Power Kite Forum

Bug Fender that won't fit?

Ed Cline - 22-1-2017 at 07:00 AM

Gentlemen,
After getting splooshed a couple of times I need to install my PL fender on my PL buggy. It's the new one, in regular steel painted. It looks to go between the lower fork cross brace and the lower head bearing. There no room though? Not even close.
This is the only fender for PL that I know about. Any ideas?


Windstruck - 22-1-2017 at 07:48 AM

Ed,

I've got one too that I need to install for the same reasons. At first glance I'd say that it goes BELOW the lower cross brace. You may need to add a largish washer to capture the rivet as the size of bolt head looks as if it might slip through (at least it looks that way in the picture, but tat could just be foreshortening due to the pic being a closeup).

The bigger concern I'd have is that the bolt on these new buggies doesn't look very long (again, just from your pic as I haven't seen one in the flesh). The width of the rivet (and washer?)'may take up to much space and there won't be enough thread left for the capture nut. Good luck!

bigkid - 22-1-2017 at 08:09 AM

you have the old style splash guard that fits on the older style bugs.
libre has something like that also, it uses velcro to wrap around the down tube. you can use zip ties to connect it to the fork, or drill a hole as close to the fork as possible and use a screw to hold it in place.

rtz - 22-1-2017 at 08:40 AM

As mentioned; that metal grommet is for the older style buggy. Even if you had the newer one; it still won't fit the newest model buggy. You can make that one fit if you feel like modding it.

Remove that metal ring. Take off the fork. Trace out the head tube diameter onto the splash guard and trim it to fit. Make it fit so it slides on nicely for the best look.

That's what I'd do.

bigkid - 22-1-2017 at 09:07 AM

If you remove the ring and cut a bigger hole to fit around the bottom of the downtube just above the bottom bracket of the fork, use a flame of some sort to melt the cut edge of the hole of the nylon. It will help keep it from running as much as possible.

Ed Cline - 22-1-2017 at 10:10 AM

Got it. I wanted to ask before I start cutting. Thanks.

Ed Cline - 22-1-2017 at 12:08 PM

Big Kid Fender Mod. Thanks BK.
Unless I did it wrong, in which case newbie Fender Mod.














bigkid - 22-1-2017 at 12:20 PM

You are one smart man,:thumbup:

Ed Cline - 22-1-2017 at 12:20 PM

Notice the aspirin. That's not product placement. It's one of the needed tools.

Ed Cline - 22-1-2017 at 12:26 PM


I have a smart teacher. I am a lucky man!

markite - 22-1-2017 at 04:12 PM

The only other thing i would be tempted to do is get a piece of hose and slit it down the length. Then use the hose to edge around the hole to protect those layers of the splashguard (it may require making the hole a little wider than you currently have it - that might help the plastic layer from breaking and then the material gradually ripping away from the hole you have.

Ed Cline - 22-1-2017 at 04:45 PM

Thanks,
I was thinking maybe just cementing the layers together might be enough. As it is the steering causes quite a bit of flex on the plastic insert and the less chance for any slop in the joint the longer it will last. I think Big Kid nailed it with a friction fit. I can see that fenders are not forever, so when I need another maybe it'll be available.
Or maybe I'll get a really cool plastic scooter Fender and fit it. Or duct tape it.

rtz - 22-1-2017 at 04:51 PM

It turned out really clean. Looks good.


soliver - 22-1-2017 at 07:21 PM

Looks great Ed!... Nice looking new Buggy too!

jeepersjoey - 22-1-2017 at 07:32 PM

This may be the wrong thread to ask this question but I think I have the right people.

Where can I get replacement foam for my Libre?

Thanks!

jeepersjoey - 22-1-2017 at 07:32 PM

This may be the wrong thread to ask this question but I think I have the right people.

Where can I get replacement foam for my Libre?

Thanks!

bigkid - 22-1-2017 at 07:58 PM

Quote: Originally posted by jeepersjoey  
This may be the wrong thread to ask this question but I think I have the right people.

Where can I get replacement foam for my Libre?

Thanks!

U2u sent

Bladerunner - 23-1-2017 at 05:35 PM

Pool Noodles or Plumbing insulation are options.

Ed Cline - 24-1-2017 at 01:55 AM

Sure. If you you put them on the pegs downtube and axle it might float.

bigkid - 24-1-2017 at 06:11 AM

Quote: Originally posted by jeepersjoey  
This may be the wrong thread to ask this question but I think I have the right people.

Where can I get replacement foam for my Libre?

Thanks!

To get the replacements from Libre will be short of 80 bucks. Unless the customs broker is a jerk.
You can use closed cell pipe insulation, it's much like the pool noodles but not as thick.
Another option is closed cell pipe insulation, much softer than the open cell foam and about double the cost.
I have used both types of pipe insulation and pool noodles with the center cut out. If your just replacing it I like the open cell better. It's firmer and will last longer than the closed foam. It also comes in odd sizes if you want to double it up for a thicker fit.
The big box stores have a limited supply so check the local hardware store or order online.

Cheeks - 24-1-2017 at 04:48 PM

Pool noodles are firm but you might like that feel.
I replaced all my pads with noodles and while looking for the closest fit I found that different stores had noodles with different internal widths.

Once I sized them up them up the next problem was the size at the closure ends. Like putting a square peg in a round hole. They needed a taper. I used an electric carving knife and trimmed the ends down to a taper that worked. I tried some sand paper to smooth the trims but the results were soso.

Then I had and epiphany or was it just gas ...but the idea came to me to melt the plastic to form the taper. About 300/350 degrees seems to work well using a hand iron. If the heat is to high it will shape but make "curds" of burnt plastic that are hard and need to be pulled off.

Trust me these images are not porn! But there my be some wankers out there.
I just whipped these up using a tee shirt press in my shop that's on all day long. Enjoy. Did I say whipped up?

IMG_0036.JPG - 25kB

IMG_0039.JPG - 30kBIMG_0038.JPG - 32kB

rtz - 24-1-2017 at 11:55 PM

I have a splash guard on my folder. I bought a second one as a backup. I opened it up one day and it was for the older style buggies. Zero indication on the packaging and the way it was folded; the grommet could not be seen.

I gave it to a local who has an early model folder Here's how it fits:





I should have got a picture from underneath showing that it doesn't slide onto the head tube.



Ed Cline - 15-2-2017 at 09:51 AM

Just found this. Thanks. I needed to add a tie tie to the head tube after a couple of uses.
To keep the guard from slipping down below the head tube. I wanted a folder but got talked out of it. Oh Peter, why hast thou denied me? Instructions and support.

Chook - 15-2-2017 at 05:18 PM

Dampen the noodles and put them in the freezer and they cut and sand beautifully while still frozen.
I cut a lot of my foam that way with an electric knife while frozen for a sharp edge or sanding a radius shape.

I also package tape the ends of thin walled steel or alloy tube, stand them on their end fill them with water and pop in the freezer till frozen solid and this allows me to bend it to a radius I want without the thin walls collapsing.
Our upright freezer will take 1.5mtrs vertically in front of the 5 draws and still be able to close the door.

I have an alloy arrow shaft that is wound up like a cars suspension spring in its centre above my workbench that attracts a lot of attention.

TEDWESLEY - 16-2-2017 at 07:50 AM

Chook, that's just the way that they form the tubes used in brass instruments like trumpets, trombones, and such. Works like a charm.

Randy - 16-2-2017 at 08:13 AM

Isn't getting splashed part of the fun? I got my first splashes yesterday. :D

Ed Cline - 16-2-2017 at 03:13 PM

By summer I should be splash ready, but when you're learning to dance and it's really cold, then all the sudden you can't see the kite, it's disconcerting. It's just me being a newbie.
when I get good enough to go to the beach, I'll want a bigger tail than Foghorn Leghorn.

Windstruck - 16-2-2017 at 03:40 PM

Now cut that out boy, or I'll spank you where the feathers are thinnest! :lol:

Ed Cline - 16-2-2017 at 05:13 PM

No, no, no boy..you're doin it all wrong. :lol