Charlie, Here is way to save making the "U" shaped mount, These were made by DB or Wixom, have seen them listed both ways, but the "U" shaped brackets are nearly identical. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2435995458&category=34284 And here is another without the required bracket..... http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2435580370&category=35603 Wixom (or DB?) also made a set of bag rails for the Wixom bags that uses the same "U" shaped bracket and that bracket is the same as the bracket for the bumper. I got my set (bumper and bag rails with brackets) from Eldomike but I believe he sold most of his stock to Guzzambo. You might check with either of them for that bumper and/or bracket.
Alan '74 Eldorado LAPD MGNOC 4352
Alan R. Dunphy adun-@midmaine.com Pittsfield, ME 04967-1426
----- Original Message ----- From: "Charlie Mullendore" <li-@loopframe.com> To: <Loopfram-@topica.com> Sent: Saturday, October 04, 2003 9:28 PM Subject: RE: DB saddlebag questions
Hi Alan, I had everything figured correctly then but the grab handle attachment. I'll have to fabricate that and the lower u-shaped brackets. There was gentleman that contacted me about some BMW bits I had for sale that had a chrome rear mount/fender protector. Maybe I should check back with him and see if he still has it! These DBs are off of an Eldo judging from the stuff that was still inside. I may replace the lights with LED units but I'll cross that bridge when I get there.
Funny you should ask about the reflectors.... I needed a pair for my '71 Ambo - the amber lens is all cracked and falling apart. As luck would have it, the same shop I bought the bags from was loading up to go to the British & European bike show in Leesburg, VA tomorrow. In one of the bin boxes were three NOS amber Lucas reflectors still attached to brackets for some Brit bike. As soon as I have a chance to look through all my stuff, I'll decide if there are any to spare. Remind me in a week or so if I don't get back to you by then. Alan R. Dunphy wrote:
Charlie, I have used the DB bags before and I can attest that they are
not as
"homely" once installed and they do not look as large either. Each of the original brackets had a bolt welded to the saddle bag end. The longest of these is flat and goes on the lower front and bolts to foot peg mount. The two that are angled in the center go on the top of the bag. one to the shock bolt and one to grab handle bolt, not sure which is which but it will only work one way. The "U" shaped bracket hooks to the fender and to the lower rear hole in the bag and looks to be made 1/4 " bar stock and nickel plated. On my '73 the holes were already in the fender but they are not present on my '74. Even though these bags are huge they fit really close to the bike if mounted correctly. There are two versions of the bag also, the early loop bags tend to be very stout and heavier than the later bags which are slightly different to clear the brake caliper on the Tonti framed bikes and lighter built. The later bags will fit on a loop but I believe you will need the loop brackets. DBs look really nice with the rounded Wixom trunk (#306 I
believe).
I have some Digital pictures of the bags with the brackets not installed and of the bags on my old bike and on my brothers bike if that would help. Plus I have a few spare lenses and or light assemblies that I could be persuaded to part with if needed. I do, however, believe that the lenses are available at most any parts store or truck stop and maybe the whole light assembly as well. I did not use the lights that came with the bags but instead used a set of truck lights mounted flush. It really improved the look of the bags a lot. Have any Ambo reflectors you don't need?
Alan '74 Eldorado LAPD MGNOC 4352
Alan R. Dunphy adun-@midmaine.com Pittsfield, ME 04967-1426
----- Original Message ----- From: "Charlie Mullendore" <li-@loopframe.com> To: <Loopfram-@topica.com> Sent: Saturday, October 04, 2003 7:01 PM Subject: DB saddlebag questions
Hi All, I bought a set of DB 'bags (and a Wixom trunk) today for cheap and wondered how the DBs mount up. There are two brackets on the forward part of the bag - one up top that mounts to the upper shock stud and a lower one that bolts to passenger peg/muffler hanger tab of the frame.
I
remember seeing (But don't have) a u-shaped bracket that ties the
lower
rear of the bags together - does this also attach to the fender
somehow?
There's holes on the upper rear of the 'bags that are in alignment
with
the rear grab rail mounting tabs - are there bolts and spacers that go here or something/nothing else?
Are the "Grote" marker lights used on these originally (?) still available? I'm missing one lens on each 'bag.
I'm trying to decide if I should use the DBs on "Freebie" or not. They are quite large and rather homely looking compared to Wixoms. But the DBs along with the trunk would give me lots of storage capacity for