Broken Latch

[Canadian FJR]

I broke the tab on the fairing door cover. Looks like I may need to replace the whole storage compartment. Has anyone been able to replace just the door?

Next step it to try plastic weld or glue to secure it.

Open to suggestions.


Canadian FJR

[FJRoss]

Did the whole tab snap off or did the cross piece break?
If just the cross piece, I think you could glue it back or glue a new piece of plastic or thin metal across. Pretty fair chance of success.
If the whole locking tab broke off, I think less likelihood of success. Might be hard to get something to hold - thin piece and under fair stress.
I would have to have a close look, but you might be able support the base of the tab with some material on either side to give additional gluing surface or fabricate something with heavier material.
Permatex plastic welder is supposed to be good...
https://www.amazon.ca/PLASTIC-WELDER-MI ... 7513&psc=1

If the glue didn't hold, I would probably just go with gluing a metal washer to the base and a small flat rare earth magnet to the lid. It wouldn't show and would hold the lid down. (Not too strong or you might break the lid lifting it!) Might want to put a plastic disk between magnet and steel washer to weaken the hold somewhat. Of course, you would not be able to lock it anymore.

There is also a sticky-back Velcro product that is hook and hook fastening (no fabric loop). Very strong and you can use maybe a 1 cm square on lid and base. Again, no lock but will hold it closed.
https://www.amazon.ca/Brand-ALFA-LOKTM- ... FDCBJ?th=1



Good luck.

[Red]

I broke the tab on the fairing door cover. Looks like I may need to replace the whole storage compartment. Has anyone been able to replace just the door? Next step it to try plastic weld or glue to secure it.
Open to suggestions.
Canadian FJR

Canadian FJR,

You could just mount a magnetic cabinet latch, half in the compartment, with the metal plate glued to the door.
To make a good fit, epoxy the plate to the inside of the door. Stick the magnet catch to the plate, add epoxy to the side of the magnet catch, and close the door such that the catch will be glued to the compartment side when the epoxy on it is well set. Then pop the door open, and finish installing the magnet catch with more epoxy. When finished, you can figure a slick way to pop open the latch, instead of using the release button.

Pick a somewhat weak magnetic catch, when buying. If your magnet latch is still too strong, just apply layers of cellophane tape to the metal plate, to reduce the "grab" of the magnet.

If your epoxy mix needs some stiffness (instead of being runny), add some wood sawdust (from fine sandpaper, not from a saw) to the fresh mix. Make the mix like a thick heavy mud.
My US$ .02 worth . . .

[Canadian FJR]

Thanks Gents. Applied 2 part epoxy last evening. See if it holds today.


Canadian FJR