Replacing a Broken Handle

bobbyjoeufb · 19 July 2006, 09:14

Finally got my Zapcat home yesterday, has a couple of bits that need sorted.

One of the handles have snapped, I have a replacement with the correct glue but could any one suggest how to remove the old handle?

The impact mat has been ripped so new one has been ordered.

I have also found out that the standard trailer wont fit in my garage, any suggestions if the trailer can be modifided to fit?

Finally I have the Zapcat Transfers that go on the side, no insturctions to fit them, any advice would be greatly received.

Thanks

Tim M · 19 July 2006, 12:05

I did the same recently re. the handle. I used a hot air gun (as suggested on here) and a putty knife (with a reasonably sharp edge). Brute force and a lot of jabbing at the old handle with the putty knife removed most of it in one go, but it tore as I was pulling it off. The rest came off with stanley knife and a steady hand.

Are the graphics vinyl?

bobbyjoeufb · 19 July 2006, 12:21

Thanks ill try that.

I think the graphics are vinyl, it has two protecive sheets with the graphics sandwiched in the middle. I believe the backing paper comes off and it sticks to the pvc tubes.

Sounds easy enough but any tips on applying this to the tubes?

jyasaki · 19 July 2006, 18:45

What about the trailer is causing a problem with your garage? Length?

If so, you can get a breakaway tongue fitted (this is one project that may be easier to have fabbed up, as the kits are not readily available.)

Basically, it's a heavy duty hinge with box section tubing on either side, and a pin-secured latch mechanism on the opposite side. Pull the pin, and it allows the tongue to fold up.

All you really need to do is make sure that the thing is secure, and the pin is sized large enough to prevent shearing, and secured well enough that it doesn't accidently come out.

The pre-made kits are usually welded on to the tongue, but I've seen bolt-on kits as well (I had a couple of people tell me that bolt-on wouldn't be strong or reliable enough for trailering. Just how do they think their coupler is attached?)

jky

bobbyjoeufb · 19 July 2006, 18:53

Looking at the trailer I can move some parts and reduce the length by about 7 inches, the problem is the width, its about 2-4 inches to wide, if I take the mub guards off I think it will fit and might be able to get some smaller ones to put in place.

Wondering if any other Zapcat owners have had this problem and a possible soultion?

fast fred · 22 July 2006, 00:35

looks nice,the Hotsu is a good choice.
with the heat gun you should beable to Peel off the old handel, jabbin, scrapin, ect. with a sharp putty knife is not a good idea. of course, you don't want to burn it.

bobbyjoeufb · 22 July 2006, 13:25

Thanks for the ideas, was not happy with using a heat gun so I have cut of the old strap and glued the new handle on top of the old mounting so no need for heat.

Also managed to fit the boat in a garage at an angle with the rear tanks deflated slightly. Planning to extend the back of the garage in the near future.

Will try to apply the transfers at a later date once the glue has set and I get the chance to wash the tubes clean. Have been advised to use soapy water on the back of the graphics, this should make it easier to postition the graphics and will stick once it drys out.

fast fred · 22 July 2006, 13:39

thay will peal, we use stencels, the part thats left after you take the graphics
out, float in on thare with soap and water, spray it, let dry, peal off stencel,
it last far longer, stuckons only last one season at the vary vary best.