Posted by g-man on April 24, 2000 at 05:36:08:
In Reply to: Saddlebags posted by Barbara Brooker on April 21, 2000 at 02:58:32:
Well, here's an idea that's way out in left field, but I'll toss it out anyway, might spark an idea in somebody else. I experimented with building my own saddlebags some time back. basically, build your design out of some good corrugated cardboard, fiberglassing the inside as you glue it up. (paint a coat of resin on the cardboard, apply the silk, and then add enough extra resin to get a smooth finish.) Then fiberglass the outside the same. before you laugh, the result is a surprisingly strong, yet light weight container that is waterproof. (you can add more strength by adding more layers of fiberglass) have an upholstery shop cover in leather or vinyl (or fill, sand and paint to match.) Cover the inside the same or similar to what's used in musical instrument cases. You'll have to design your own mounting scheme of course, to fit what you're trying to do.
Lot of work, but cheap, as most retailers will give you all the cardboard you want for free, and fiberglass resin and silk can be had at any Walmart for about $15. Nuthin like that good ole' hillbilly engineering..."hey, is that a Savage or a Goldwing?..."
g