossi S78, 61MPH
Re: Honda Spree Front Fairing Repair
Thanks for the insight. Would you mind posting a picture of the plastic welder you had the most success with?otto-man wrote: ↑Sun Feb 23, 2020 10:46 pm After years of trying to find something to repair that type of plastic, the only thing that has worked successfuly for me is to imbed a stainless steel screen "band-aid" into the plastic with a plastic welder. I have two from harbor freight that work pretty good. This process takes a lot of patience and practice, so try repairing on scrap stuff first. Don't over heat. It will distort the back side. Good luck!
Thanks
Re: Honda Spree Front Fairing Repair
I’ll have to look into this. Is the plastic material used in the floor board exactly the same? I’ve got plastic issues.Wheelman-111 wrote: ↑Mon Feb 24, 2020 10:06 am Greetings:
From what I can tell, the Spree fairings are made of a type of plastic (Polypropylene? Polyethylene??) that until recently NOTHING could bond except for plastic welding as Otto said. I have heard of (but have not explored...) a new-fangled adhesive that bonds these previously non-stickable plastics, perhaps a search is in order. I'd be willing to bet that the stuff will be expensive, but epoxy and polyurethane resins are hopeless.
Re: Honda Spree Front Fairing Repair
Thats a pretty sticky spot to repair since the nose cap piece sits in that groove. I would suggest any build-up from the repair be on the inside. Mess up that groove and the nose cap will never sit on there right. Keep us posted on the progress. Ive tried a couple different epoxies and special magical “bonding” compounds with only minimal luck. Some hold longer than others but EVERY single one eventually failed too quickly to deem it a worthy repair.
I need to find some new haters...the ones I have are starting to like me.
Re: Honda Spree Front Fairing Repair
The one I've had good success with is a "Harbor Freight 80 watt iron plastic welder kit" for $16.99. It has the stainless screen included. Menards and Home Depot also have them. Sorry, for not posting pics (I'm low tech "old school" so loading was a problem). Yes the floor board is the same material. Just remember....Patience and practice. Good luck!
Re: Honda Spree Front Fairing Repair
I’m just shopping around for a plastic welder. Harbor Freight doesn’t ship to Canada and I can’t find one under $50 up here. Crazy price for a cheap and simple tool.