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Title: Cut slots in front fender Post by: uclabiker06 on January 31, 2013, 01:51:56 PM Hello to all, haven't been here for a while. Thinking of cutting some slots in my front fender; exposing more of the front tire. Took the fender off but didn't like how it looked and don't really like how it looks on normal way either so I figured to make some nice cut outs. Any advice on how to go about doing this? Thanks & cheers
Title: Re: Cut slots in front fender Post by: memper on January 31, 2013, 04:34:39 PM Do different designs with cut paper and scotch tape. Once decided use a dremmel and go slow. Finish with hand files.
Title: Re: Cut slots in front fender Post by: uclabiker06 on January 31, 2013, 05:21:55 PM That will work but i think the shape would have to be pre cut because I don't think it will come out even with scissors. Is there a more accurate way of doing it; just wondering. Thanks
Title: Re: Cut slots in front fender Post by: Slide Panda on January 31, 2013, 05:40:27 PM Xacto knife and French curves?
Title: Re: Cut slots in front fender Post by: uclabiker06 on January 31, 2013, 09:46:25 PM Insteresting, but I was thinking more of a elongated ellipse. Perhaps that would be easiest. Trying to keep it simple here. Don't know if I have the dremel skills/dremel heads to pull even that off though Boy oh boy. [evil]
Title: Re: Cut slots in front fender Post by: memper on February 01, 2013, 05:21:18 AM Make the oval in Photoshop or similar so you know its perfect. Still do the paper cut out with an exacto and take your time. Mark the fender centerline with a metal pencil or a crayon. Fold the oval to find the centerline. Trace onto fender. Cut with the dremmel but cut on the WASTE side of the line. Sanding tips and hand files can take care of the rough cut. Take a chance, take your time, you will be fine.
Title: Re: Cut slots in front fender Post by: freeclimbmtb on February 01, 2013, 06:07:08 AM Cut with the dremmel but cut on the WASTE side of the line. [laugh] I could see this going terribly wrong. Title: Re: Cut slots in front fender Post by: Dirty Duc on February 01, 2013, 09:33:33 AM You want a broken one to practice on? one of the "legs" is broken (fatigue), but it's yours for shipping.
Title: Re: Cut slots in front fender Post by: uclabiker06 on February 01, 2013, 06:48:32 PM Nah, I got good nerves, almost of steel. Pics promised if I actually do it. Due for another project; keep my mind from wandering...I think tracing the outline might be a tad difficult since the surface is slick clear coat; will "steal pencil" work? [roll]
Title: Re: Cut slots in front fender Post by: Dirty Duc on February 01, 2013, 07:16:57 PM Due for another project; keep my mind from wandering... That has never worked for me [laugh] Title: Re: Cut slots in front fender Post by: uclabiker06 on February 01, 2013, 07:40:51 PM Just hope that the opening in the fender doesn't let grime from the tire get all over the underside of the fronte end. Maybe I should keep the opening small, I don't know :-\
Dirty Duc your last comment perhaps proved your first profile quote. Title: Re: Cut slots in front fender Post by: Dirty Duc on February 01, 2013, 08:21:57 PM Just hope that the opening in the fender doesn't let grime from the tire get all over the underside of the fronte end. Maybe I should keep the opening small, I don't know :-\ [\quote] Only cut in the middle on the front half... most of the spray comes off the center of the tire (mud or water) Dirty Duc your last comment perhaps proved your first profile quote. [laugh] I guess that depends on where you are trying to keep you mind from wandering! The good idea fairy is a regular visitor to my head. [laugh] Title: Re: Cut slots in front fender Post by: NAKID on February 02, 2013, 02:22:09 AM I don't think grime will be an issue. I run no fender at all...
Title: Re: Cut slots in front fender Post by: dlearl476 on February 02, 2013, 08:57:18 AM [laugh] I could see this going terribly wrong. Thats why we have a parts wanted/parts for sale section. [laugh] I bought another air box/battery tray before I took the Dremel to mine to make way for the UNIs. (http://crs-america.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Ducati-M900/i-VS937zL/0/M/IMG_1506-M.jpg) Title: Re: Cut slots in front fender Post by: uclabiker06 on February 02, 2013, 11:39:44 AM Thanks Nakid
Title: Re: Cut slots in front fender Post by: uclabiker06 on February 02, 2013, 09:43:28 PM Whats are the correct dremel heads needed for the job? Any tips on sanding? I'm just going to leave it raw I think, so no coating or paint. The ends of the oval are what I'm really worried about because it will curve...this is going to be "labor intensive".
Title: Re: Cut slots in front fender Post by: Raux on February 03, 2013, 12:45:56 AM in my experience with dremel and plastic, high speed=melting
Title: Re: Cut slots in front fender Post by: NAKID on February 03, 2013, 01:26:01 AM And melting = flinging molten plastic all over your unprotected skin...
Title: Re: Cut slots in front fender Post by: uclabiker06 on February 03, 2013, 11:07:51 AM I guess I'll wear dishwasher gloves or something. So the fender is plastic? Its not fiberglass is it?
Title: Re: Cut slots in front fender Post by: memper on February 03, 2013, 04:53:59 PM Yes, of course wear proper safety gear.
Another route (didn't know yours was plastic-wear a respirator for sanding) is after you have the design drawn on you can perforate it along the line with a small drill bit. Shit, after that you could use a coping saw and not have to worry about hot plastic at all. Title: Re: Cut slots in front fender Post by: Raux on February 03, 2013, 09:56:28 PM I guess I'll wear dishwasher gloves or something. So the fender is plastic? Its not fiberglass is it? not sure when plastic vs fiberglass happened. my fender and bodywork are that plastic stuff, probably ACERIBIS or something |