Any ideas how to fix cracked handlebar dashboard?

[Angry_Bill]

Well, the previous owner (and me a little bit before I figured out how to take it off) must have got  a little crazy on the spedometer dashboard trim piece as it did finally pull apart as shown in the photo below.



A fancy glue or epoxy, metal strap with screws, combo of both? � 

Surely someone has had this problem before and fixed it?

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Update, looking on the A&S microfiche, it looks like this is called the hub cap upper � 32 71 1 236 896. � Google searching for "r65 hub cap upper � 32 71 1 236 896" brings me to http://www.bobsbmw.com/catalog/2003_catalog/Air-Head_Parts.pdf which lists the part for about $68 which I would consider a deal in lieu of pocket screwing/gluing. � They call it a HANDLEBAR DASHBOARD (or “Impact Plate”). � My only hesitation is I see no part number on the original piece. � I suppose I should take the plunge and buy a new piece. � Thoughts? � 

[larstorders]

No problemo Bill.

I fixed my dash 18 months ago, using a 1.2 mm strip of mild steel cut into an 'I ' section. I heated the strip with a blow torch and laid it across the fracture in the plastic, on the underside (with the fracture held together) so that it burned a nice deep slot for itself (sunk about 2mm down). Cooled the strip then epoxy glued it into position. This has produced an extremely tough and essentially, invisible repair. Good luck.

[Angry_Bill]

As the Guinness guy would say, "Brilliant".  Thanks from over the pond.

[not-so-fast-ed]

That was great, Lars. Truly innovative/creative idea.  And it looks perfect.

Of course if I tried something like that, my ten thumbs would create a finished product that would give my friends another source for jokes.

 

[Bob_Roller]

I'm going to give that a try, as my 'dashboard' is starting to crack as well.

Bill, I don't know how you feel about doing business on eBay, but there is a BMW parts seller on eBay that goes by the name of 'lamontsanfurd', real name Larry Chabira, and he resides in the Austin,TX. area.

An excellent source of older airhead parts.

[montmil]

...on eBay that goes by the name of 'lamontsanfurd', real name Larry Chabira, and he resides in the Austin,TX. area.

Bought my '83 R65 from Larry. Come to find out, he lives just a few blocks from my eldest son and family. I visit the grandkids and drop bucks on Larry. I hate that guy!  

http://motors.shop.ebay.com/merchant/lamontsanfurd

Find him here. Tell him Monte sent you.

[Angry_Bill]

Thanks guys about lamontsanfurd.  Yes, I am familiar with that ebay'er, even when I lived up in Michigan 2 years ago.  Now I'm lucky enough to be able to pick up parts locally.