I wanted more storage space on my StreetGlide but I needed something I could take off easily since it's for occasional use only (and I didn't want to spend a lot of money).
I got a tourpack from eBay, 80 bucks, painted vivid black, all hardware and a top rack included. Of course I didn't expect much but I was surprised, the paint was good and is actually a good match. The mounting hardware was crap but I was going to fabricate my own anyway. I'm sure the quality doesn't match a genuine Harley pack but like I mentioned it's for occasional use only.
So I used some 3/16" stainless steel I had left from a previous project, fired up the TIG and fabricated 2 mounting brackets. Looks simple but a lot of time was spent making the mounting rack level, centered, with proper spacing from the fender and the seat (the kit included a backrest), and including a semi-quick detach system.




I had to design a system for fender hardware so I could easily take the pack on and off, all I need is a 1/2" open wrench. Again a lot of time was spent making this all fit between my fender overlay and extended saddlebags. I followed the advice from some members on this forum and used a dremel to gain access to a fender bolt hole to fit my hardware.


The hardware is all neatly tucked between the overlay and saddlebags.

And the finished product looks like this.





I ordered some stainless steel hardware from alloyboltz and will replace all the hardware with stainless steel, and I'll do a black oxide coating on it to make it all less visible.
I also need to fire up the powdercoating oven and do a gloss black powdercoat on the mounting brackets and the top rack.


If I eventually find that the tourpack is not up to par, I can still keep the mounting system and replace the pack.

 

pretty cool what is that 1/4 inch steel? I don't see that breaking anytime soon. getting much vibration out of it? I would think the backrest would get in the way of your arms

 

It's 3/16" stainless steel, I used 2" and 1-1/2" flat bars. I was very generous with the TIG, there is not a lap joint that isn't welded all the way, all with stainless steel filler rod.
I haven't ridden with it yet, I just finished this morning and I have to wait for my alloyboltz order to come in to finalize the mounting hardware part.

 

so you making a quick detach deal for that or will it be bolted in? didn't see any latch hooks to hold it in place or anything.

 

You should make up a couple of them and sell them to the members here who do not want to pay the moco prices?

 

It's semi quick detach, I slotted the bottom bracket but it will be pinched on the mounting hardware with a nut. I'll try with a wingnut bit if it doesn't work, all I'll need to install/remove it is a 1/2" open wrench.

 

Very nice work x1rider. I did a similar job on my Classic. Cut the tour pak bracket up and rewelded back together to make the TP a back rest. The arm rest do not get in the way, they're kinda handy while waiting on a long red light.

 

Pretty cool. I think the 3/16 is going to be plenty strong. You could also shape some of the hard corners and cut a design into the parts you do see and still be ok on strength. But then again, black it out and you won't even notice it. Nice work.

 

very nicely done. i'll bet "occasional"use becomes more frequent after using it awhile. i wouldn't tale mine off, i've come to like it too much. i agree, if it works out, you might have a market here.......

 

I intended to round the corners but I was too much in a hurry to see if it would work at all. I did the drilling and slotting with the pieces from each side tack welded together so they would be perfectly symmetrical. I seperated them before I rounded the corners. The bracket is pretty close to the fender and once I powdercoat it black it will be hardly visible.