A snapped plastic mounting tab can turn an otherwise usable motorcycle panel into an expensive replacement. Before I order another part, I’m exploring whether repairing the tab could be an option.
A small break, a frustrating choice
I’ve dealt with broken tabs before. On one occasion, replacing a damaged part also meant searching for the right color. I eventually found a close match on eBay, but it wasn’t exact.
More recently, I broke a mounting tab on my Top Shelf. That left me weighing the familiar choices: buy a replacement, find a used one, or leave things as they are.
For owners of older motorcycles, the search can be especially frustrating. Replacement panels may be expensive, difficult to find, or no longer available in the original color.
A repair system to investigate
Pat Webb introduced me to a plastic repair system, and the demonstrations caught my attention. The possibility of rebuilding a mounting tab on the original part is appealing—especially when the alternative means replacing a much larger piece.
This Cruiseman’s Garage video is one of the demonstrations I’ve been watching.
The test is still ahead
I haven’t tried the repair myself yet. My plan is to get a kit and tackle the project over the winter, then share the results: photos, what worked, and anything I would do differently.
For now, this is a repair idea I’m investigating, rather than a proven fix from my own workshop.
Have you repaired a broken tab?
If you’ve tried a similar repair, I’d enjoy hearing how it went. Contact the Washington District to share your experience.