Adding Hardbags to an FLS - 2014 Softail Slim
#21
10-05-2015, 02:48 PM
Grand HDF Member
I can't see the photos so I can't comment on them one way or the other.
However, to me BigDog's comments portray a pretty strange attitude. I do my own welding but if I had to have something done by a shop the first thing I'd do is see examples of the quality of the work they do. "If it holds, no worries"? Holding is the only measure of the quality of a weld for you? " Kinda hard once you drop it off to get done. No real option but to pay and go on your way." ? Really? So if a shop does a **** job of welding on your piece you just pay the money and skip merrily on your way? Really? If I'm paying a shop to weld for me I'm going to expect a quality weld to include proper penetration, strength, and appearance. If the weld isn't up to reasonable standards I'm not paying for it. It the shop trashes my parts they are putting some money in my pocket or providing me with acceptable replacement parts. Maybe I'm strange but when I pay for a service I tend to expect that service to be done properly.
However, to me BigDog's comments portray a pretty strange attitude. I do my own welding but if I had to have something done by a shop the first thing I'd do is see examples of the quality of the work they do. "If it holds, no worries"? Holding is the only measure of the quality of a weld for you? " Kinda hard once you drop it off to get done. No real option but to pay and go on your way." ? Really? So if a shop does a **** job of welding on your piece you just pay the money and skip merrily on your way? Really? If I'm paying a shop to weld for me I'm going to expect a quality weld to include proper penetration, strength, and appearance. If the weld isn't up to reasonable standards I'm not paying for it. It the shop trashes my parts they are putting some money in my pocket or providing me with acceptable replacement parts. Maybe I'm strange but when I pay for a service I tend to expect that service to be done properly.
Yes I realize there is a lot more going into welding besides if it holds. For the money it didn't seem as important to me if the weld was pretty or not. Ultimately if it "does the job", it is okay....not stellar, not good, but okay.
Once again, I figure it isn't worth all the hassle taking someone to court, etc. over that small of a project and dollar amount. I'm not saying it's right or fair, just is what it is. I guess it comes down to what you feel your time is worth.
I never once said "skip merrily on your way", don't try and read that into it.
It would appear welding is one of your pet peeves and that's cool. I get it. I wasn't trying to turn this thread into something else, but just trying to respond to your over the top comments.
#22
10-05-2015, 02:55 PM
Grand HDF Member
To be honest, I wasnt sure how to take his comments either. Im new to the city of Austin, and I live in an apartment so I wasnt able to bring all my tools with me. Including my trusty old stick welder. Now I did a search for small job welding services and companies that could do this but nobody wanted the work. Finally I contacted a local welding supply company and just asked them if it was possible for them to recommend someone.
The owners said he knew a guy that did that kinda work on the side. We met, he seemed cool, understood what i needed done and had an old BMW r90 that was in great shape. He said $80-100 and I agreed.
I got them back and the brackets were in the wrong place. I think he simply misunderstood my directions. -I said 16cm center to center, he moved the bracket 16 cm from where it was No big deal, went over the problem, he agreed to fix them. Had them back and correct the next day. I was satisfied with the work and everything lined up. He asked for $100. Again I agreed and dont feel overcharged.
That being said, if something goes wrong and they come apart, I might shoot him an email and see if he wants to make the repair, I dont expect him to do it for free though. Ultimately I didnt bring this stuff to a business and get a receipt. I have to accept that I may be stuck w a faulty job that needs to be done over. But Ill cross that bridge when i get there.
For now Im happy with how they look and Im satisfied.
The owners said he knew a guy that did that kinda work on the side. We met, he seemed cool, understood what i needed done and had an old BMW r90 that was in great shape. He said $80-100 and I agreed.
I got them back and the brackets were in the wrong place. I think he simply misunderstood my directions. -I said 16cm center to center, he moved the bracket 16 cm from where it was No big deal, went over the problem, he agreed to fix them. Had them back and correct the next day. I was satisfied with the work and everything lined up. He asked for $100. Again I agreed and dont feel overcharged.
That being said, if something goes wrong and they come apart, I might shoot him an email and see if he wants to make the repair, I dont expect him to do it for free though. Ultimately I didnt bring this stuff to a business and get a receipt. I have to accept that I may be stuck w a faulty job that needs to be done over. But Ill cross that bridge when i get there.
For now Im happy with how they look and Im satisfied.
This is what I was trying to say. Was just trying to "agree with you".
Didn't say it was perfect, just didn't think you needed to trash the brackets because the welds weren't perfect. It's hard to find someone willing to do a small project, they usually don't feel it's worth their time. Either won't do it, or want to charge you a ton.
If I read your comments correctly you felt the work was suitable and that is what I was trying to say.
#23
10-05-2015, 06:58 PM
#24
10-05-2015, 07:35 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
#25
10-06-2015, 07:48 AM
Grand HDF Member
#26
10-18-2015, 10:29 PM
Ok folks, I just realize that I never included the conclusion/wiring portion of this work. It's pretty straight forward to be honest, once the actual piece showed up from custom dynamics I was able to get it done in about 10mins. <br><br> This is the wiring diagram and pre wired connection:<br><img src="https://i.imgur.com/PCmxLTm.jpg" alt="Uploaded with Imgupr" /><br><br>And this is the wiring from the harness:<br><img src="https://i.imgur.com/Fg0mXWb.jpg" alt="Uploaded with Imgupr" /><br><br>so real simply, black is ground and wires right the the black from the LED taillight. The red from the LED is wired into the red from the connection. The orange wires into the white from the harness (running light) and the red is wired into the red from the harness (brakes). <br><br> Seriously, follow the directions and it's pretty easy. Now I ran the wiring from the LEDs down the rear fender/strut where the original wiring was and just put it together under the seat. This meant cutting the wiring from the harness short. Whether or not you do it that way or think my way wasn't the best, that's up to you and the part you'd have to decide for yourself. <br><br>Again let me know if you have any questions or need direction and to most of you, enjoy what's left of the decent weather. It's still beautiful here in Texas hill country so I'll be out on the road for a while longer.
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#28
10-19-2015, 07:52 AM
I think I do ok...<br><img src="https://i.imgur.com/DYkbpyy.jpg" alt="Uploaded with Imgupr" /><br><br>The bags are up pretty high, I'm not sure they would be in danger of hitting pavement at all with the lean angle this bike is capable of.
#30
05-11-2020, 10:26 PM
wow this thread is like 5 yrs old and still getting people’s attention- that’s awesome.
as for your question, I bought a set of brackets on eBay that were labeled and designed for a heritage softail. The model info didn’t really matter, they just HD to be correct for holding the type of bags, then I had the mounting tabs cut and repelled into the correct spot.
good luck with it, the slim is a GREAT bike. Ultimately I traded mine for a Road Glide and went full “old man bagger”.
enjoy!