1935 GTS Rear Rack

[Dave Swanson]

I purchased this rear rack for the GTS a few years ago from an Italian vendor I have forgotten the name of.  It was in raw metal.  I hung it from a hook while it waited for me to finally give it some attention.  Matching the  amaranth of the bike was always a perceived impediment to getting this little project off the ground.  I went to Walmart today and found something that was remarkably close - Rustoleum 2X Kona Gloss for $6.   I think it is close enough!

It was not necessary to drill holes for this install.  Pictures of this bike in Germany before it was imported to the USA in 2016 had this style of rack on the bike.  For some reason the rack was removed and small carriage bolts were used to plug the holes before leaving Germany.

Ideally, I would like to find someone that can make a custom leather pack for it.  I do have a small Kriega OS6 pack for it in the meantime. 
 

[jrt]

My single data point here is my briefcase that I bought from Saddleback Leather.  20 years and it shows some creasing, but is wearing just fine.  Very thick leather, great stitching and great, heavy hardware.  I have no idea if they do custom work, but if they do- it would be good quality (and $$$ of course)

[turboguzzi]

still drooling over your bike....

with it looking so good, id look for someone who can mix you the color in nitrocellulose paint (what was used originally and in older restorations) and give it another spray with it.

after its hardened for a few months, you can easily give it a pass with pain cutting paste to take the sheen off so it looks aged.

thats what i did in my NSU Max where i had to repaint just the rear mudguard and match it to the rest of the unrestored bike.

[Dave Swanson]

If this was still original paint I would certainly go through the extra work to match it the right way, but this is mostly a repaint from long ago and it has plenty of patina.  In this case I will call it good.

[Cam3512]

That’s pretty dang close.  What a beautiful machine! 

[Cal3Me]

There used to be a leather shop in Island Lake that made one off things and repairs. And wasn't there a leather shop in Harvard. Maybe try a saddle shop too.

[Dave Swanson]

There used to be a leather shop in Island Lake that made one off things and repairs. And wasn't there a leather shop in Harvard. Maybe try a saddle shop too.

Thanks for the suggestions.  This is one bike that just wont look right with a modern pack on it.   

[Dave Swanson]

After a short consultation with a proprietor of a local saddle shop I realized a custom made tail bag would be very expensive, therefore I started looking for a ready made bag.

After a couple of weeks of searching for a suitable looking bag with close enough dimensions that wouldn't break the bank I found this large toiletry bag made by Elizo for $79 and free shipping.

It is close enough to vintage looking in my book and probably saved me well over $500 over the custom route.   A Masonite base holds the bag securely and should be good up to 200 mph.