Timing Belt Covers

[joshn569]

I like the cover-less look but I ride a lot and hard and sometimes I end up in unkown places on dirt/gravel roads ect and im scared of a rock or some kind of debris or a body part  getting caught in the belts so here is the next cheapest solution that I have come up with...





Its a Piece of .093 OPTIX from home depot held in with all purpose ultra clear silicone. The optix  is hard to cut and shape but it looks crystal clear when its done.

WHat do you all think? should work good until belt  dust and grime collect on it, but by then itll be time for an adjustment.

[Bones]

very cool. i've been wanting to do that for a while.

post pic when mounted on!

[xcaptainxbloodx]

im worried about them getting knocked them loose

[Javamoose]

That Optix is Acrylic, it doesn't say if it is cast or extruded...if it gummed up when you were cutting it, it's extruded.  Cast is always preferred, but extruded is cheaper. 

Generally, for something like that, I would be using Polycarbonate (Lexan - one trade name) since the PC is shatter resistant, though it does scratch easier...plus PC can handle a lot more heat before it starts to warp.

Just FYI - You should be fine, but keep an eye on it over time.

Oh, I used to work for a large plastic distributor/fabricator.

[joshn569]

started on the vert cyl. It is a lil different cuz its 1 piece




I used a bit to much silicone and it kind of seeped through. hopefully i can clean up the bead on the outside when it drys.



drilling the holes in the inspection covers is the hardest part, i broke the first cover on the first try cuz i started with what i thought a small enough pilot hole, but i was wrong and it cracked. was more carefull on the second try and got it done.


I need to buy some new belts before I can put them on. Ill post a pic when there done.

[joshn569]

started on the vert cyl. It is a lil different cuz its 1 piece




I used a bit to much silicone and it kind of seeped through. hopefully i can clean up the bead on the outside when it drys.



drilling the holes in the inspection covers is the hardest part, i broke the first cover on the first try cuz i started with what i thought a small enough pilot hole, but i was wrong and it cracked. was more carefull on the second try and got it done.


I need to buy some new belts before I can put them on. Ill post a pic when there done.

[joshn569]

That Optix is Acrylic, it doesn't say if it is cast or extruded...if it gummed up when you were cutting it, it's extruded.  Cast is always preferred, but extruded is cheaper. 

Generally, for something like that, I would be using Polycarbonate (Lexan - one trade name) since the PC is shatter resistant, though it does scratch easier...plus PC can handle a lot more heat before it starts to warp.

Just FYI - You should be fine, but keep an eye on it over time.

Oh, I used to work for a large plastic distributor/fabricator.

interesting. thanks for the info