Poor Man's saddlebag repair

[Poseidon]

So, my leather saddlebags were taking a heavy heavy beating with all the miles I have been putting on them. I use them religiously but they weren't going to last too much longer if I didn't do something about it. I started off with a free sheet of aluminum (found), a jigsaw with metal blades, ruler... the following are pictures of what I did. Now, I know some might say that this is dumb as shit but with zero dollars and the will to keep them alive, i was able to accomplish what I needed. Eat it up, let me know what you think....

These pics show how the bags were getting bad.

[Poseidon]

i cut the sheet metal into the two plates you see below. one in a 'U' shape and the other is a solid piece with two notches cut in them. I cut the two notches so that i can just loosen up the two bolts holding the sissy bar on and slide and lock on. This will help me in the future for easy install/ removal (put on, slide to lock and tighten).

The other picture shows how the 'U' sits inside the bag and bolts in. I will probably paint the bolts black later. The shape of the 'U' helps me still have access to the pocket and still gives it stability. Pretty much, the two plates sandwich the walls of the leather bag and bolts on. The outside plate was sealed on to plug the holes and to ensure no water intrusion have later effects.

The last pic show how they sit on there. It bothered me that my math was a little off. The right side is just slightly higher than my left. I notice it because it is my bike but if this works i might take some metal to a weld shop to have exacting pieces cut. This is, more or less, a prototype.

[Poseidon]

another view of them securely installed. sorry about the blur.

[obnoxious bastard]

very nice, i would have done the same thing. they look new when on the bike and would have hated to throw them away. good job man

[girlfriend]

Well done grasshopper....
when I had my spirit, there were oversized bags on it and when packed they would sit on the tail pipe, they got into the same kinda shape, (melted on the bottom)
I just traded the bike in and that solved my problem lol:freak:

[Poseidon]

appreciate it. when we get another bike this one is probably going to the wifey. That is sometime down the road when the money is a lot better.