How do I stop this %$#@ crack?

[Inswinger]

The good news is that the SV is now back on the road, having spent three weeks at K-Tec, post crash.

The bad news?  I've go this crack in the bodywork that seems to be growing.  Now I rememebr hearing a suggestion that drilling a hole at the furthest extent of the crack will stop it from continuing.  Has anyone ever tried this?  Will it work?  Yeah, I realize I'll need to get it fixed properly at some time, but I'm looking for a band-aid for now.

Steve

[Boog]

It'll work Steve, but make sure you use the smallest drill bit you can get away with when drilling your pilot hole.  Then go up progressively a size or two until the termination of the crack is runnng directly into the centre of your drilled hole.  You don't want any further cracking to develop due to a botched drill job and that'd be the fastest way to achieve it.   

I used this method on a Rickman 3/4 race fairing on an old Kawasaki Z1 900 back in the 70s and it worked beautifully.  Didn't look like much, but it stopped the crack from developing any further. 

As you've mentioned, your best course of action is a more permanent professional repair, but this stop gap measure will do you until such time as you're ready for that. 

Try Mark Beaudin up at FibroMobil in Gananoque.  He's in the phone book.  Fellow biker too.  He'll take care of any of your repair needs in short order.

Good luck,

Boog

[flash]

Drilling will work. Just use as small a drill as you can.

[Inswinger]

Thanks to both of you for your feedback.  I'll give it a try.  Any advice on exactly where I should drill eg. right on the end of the crack or perhaps a few mm beyond?

[snerchie]

hey man
I'm by far no expert but I just wanted to mention, you may want to check the brackets that hold your body panels on....if they got bent in your wreck it may compound your problem with the cracking...
You may also want to take the time to find out what the panels are made out of...I repaired my body panels(ABS plastic) from my Triumph this winter and they came out great....I made a kit to do it (it cost me $14 to make the kit)
It was real easy..... let me know if you want to give it a try.

[Inswinger]

Thanks all.  The hole I drilled in the path of the crack seems to have brought it to a stop.

Snerchie, I don't know when I'll be able to consider a full up repair job.  For now, I'm happy with the fact that the damage is unnoticeable to most people unless I point it out to them.  I may take you up on your offer eventually.  I saw your bike amongst the Ride for Dad photos and it looks mint.

Steve