Saddlebag stiffeners.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,871
Likes: 1,325
From: DeLand, Florida
1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
From: akron
http://papabags.com/ - ez to install - fast shipping - straighten the bags out perfectly
Last edited by flstc2; Jan 20, 2017 at 09:32 PM. Reason: added link
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,971
Likes: 901
From: Omaha
R&D, manufacturing, marketing and distribution all cost money.
A PlayStation game cost $50-$100.
How much do you think that plastic disc cost, $.10?
To the OP; by the time you spend all the time to piece something together that will end up not looking that good you'd wish you spent the money and got the kit that is already put together.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,333
Likes: 77
From: Orlando, FL
I went to a sign store and bought some left over material...it is pvc sheets...cut to size and bags kept their shape through all kinds of weather. Spent 10.00 and my time...
Here is the post I made...this was when I had the Sporster, but same applies to other saddlebags
Here is the post I made...this was when I had the Sporster, but same applies to other saddlebags
OK, I was able to take time to work on the saddle bags. I wanted to put some PVC sheets inside to make sure they keep their shape and do not sag with time and weather exposure.
First attempt to make it like a box failed... doing all those bends with a heat gun and hands.... well it did not go well.
Second attempt was in two parts. Back side with the two sides... that came out nice. Then the front side as one piece. That worked well and it was the approach I finally went with.
Once I knew it was in place and fitting well... it was time to put some threaded rivets to secure it in place.
Leather hole punch and the rivets:
Rivets in place. This should hold its shape now not matter rain or shine:
Scars from not being careful with the exacto knife...
Rinse and repeat for the other side...
First attempt to make it like a box failed... doing all those bends with a heat gun and hands.... well it did not go well.
Second attempt was in two parts. Back side with the two sides... that came out nice. Then the front side as one piece. That worked well and it was the approach I finally went with.
Once I knew it was in place and fitting well... it was time to put some threaded rivets to secure it in place.
Leather hole punch and the rivets:
Rivets in place. This should hold its shape now not matter rain or shine:
Scars from not being careful with the exacto knife...
Rinse and repeat for the other side...
Last edited by wachuko; Jan 21, 2017 at 08:06 AM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,016
Likes: 277
From: East Tn Foot of The Dragon
http://papabags.com/ - ez to install - fast shipping - straighten the bags out perfectly
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,333
Likes: 77
From: Orlando, FL
I took a look at the photos in that link...seems that due to the size of the bags you actually need additional support in the form of rods. Those inserts look like they are well thought out.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 141
Likes: 31
From: Tennessee Valley
What kind of locking system did you install?
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,016
Likes: 277
From: East Tn Foot of The Dragon
PapaBags does not use plastic liner sheets. It is a metal frame that bolts directly to the fender struts that hold the bags on. They actually suspend the bags and keep the bag opening and bag lid "square"
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,016
Likes: 277
From: East Tn Foot of The Dragon
Cobra, I bought some small metal padlock pins with a flange that I riveted to the PapaBag cross frame. I then drilled a hole through the factory goncho and used two matched small master padlocks. Worked and looked good.