Unfortunately, I became the newest member of the broken lid latch club yesterday AM. I figured it would come eventually, but I didn't expect it at 8,200 miles and light use.
After picking up some Permatex PermaPoxy 5 min. Plastic Weld (they were out of JB Weld) last night on my way home from work, I attempted repair today after searching the saddlebag forum for ideas.
Since I'm not mechanically inclined, I attempted the straightforward welding of broken "screw bosses?" and then I partially filled the rectangular bowl with some more epoxy to provide further strength. I must admit that I expected the epoxy to be more liquid and that I could "flow" it into the cracks and bowl. However, it became putty-like almost immediately which made it difficult to work with. I was working in direct sunlight for a better view and I wonder if that set it off too fast? Anyway, it doesn't look pretty but it's holding for now. Testing revealed that it was almost impossible to get the sucker latched but easy to unlatch. After fiddling for a long time (and probably weakening the new repair) I found a combination of washers that seem to allow the left pannier lid to operate normally.
I didn't go for a test ride, but I may take the bike to work tomorrow anyway. I made sure I threw a spool of fishing line in the other side as a repair kit-hopefully I don't have to use it.
Have a good weekend.
After picking up some Permatex PermaPoxy 5 min. Plastic Weld (they were out of JB Weld) last night on my way home from work, I attempted repair today after searching the saddlebag forum for ideas.
Since I'm not mechanically inclined, I attempted the straightforward welding of broken "screw bosses?" and then I partially filled the rectangular bowl with some more epoxy to provide further strength. I must admit that I expected the epoxy to be more liquid and that I could "flow" it into the cracks and bowl. However, it became putty-like almost immediately which made it difficult to work with. I was working in direct sunlight for a better view and I wonder if that set it off too fast? Anyway, it doesn't look pretty but it's holding for now. Testing revealed that it was almost impossible to get the sucker latched but easy to unlatch. After fiddling for a long time (and probably weakening the new repair) I found a combination of washers that seem to allow the left pannier lid to operate normally.
I didn't go for a test ride, but I may take the bike to work tomorrow anyway. I made sure I threw a spool of fishing line in the other side as a repair kit-hopefully I don't have to use it.
Have a good weekend.