Plastic Outer Shell

[CAS]

New issue developing with the 09 plastic outer shell on the Stallion front or nose piece. I indicate developing because TM is aware of it and yesterday I saw a new unit on a showroom floor with the identical problem. This issue makes the top part of the front end extend out from the lower unit and is somewhat noticeable.

If you open/raise the front section for the hood area you may notice just forward of the mirrors along the edge that the outer plastic shell is about 1/4inch seperated from the composite inner frame for about 4" to 6".

My unit had this from day one on the right side and now I notice, to a lesser extent on the left.

I contacted TM and they referred me to a dealer. I was told that there is a type of mechanical captive system, but I can not see any. The dealer told me to use 3M Plastic and Emblem Adhesive, 08061, and clamp for 24 hours.

His instructions did not work, so I sanded the areas down and used it again following the instructions on the box. Because of the tensile force needed to clamp the repaired joint, I am leaving the clamps on for 72 hours. If there was no tensile force needed, only a 30 minute clamp would be required.

If this fails again, I have a 3M District Manager contact who has recommended an industrial bonding tape (72 hour clamping required) or a two part mix that would have a very high tensile strength (not yet briefed on the clamping times).

[Mattel]

Cas,
Can you post a picture?

[CAS]

Right now I have both sides glued and clamped waiting for 72 hours to pass (Tuesday, 1200). These are the right side with 3 clamps. The joint in question is between the outershell black cherry and the black structure inside.

Attachment 879

Attachment 880

[Gorilla]

Yes I can see that might be an issue. Did they tell you to take it to the same dealer with the attitute? Is that why you are fixing it yourself?

[CAS]

Yes TM did, but I did not want to leave my trike for 24 hours so I received instructions from the dealer and did it myself.

[Gorilla]

That seems fair. Lets hope it holds up.

[CAS]

The repair appears to be holding this second time when I followed the package directions for application with the addition of the clamping time in which I did 72 hours. Clamps are needed because of the high tensile pressures in this area of the failure.

[Gorilla]

Good glad to hear that CAS

[CAS]

Sorry to report that the 3M 08061, emblem attacher recommended by a dealer did not hold after one day on the one side that had the 1/2" gap.

I have found a 3M DP-8010 product which is a structural two part plastic adhesive that I will try after I call TM for guidance.

[Gorilla]

Sorry to hear that, back to the drawing board

[CAS]

I got through to the TM body manager and he recommended that I use a 3M 08115 two part black epoxy bonding product. It also needs a 08117 application gun and 08193 nozzle.

More to follow with costs and or substitutions in equipment. I think the smallest that I can buy is 200 ml but I will know more when I get a supplier.

Has anybody looked at their trikes and had a similar issue? I feel it is widespread to some degree of sepatation but over the entire outer edge of the nose/front upper section. My complete right side ranges from minor(slight movement) to this max 1/2" separation that is 5" long. The left side had a 1/4" separation 4" long but the rest of this side is very tight as of now

[CAS]

I got pricing from NAPA today. The epoxy is $35 for 6.5 ozs, the gun is $350 and I did not get pricing for the nozzles after getting the $350 price for the gun.

I did find a local body shop that will let me borrow their gun if I buy the epoxy. They also told me that the gun was not really needed for this small area that I am working and to just mix it up by hand and apply with an applicator stick.

I will price the supplies Monday from another company and make up my mind or I might just call TM back and ask them to send me the epoxy.

[Mattel]

Cas,
What are you doing? It seems you are at a point where you should let the dealer or Ford do the work. If you mess it up they are not going to fix it because you took the work on yourself. Just make an apointment and drop it off. If you are having problems with the dealer, just call TBMS and let them know what you want to do, instead of doing a play by play.

[Papa Zook]

Some people just like to tinker with their stuff and CAS seems to be one of those. I predict many more threads from him on self-fixes and mods. Nothing wrong with that as we all learn from one another here, but if you're a do-it-yourselfer, don't complain that the dealer or factory didnt make it right for you.

I agree with Mattel. You should have taken it to the dealer and let them fix it. I know both Russel and Jeff Vey at TMS very well and I guarantee you they will address and correct any issue you have if given the chance. Ive seen it happen countless times.

[CAS]

It is not that I am a tinkerer. I did not want to travel another 240 miles to get the dealer to do something that I can do and as it turned out the product failed. I was not complaining about anything. I was informing the group on what product should be used.

I called TM last Friday and learned that the dealer was not using the correct product. He gave me the info on how to use 3M 8115 and is also sending me the epoxy. I purchased the application gun and nozzles for $77 and will do the repairs and gladly inform the site on my progress so they will be informed on how to have the repair done properly.

[Papa Zook]

I am just saying that I know of many cases that TMS has instantly bent over backwards to correct various small issues on the stallions. In fact I just received an email today about such a case. They overnighted a part to the customer and supplied a credit card number to the local shop (not a dealer) for repairs. Ive seen this same scenario happen numerous times. In fact when I have time I will post links.

It just seems that almost every post is of a derogatory nature and goes against what most here have found to be a very eager to please staff at TMS. To quote you: "Beware dealers as the internet is a powerful thing..." That sounds a very punitive attitude toward the dealer and TMS. The purpose of this site is to share information not to bash a dealer or manufacturer. Is there ANYTHING you like about your new trike? Anything???

[CAS]

I do not feel that every post is slamming a dealer or TM. I have had excellent information from TM from Engineering to the clerical staff and I am very pleased with my stallion and the excellent purchasing deal that I had.

I am sharing the technical info for all Stallion owners so they will benefit from my experiences.

That comment you quoted was specific to a post that was pulled when I was discussing a warranty issue and I felt that info should not be pulled but discussed.

That said, I will make a better attempt not to offend TM or a dealer.

[Papa Zook]

Now I do appreciate those positive comments CAS.

That's all Id like to see is some FOX NEWS type fair and balanced reporting! I know these guys well and know they make one hell of an effort to make things right.

[BlueTrinity]

"FOX NEWS type fair and balanced reporting!"

Now there's a classic oxymoron!

Oops...that's political. Probably not allowed here.

[Gorilla]

BT your right no morons here please