I'm trying to figure out how to bob the rear fender on my 99 softail and I've pretty much got it figured out other than the rear mount. I was thinking of a full brace from the swing arm/axel area up and around to the other side. The only issue I see is I can't take advantage of any of the existing bolts to bolt the brace down to. Can I weld or what I'd like to do is just drill either side of the axel plate (not sure the proper name) where the swing arm gathers and the axel nuts are, or will this drastically weaken the plate or swing arm and cause something to give/crack? The only other option I see is welding a plate on the swing arm and coming off of it with the support but can I weld to the tubing and not lose strength in the steel? I ride mostly alone but the old lady likes to ride sometimes too so I want the rear of it supported well and the struts are going to have to come off most of the way but I'll still have enough room for two bolts in the front of it on either side.

 

I've been doing some looking and it seems like there is a bracket behind the axel nuts for support and to bolt to. If I went this route and used 3/16 on both sides will they interfere with the axel spacing side to side? If it does that means shorter spacers then?

 

Think you need to contact a guy called Dennyo on here he's chopped his rear bobtail fender, here's his bike.