Hey all, had a few hacks before, but just ordered my first new, large one. Im putting a DMC Kenda on my GL1500 so my wife and I can tour the US in style (actually, more for her comfort). So the sidecar is being built, and should be here in about 4 weeks or so. We like to stay off main roads as much as possible, and that means alot of hardpack gravel roads. The sidecar is fiberglass, so I am concerned about the gelcoat on the bottom of the car, and the fibergalss floor. So I am asking, what is the best way to protect hte bottom of the sidecar (on the outside of course)? Im thinking rhino or bedliner, or buying some very thin aluminum sheeting and using the 3m automotive double sided stuff to adhere. It would be very lightweight, just to prevent scratching and chipping, im not going to be single tracking it with a GW1500 Im leaning toward the aluminum, for looks and durability, plus it could be removed. Thoughts? Other ideas?
Unless you go scraping it over rocks you'd be surprised by how little the tub gets hit even on gravel roads. I'd vote for the bed liner ... but only 'cause I just did mine today .
Howdy Mike, Have Jay build a light weight skid plate that can be easily bolted to the underside of the tub, shouldn't be hard for him to make. I know other folks who have Jay's fiberglass tubs that ride forest service roads with unprotected sidecar bottoms and they have never complained of tub damage.
http://www.invisiblemask.com/?gclid=CNaRn82S37UCFQSnnQodOC8AkA Specifically, 3M Chip gaurd It worked on some parts of my old boat - protecting gelcoat and fiberglass. Though if you are doing a LOT of gravel, a light throw away aluminum skid plate may be better for the long term.
I use high density polyethelene (HDPE). You can get it in various colors pretty cheap, in rolls: http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Colored-Plastic-Rolls-10-Ft,1557.html Or natural off-white sheets: http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-plastic-sheets/=lpkyi7
I have a fiberglass Hannigan on my GSA, live on a dirt road, ride a lot on dirt, mud, grassy meadows etc and in 28k miles have never had a problem with things marring the underside.
I have 78,000 km on my Ural, and have done extensive off pavement riding, sometimes in rather extreme conditions. Going by the condition of the paint on the bottom of the tub, I just don't see it being an issue.
My Ural tub on the other hand is 16 years young and steadily disintegrating since I got it 13 years ago despite having seen no real abuse. But I'm in the NE where road salt is a bigger danger than off-road hazards.
Get some cheap ass contact paper (plastic) from Walmart No one is going to see it & it's pennies, not dollars
Great post. I think the roll-on or brush on Herculiner brand product would be ideal. Tape/mask off an conservative "skid area" and go for it. Perhaps just below the line of sight as you gander at your rig from the front or back. Wipe it down with some appropriate prep or wax and grease remover. Some Dawn dishsoap and hot water not a bad idea either. A light scuffing of the area before hand with some lightish-grit sand paper, and then wash or wipe it down again. Make sure it's totally dry. Even though "Herc" will stick to everything regardless of prep, it's a good practice to do things right, treat it as if you were painting a show car. The prep always the key to the final end result you strive for. I would find or order the real deal Hurculiner, and not piss around with the "clones". Probably just me , but I like having to only to this type of thing once. I tried a Duplicolor product for this type of thing once, and it never dried. Had to scrape it all off a week later, never again. A week later, my skid plate that was sprayed with Dupli-color's coating was like chewing gum, sticky, and never dried. so now I use: http://www.herculiner.com/product_info.htm Hey, take some pics, show us the end result. I think your concern is valid, if it makes you feel better, what the heck, not a huge investment, and it could be an enjoyable Sunday-coupla-beers and a bratwurst project.
There's a surplus metals dealer in the 'Big City' not far from me. They sell 4' x 8' x 1/8" sheets of new aluminum diamond plate for about $150, also have all kinds of remnants and smaller pieces. Most metal recyclers - scrap dealers - also sell their stuff to the general public. Might be worth checking out what's available in your general area?
I would not worry about it. The fiberglass is very tough! If you are really worried about it, buy some spray on under coat from the autoparts store. Jay G DMC sidecars www.dmcsidecars.com 866-638-1793
Ah the man himself. Thanks for the input jay! Super excited to get the rig. I guess Ill leave the bottom alone, and maybe use somethign around the edge of the cab (my dogs have some sharp nails ) Thanks!
+1. Also look into stuff made specifically for rocker panels. Buy the good stuff from an automotive paint supply store.
I put a full length ,and width of the car , 1/4" diamond plate aluminum pan on my Velorex car build. Painted the top flat black, left the bottom shiny , The plastic bottom of the car didn't appear to be enough protection. It seems to help with mud and rocks ? Can't figure out how to move a picture of it yet, will try again. erp
I had my window tint guy install the clear film they use on auto kick panels and the lower fender edges around the cockpit and the body where the passenger climbs in. Have to look really hard to see it, works great to protect the painted surfaces.
