Narrow Glide Front Fender Bracket Install

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Dec 5, 2006 | 05:22 PM

DGlide04

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From: Hudson Valley- NY

Narrow Glide Front Fender Bracket Install

This is question involves a Dyna front fender, but could apply to a Sportster or other FX-style front. I'm getting ready to change out the smaller cafe type fender on my FXD for an older style FX fender, fuller coverage and mounts with the chromed bracket like the one below. The fender will be reworked so the currently rusty chrome bracket will be replaced.

I know that I can buy new rivets and the chrome bracket, but what I can't seem to find is the best way to install the new chrome bracket with the rivets w/o damaging the rivets when they're installed. If anyone's actually done this before, I'd like some advice.

Thanks.

[IMG]local://upfiles/1981/D65EE760074044F4B3F47A008F903EB8.jpg[/IMG]

Dec 5, 2006 | 06:05 PM

bobcowan

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Joined: Dec 2005

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From: Colorado Springs, CO

RE: Narrow Glide Front Fender Bracket Install

Why not weld them on, then weld the rivit holesclosed. Sure would look better, IMO. Personally, I would also paint the brackets to match the fender.

Dec 5, 2006 | 07:37 PM

mud

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From: the 50s & the 60s

RE: Narrow Glide Front Fender Bracket Install

Quote:

ORIGINAL: DGlide04

This is question involves a Dyna front fender,
.................................................. .............
The fender will be reworked so the currently rusty chrome bracket will be replaced.
.................................................. .............
Thanks.

Haven't worked with rivets much DGlide, but....

If I was to approach this modification, I would definately use bobcowan's welding suggestion.

but.... I would also rework the brackets a little so I could roll the fender slightly
to better match the tire/wheel radius.

Rough PhotoShop mockup:

mud

Dec 5, 2006 | 09:16 PM

DGlide04

Thread Starter

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From: Hudson Valley- NY

RE: Narrow Glide Front Fender Bracket Install

Quote:

ORIGINAL: mudpuddle

Quote:

mud

Damn Mud, I have to learn how to use PhotoShop, the photo looks great and gives me another suggestion. I will definitely look into bobcowan's suggestion to weld the bracket in place, it would look much smoother and eliminate the rivets altogether. Welding up the bracket holes would be no problem and I like the possibility of painting the entire fender and losing the chrome bracket altogether.

Can you ever have too much red? I've also been given a suggestion to have the bracket removed, powdercoated to match the fender and then install it back with shortened polished s/s screws to set the bracket off a little. Thankkfully I have a long winter ahead of me to make these decisions.