Cyclops side panel plastic repair

[jdiederichs]

David,
I am going to have to use your example as my driving force to repair some of mine too. Really appreciate the great pictures and knowledge from you on this.

One observation; When the top hood is raised, to check fluids as example, much more strain is exerted on the front grille mounting pads. If you are outdoors, even a slight breeze really amps it up worse.In the garage or shop, even a slight mis-step and bump does this too. Or an errant basketball by one of the next-gen superstars lol. In turn, this strains the"pegs" on the side panels and they break too.

My thought is this; would a support cable/ hood stop be on any benefit for these cyclops models.A light coated cable that would provide support whenever the hood is open? I would think that would greatly reduce the strain on the front grille mounts, prolonging their life. Your thoughts guys?? Think of the cable used on all snowmobiles with their plastic hoods, as an example.

 

[dschwandt]

Jim, I'm gonna figure out some sort of brace/support from near the headlamp receptacle back to each side of the battery box/shelf. Something with a wing nut for easy removal when need be.
film a eleven!

 

[mgonitzke]

Jim-

It's been too long since I've had a cyclops, but I think a ~3/16" rod from the firewall to the nosepiece on either side of the engine would help prevent the hood from breaking the nosepiece if the attachment to the nosepiece is done well so that it isn't too stiff and the load is spread out. I think David S. is basically saying the same thing.

 

[dschwandt]

Making progress on the grill repairs.
Made a gusset for the right side to incorporate a piece to repair the missing section. Les is going to put a dab of weld in the corner at the end.

The other side was not near so bad broken so I thing this will suffice for the repair on that side.

Then I finished it up with a couple 1/4" bolts and fender washers w/nylocks on the inside.

Now all that remains is figure out an additional support near the top of it going back to either the battery support of to the upper 2 bolts for the rad support. Then repair the one stud on the hood where the hinge fastens to, I already have the area built up with the plast-aid, I just have to get it smoothed out and down to correct height.

 

[dschwandt]

Got the hood stud anchor built back up and filed off flat. Drilled a pilot hole and screwed the stud back in. The Plast-Aid took the stud nice 'n' tight and the hood went on just fine. I used the lid from a spray can as you can see as a form for the P/A so it would bond to what was left of the stripped out original stud anchor. Glad I found that stuff and thanks to the fellow that steered me towards it!

The front clip is now back in place and the jury is still out as to whether I will add more supports to the grill s it seems to be really solid as it is now. However, I feel a front bumper of sorts would be a big aid in preventing further damage in that respect. Should have been standard equip on this model Cub IMHO.