New Problem: Bending metal...

Got the sissy bar on (grinding the holes only took 10 minutes)...
but the stupid fender mount isn't offset, even though it's a belt drive sissy (wider).



I figured I could fudge it somehow...
but at this point I can't even mount the fender to the frame properly,
so it really only comes down to TWO real options:

1) Bend the fender mount to the right, maybe one inch...
providing me enough room to mount straight.

2) Buy a 7" fender, which I really didn't want...
after I put on a peanut tank, z-bars, and a 9" solo seat,
the 6" fender keeps things sleek.

So my question is... can I bend the fender mount?

We're only talking about an inch here (and the chrome is not an issue)...
so I'm considering it... but I don't have a clue how to go about it.

Blowtorch and a rubber mallet? Vice clamps?

Instead of bending the fender mount, cut the mount off. Two cuts, leave the tab on the hump a little longer on one side. Make a pattern from a coat hanger. Mark the cuts first on the coat hanger, turn the pattern around until you figure out where to make the cuts. Turn the mount around. If you figured right, the fender mount will be right where it needs to be. Since the chrome is'nt an issue, run it to a local small time weld shop. The may not charge you, I would'nt anyway, cause it will only take a second to re weld. Offer them 10 bucks, or a twelve pack at least.

blackhalo wrote on 05/24/11 at 18:15:29:


Not on chrome... no fire on chrome... ...

Make a template of the shape you need with a piece of coat hanger,  then pull the sissy and bend it in a vise (or use a doorjamb or something)... then re-install...

Yeah, the hump is where the fender sits (almost snug)...
and the hump really just needs to slide over to the right about 1",
easier said than done!

One thing I should mention, I'm big on Kustom Kulture... this is gonna be a (clean) rat bike...
distressed and "hand-made" style is the plan (within the limits of good looks)...
so burnt chrome isn't really a big deal (actually, it may even be adopted as a paint job).

I'll see how far I can get without fire tho...
since I don't actually have a torch on-hand.

I do have Gasoline and matches tho...  

Yeah, this is sooo not happening...
between the weld, and the 1/4" steel, the crossbar is as rigid as can be.

Even in a vice it's not gonna move far (very awkward)...
so I have to cut the weld, then bend the bar, and re-weld it.

Considering a new fender is only $30...
it's not exactly worth the effort to disassemble and rebuild the sissy bar.

I would just as soon build the EXACT sissy bar I want, from scratch...
kinda bummed, I did consider this option for a moment... then realized there's so much more work to do yet!

Maybe later.  

Yeah, but then where's the b*tch gonna sit?  

That's the whole point here...
well, that and a place to strap a backpack.

Can't stand baggers, not my cuppa tea...
and the old lady ain't down with long rides and nothing to lean on.

We lives in Florida, everything is a long ride out here.