suzuki df 70 engine cowling damaged

seawinds · 18 August 2012, 22:21

top cowling has suffered significant abrasion and scratching in a recent storm Any views as to repair or buying a second hand replacement would be much appreciated
Cheers Bill

Xk59D · 18 August 2012, 22:33

a picture would be of great use buddy.

cheers

seawinds · 18 August 2012, 22:37

of course your right I'll post a picture tomorrow
cheers
Bill

spartacus · 19 August 2012, 09:53

The cowls do come up for sale from time to time but are usually for smaller engines.

I had a similar problem with a Tohatsu cowl. I did look at repainting it and even went as far as buying the genuine decals for £85! To get the factory look paint finish - a local bodyshop should be able to do it, if you prepare it first, sand, fill any deep scratches, etc. In the end I sourced a new cowl (mint but with hairline crack at one corner) from Extreme Marine.

You could also consider using as is - but fit a splash cover. Not that EBay nonsense, but a made to measure cover with air vents and Suzuki branding. Ribquest (Sheffield) had them on a 4.8m boat in theeir gallery pictures before they were bought over. Looked the mutts nuts. Might be worth dropping them an email to see where they sourced them from?

gasman · 19 August 2012, 15:04

Hi Bill. If it's only scratched , I'd take it to a spray shop. I had my DF90 redone last year. he masked the decals ,painted and laquered it. It looks better than new! and the stickers won't peal off!
good look
Ian

jncunliffe · 19 August 2012, 16:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by gasman

Hi Bill. If it's only scratched , I'd take it to a spray shop. I had my DF90 redone last year. he masked the decals ,painted and laquered it. It looks better than new! and the stickers won't peal off!
good look
Ian

Mind me asking how much they charged you Ian? Was it for the whole engine or just the cowling?

Cheers,

Jonathan

seawinds · 20 August 2012, 10:11

I attach pics of damaged cowling. I assume it is made from some type of fiberglass. Did you go to a car body shop, or a specialist who does bumpers? I would imagine surface would need to be filled sanded etc.

Xk59D · 20 August 2012, 10:29

easy fix. maybe even able to save the decals. a bodyshop can repair that easily.

worst case you need to order new decals from suzi or q decent signwriter can scan it if you take the cowl in.

i would personally fix that myself and get a shop to spray it. i assume it is a std type black they use if you can find a code online perhaps. you will get very close to it either way.

halfords sell bumper filler which works well on outboard hoods if you feel inclined to repair yourself.

cheers

seawinds · 20 August 2012, 11:16

many thanks Xk59D and all who contributed
regards
Bill

Boats&Outboards · 20 August 2012, 11:30

I'd be inclined to leave it as it is and keep an eye out for a replacement. Why I hear you ask ? It will help deter theft for one, plus if you do manage to pick up a spare you can keep it as such until it comes to selling then fit it, so you don't lose any value on the motor. Likewise if you have any days out that would warrant using the better cowl then use it on them too.

Obviously if you trailer the boat and store it at home that will reduce the need to deter thefts anyway, in which case get it repaired.

PeterM · 20 August 2012, 11:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by spartacus

You could also consider using as is - but fit a splash cover. Not that EBay nonsense, but a made to measure cover with air vents and Suzuki branding. Ribquest (Sheffield) had them on a 4.8m boat in theeir gallery pictures before they were bought over. Looked the mutts nuts. Might be worth dropping them an email to see where they sourced them from?

OCA covers ...just brilliant ..and much cheaper than another cowl - and you can get the boat name on it etc etc .....

Making quality outboard motor & marine covers for protection on & off the water.

They usually do 'deals' at the Southampton Boat show ..not saying you have to go ..an email saying you saw them at the show and now want to order will do the trick .

longjohn · 20 August 2012, 12:15

I think the OCA covers are horrendously expensive for what they are - £130 for a splash cover for a 60-90 Hp Suzi!

Should be able to get the existing cowl resprayed much cheaper than that

Crusher · 20 August 2012, 13:00

OCA covers are expensive, but I bought one and I am VERY pleased with it. Perfect fit, covers and protects the engine. IMO worth the money.......

spartacus · 20 August 2012, 23:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by seawinds

I attach pics of damaged cowling. I assume it is made from some type of fiberglass. Did you go to a car body shop, or a specialist who does bumpers? I would imagine surface would need to be filled sanded etc.

Yes it's fibreglass. Luckily the decals are not damaged, so that's a saving in itself. Decals can be covered with 3M bodyshop masking tape, which will be precise. You can then sand the areas that are damaged and fill with P38 filler. Use wet and dry sandpaper with plenty water (and a little detergent) to achieve an ultra smooth surface ready for priming. 90% of the job is preparation. I'd leave it to the bodyshop to paint the cowl, (remove the masking tape) then give the whole thing a top-coat lacquer.

Won't be cheap, but cheaper than a new cowl.

gasman · 21 August 2012, 15:08

Hi Jonathan. I cheeted a bit. My mate did it. the paint cost £50.00 .He did the job as a favour. It took a couple of hours to do ,with me flatting off and masking for him.
Ian