Fender Repair Questions

**4rings** · April 28, 2017, 02:05 PM

Hey Guys,

Did a quick search but didn't find an answer to my problem. Has anyone done a repair on the fenders of their Atom? My rear fenders are both starting to disbond (fenders are separating from the rods) pretty badly...most likely due to the adhesive simply getting old and brittle. Looking for insight into addressing this before they break off one day while I'm driving

Thanks,

Chris

**bolus** · April 29, 2017, 02:25 AM

Over here we have used 3M windshield urethane adhesive to bond the fenders to the support rods
3M™ Auto Glass Urethane Windshield Adhesive | 3M United States

**Sonnys11** · April 30, 2017, 08:45 AM

I just made this repair last week. The RR fender became completely delaminated from the rods and was flapping around. It previously had the window adhesive so I went a different route. It took more effort, but i fiberglassed the rods to the fender. I lightly sanded the underside of the fenders about 6" on either side of the rod then laid 6-8 4"x10" strips of glass about across the rod. Seems to be holding so far, but time will tell.

fender.jpg

**4rings** · May 1, 2017, 06:26 AM

Thanks for the heads up guys! Always nice having a weekend project for the Atom!

Cheers,

Chris

**pdxmac** · May 2, 2017, 03:50 PM

Did you prep the surface so the Window Weld will bond properly?

**Norm** · May 2, 2017, 05:00 PM

Originally Posted by pdxmac

Did you prep the surface so the Window Weld will bond properly?

<OT>Mac, I am about to glue my printed fenders onto some stays. They are PETG, do you know if that surface prep works for that as well?</OT>

**Atommatt** · May 3, 2017, 06:34 AM

IMAG0379.jpg

This is what I did with mine, epoxy resin and fiber glass . No problems as of yet.

**4rings** · May 4, 2017, 09:14 AM

What a pain it is getting the fenders off!

Can anyone confirm if the best way is to do so (once the wheels are off, emergency brake cables have been disconnected and the two bolts that go into the fender plate have been removed) is to remove the top allen key bolt (I don't remember what size it is but it is quite large) that goes down into the upright and connects to the upper control arms? Based on what I've been able to find the torque spec for that bolt appears to be something like 55Nm (40ft-lbs)

Cheers,

Chris

**jesse@tmi** · May 5, 2017, 07:21 AM

Originally Posted by 4rings

What a pain it is getting the fenders off!

Can anyone confirm if the best way is to do so (once the wheels are off, emergency brake cables have been disconnected and the two bolts that go into the fender plate have been removed) is to remove the top allen key bolt (I don't remember what size it is but it is quite large) that goes down into the upright and connects to the upper control arms? Based on what I've been able to find the torque spec for that bolt appears to be something like 55Nm (40ft-lbs)

Cheers,

Chris

That is the correct process; note that the rodend bolt should be torqued to 88 ft/lbs.

**4rings** · May 5, 2017, 07:33 AM

Originally Posted by jesse@tmi

That is the correct process; note that the rodend bolt should be torqued to 88 ft/lbs.

Jesse,

Thanks for the heads up! I ended up just adding additional adhesive without fully removing the fenders. (we'll see how long that holds up for) Has the design of the fender mounting plate since changed or is it still the same as on my '11?

Thanks,

Chris