Saddlebag Lids

[rbenash]

On another note - does anyone have a source for rivets that look as original, or a source for original style rivets for the hardware on these lids/bags? I do see offers on some lids recently, but the rivets are often replaced with screws and pops. If I do move to a rework, I want the hardware to be right after I'm done.

[K. Felt]

Still available from Harley Davidson.

[rbenash]

Still available from Harley Davidson.

Hmm, missed that - will have a look at my parts manual for PN.

Ray

[K. Felt]

Rivets you can get...finding the proper tool to install is the hard part...

[rbenash]

Rivets you can get...finding the proper tool to install is the hard part...

Yep figured that. Anyone have pointer to the tools required?

[joe fxs fxr]

check hanson rivets online store: hansonrivet.com/

[kurly]

This tool is used for setting the 70 and 80 series saddlebag rivets. Not sure if its the same as '65. You need to use different dies than upholstery snaps. I'll try and post the dies.

Curly Saddle bag rivet tool 1.jpg

[kurly]

Saddle bag rivet tool 2.jpgSaddle bag rivet tool 3.jpgSaddle bag rivet tool 4.jpg

[kurly]

I bought the cap end die, but could not find the bottom setting die. I drew a print of the second die. It uses a O ring to hold it into the tool.

Curly Saddle bag rivet tool 5.jpgSaddle bag rivet tool 6.jpgSaddle bag rivet tool 7.jpgSaddle bag rivet tool 8.jpg

[kurly]

P.S. Don't try to drill out the old rivets .....They will eventually spin and enlarge the hole in the fiberglass. Carefully grind them from the inside until they can be removed.

Curly

[otis71]

I put hitch pins through the front tang on a original FLH. Took it all the way to winners circle with nothing ever mentioned about them. I guess that could depend on the judges though. Either way a couple of hitch pins would probably be a smaller ding than a smashed or missing lid.

[rbenash]

Haven't been getting notices for this thread since my last post :-(. Thanks all for your detail and information!! I have found a lid in really nice shape with all correct hardware at this point. I do though have the two types of NOS rivets now just in case, for the future. Will be checking into picking up a rivet tool to keep with them. Thanks again.

P.S. Bike has been in winners circle @ 99.75 pts. Those minor items have been fixed for awhile. Was going to show for marquee status at Oley this year, was already registered, but flipped the lid during a ride and it found itself crushed under the wheel of car behind me.

Hoping to sort this out for the next meet at Oley. Will be too late for Chesapeake meet, trying to find birch white paint that matches to get the lid done.

[BigLakeBob]

Haven't been getting notices for this thread since my last post :-(. Thanks all for your detail and information!! I have found a lid in really nice shape with all correct hardware at this point. I do though have the two types of NOS rivets now just in case, for the future. Will be checking into picking up a rivet tool to keep with them. Thanks again.

P.S. Bike has been in winners circle @ 99.75 pts. Those minor items have been fixed for awhile. Was going to show for marquee status at Oley this year, was already registered, but flipped the lid during a ride and it found itself crushed under the wheel of car behind me.

Hoping to sort this out for the next meet at Oley. Will be too late for Chesapeake meet, trying to find birch white paint that matches to get the lid done.

See under 'Paint ' section posted yesterday.

[rbenash]

Special mention to Kurly for taking all that time in your response. Great info. Again thanks to everyone that provided all that excellent detail and input.

[dommi7]

Just a thought. I have a bungee cord wrapped around my lid to keep it on while riding down the road. Any sort of flat strap would also work and requires no mod to the bag, lid or hinge.