Ducati Sporting Club UK > DesmoDue Race Series > DesmoDue - General Questions and Chat > Cheapest and best way to repair a bodywork

[Tonio600]

Hi there,

When I met Antonye, he told me I could find all what I need at Halfords to repair my bodywork.

Could someone tell me what I have to buy, and how to do it ?

Then, do you think my bodywork should be very well painted (it means not by me) or it's a waste of money because I am going to fall one day. So, spray or not spray ?

[antonye]

Ah, I forgot to post a link to the pics!

Just for you...

http://horrible.demon.co.uk/fairing/

and yes, this was my first attempt with no previous experience!

[dickieducati]

antonye, its very good. blue peter would be proud of you.

[antonye]

Thanks mate - my services are not cheap but I'll give you a discount when you trash that lovely seat of yours

[dickieducati]

dont worry got plenty more ready to bolt on.

[antonye]

Basically the best way to do it, as I've tried to illustrate in pictures, is to:

1. Clean up the part as best you can, removing any broken bits
2. Use some thin film (I use "double glazing film" from Wilinson at about £6 for a small roll) to line the outside. You could use a bin liner or similar plastic bag.
3. Support the film and the shape to be reinforced with some cardboard and tape into place.
4. Cut the main size of fibreglass off the roll. About 4-5 layers should be fine.
5. Mix up some resin as per the pack details.
6. Apply a little resin around the area, then place the fibre on top.
7. Work the resin through the fibre.
8. Apply more fibre as required, and work the resin through. Repeat as necessary.
9. Leave it to fully harden - a day at least.
10. Clean up the fibreglass with sandpaper to remove rough edges.
11. Skim the outside with some fine filler (body filler P38? from Halfords)
12. Sand down the filler and make it the best you can - the secret to good paint is in the prep.
13. Paint it with cheap paint and enjoy your handywork!

[Tonio600]

thx antonye, I will try this in the days coming.

[Redruth]

Thanks Antonye, I too will try this in days to come.

I too will take pictures.

They will not even remotely resemble yours!

I am thinking I will have a lumpy repair that will look like a botched job which only a woman could have done (no offence KB I know you've done yours before and done it very well)

[antonye]

You haven't seen my track fairings up close, but at least I'm not bothered by the odd boot scratch or similar as they cost me nothing (cheers Jamie!) except the £15 for the repair kit and about £15 in paint.

[Redruth]

So overall, do you think paint works out cheaper than red nail polish?