Restoration opinions needed....

[skiracer]

I am working on a couple of late 70's KTM's and have a question on the plastic...  One of the bikes has the original front fender, stamped with the KTM logo.  I need to replace the rear fender, and the side panels.  So, do I replace the front fender too so that they all match, or do I reuse the original fender....  Of course it has the usual nicks and scrapes, but it is not too bad.  It is not a money issue, but rather what is a better project.  The bike is going to be used for riding and competing, not a trailer queen.  Your thoughts are gladly appreciated.  Thanks, James

1976 MC 5 Original Owner
1982 Suzuki PE 175
2002 KTM 200 EXC
1976 Husqvarna 175GP
1979 KTM 250 GS (Project)
1981 KTM 250 (Project)

[Larry Perkins]

If it is a rider/racer and it looks decent, I say run it, as it will work just as good as a new one and it then does not sit and go to waste.

Larry P

[marsattacks]

James I would say definitely run it! -- the repops won't ever have the logos or probably the pure shape either -- there is something to do with the difference between injection-molded and extruded processes that I don't understand that makes a difference in the crispness of the shape.  There is a lot of info on doing a mild resto of faded plastic that might make that fender stand up really well to the new ones.  Good luck.