Saddlebag Restoration

[hairynob24]

That single is OHV , is the frame a cut down or standard, rare

[MattyPhatty52]

Hello all. I'm trying to get a definitive answer on these bags. I'm getting conflicting opinions. They were on my 52FL when I purchased it last fall. One said they are period Buco bags. Another said they are just some random aftermarket bags that were added at some point and they are not worth putting any money into them. Can anyone here identify them or give the contact info of some who can? It seems the names that I have seen on older threads are no longer around. 20260108_124117 (1).jpg

[T. Cotten]

Hello all. I'm trying to get a definitive answer on these bags. I'm getting conflicting opinions. They were on my 52FL when I purchased it last fall. One said they are period Buco bags. Another said they are just some random aftermarket bags that were added at some point and they are not worth putting any money into them. Can anyone here identify them or give the contact info of some who can? It seems the names that I have seen on older threads are no longer around.

Most BUCOs I encountered, Matt,

Were either mounted with "D" fender plates, or "demountable" spring-clip assemblies stamped with logos:

Buco cat 1.jpg

There were many different designs.

I believe your buckles have been replaced by the look of the rivets, and the conchos added later, and of course, the vinyl fringe cut off.

They look worth reconditioning at least!

.....Cotten

[MattyPhatty52]

Thanks Cotton. I was just able to confirm the "Buco" logo on the spring clips. I did not notice it before. So, I think you are correct, They would be worth putting in some time to do a little reconditioning. Now I need to pick the correct method. To much conflicting information out there. Soak in water. Don't soak in water. Coat with neat's-foot. Don't coat with any oil.

[T. Cotten]

Thanks Cotton. I was just able to confirm the "Buco" logo on the spring clips. I did not notice it before. So, I think you are correct, They would be worth putting in some time to do a little reconditioning. Now I need to pick the correct method. To much conflicting information out there. Soak in water. Don't soak in water. Coat with neat's-foot. Don't coat with any oil.

A hot scrub in a tub is often the only way to clean them , Matt,

And then re-shape them any way you can, stuffed repeatedly to dry; The vinyl piping seams return to wavy, even when clamped.

Properly prepped and touched up with dye or shoe-polish, I would suggest nearly anything but neats-foot or 'mink oil'!

....Cotten