Ariel Owners Motorcycle Club

Well, not the worst thing that has ever happened, and not really to the Ariel, but I lost the mudguard off my sidecar attached to the KG. Metal fatigue from vibration. Lucky I was riding last, someone could have been hurt. Looks like I will be learning how to fibreglass. The bracket needs a re-design.

HI you need to make it with two fixings like a stay coming off the upright and make fixing that's broken stronger so it got two fixings and it does not fiex around

You need another stay from under the axle nut to triangulate it What happened there is pretty common. The guard is unsprung and is getting all of the road shocks. You can attach one directly to the side of the chair as was often done as an alternative method. When you do that your passenger can rest her arm on it comfortably when you are in motion. You just use 3 cylindrical pieces of wood of suitable length as spacers and bore a 5/16 th hole down the middle for a coach bolt and some reinforcing washers on the inside of the sidecar exterior wall.. Nev

Can't someone else make a further comment. I'm sick of reading that my sidecar mudguard came off and it wasn't ME.. Nev

the best thing is do not have a mudguard then it cannot fall OFF

Here's an update for you Nev.

Upgraded the lower bracket to 8mm, pad welded. Moves the mudguard over about 6mm, I think this will still look alright. As suggested, made a simple brace goes between bracket and axle. Chased out all the cracks, splits etc with a flap disk. Fibreglass repair and putty done, sanded back, ready for priming.

It's a bit humid here for painting. I am still a bit confused about paint, haven't done any automotive spraying before, but want to learn.
Reading the forum, I decided on 2K. The paint shop had no problems selling me 2K primer, but all the autoshops tell me I shouldn't be using it, illegal for private use at home apparently. I have read all the data sheets and have the respirator etc, so I am well prepared for 2K. I'm thinking I should return it and buy acrylic or enamel, but not sure what sticks to what, and will be best for the job.

rest of pics

HI i would use the 2k paint all paint has got its warnings if you are spraying it just make sure you use a well vented space and wear a good mask and use a small panel repair spray gun so you do not get a lot of mist in the air and do not use to much air pressure and you will be ok

Guard looks good Adrian Proper Dusting.. I think your brace is a little on the light side , but it will work until it doesn't. It's a bit of a "Boy on a man's Errand" . I'd run a strip there about One and 1/4" X 3/16". They get a hard time. I've seen many break in use. Nev

Hi Adrian,
I've had a sidecar mudguard try to part company as well. There must be a lot of vibration over the wheel.
I reckon the go (unless you have a respirator with an air supply) is to use 2 pack paint outside.
The repair looks good.