47 Rear fender

[sparky]

Guys,
Does anyone have a picture of how the filler panel fits? I am trying to adapt an aftermarket one and am not happy with it??? Thanks

[DaveH]

I'm having the same issue anyone have a photo Thanks

[Chris Haynes]

It fits inside the fender. Copy this picture and enlarge it.

[billpedalino]

I have an aftermarket on my '47. Same issue. These fenders are incorectly radiused and the left side sits too close to the chain. It took a lot of 're-working' to make everything fit somewhat correctly. The aftermarket fender was supposed to be a temporary part to be used until I located an OEM and I'm still looking. I've learned that originals for '47 are fairly hard to find - Does anyopne have one for sale?? If so, I would be very interested....

[DaveH]

Thanks for the help guys we got the filler panel figured out. Next obstacle will be fitting the fenders to the bike and riveting the braces. The fenders are oe and I Have the correct rivets. Any advice on how ? Searched the forum but couldn't find anything . We built a buck but whats the best method of peening? Thanks

[vph-d]

A pneumatic chatter gun with a bit radiused to match the head of the rivet. I suppose you could use a big hammer to buck the rivets, too.
VPH-D

[exeric]

I've had to rivet the fender stays on every bike I've ever owned. It is a gruesome job and there is no easy way to do it. Rivets are intended to be driven on the head, and bucked on the shank like VPH-D said. Sometimes you have to drive, and form the shank depending on the application. I would highly recommend doing a few practice applications to get the feel for it because it is very easy to dish the fender skin. The fender stays also have to perfectly conform to the shape of the fender skin.

[exeric]

I always use a ball peen hammer and really try to focus my hits. I've used an air hammer but that can get ugly real fast if you aren't super careful.

[Chris Haynes]

I was lucky enough to find a metal shaper guy who has a hot rivet setting machine.

[Robert Luland]

The factory used orbital riveters. That's why the heads are so nice and round on the stud side. Heating a small rivet accomplishes nothing. It's all how it's put down and a hammer and a set isn't one of them. Bob L

[exeric]

I was going to say, you're the only person I know of that has an orbital riveting machine Bob. That is the ONLY way to get a true original job because that is the way H-D did it.

[DaveH]

Thanks guys have a old fender tip and some extra rivets to practice on.