Wixom Bag Restoration

[smdl]

Hi, folks.

I am at the point of getting my new-to-me Eldorado project painted.  Tank has been repaired and re-chromed, and I have a new set of decals from John Prusnek.  I recently bought a set of Wixom bags, and found a set of Guzzi mounts for same, so plan to have the bags painted and striped at the same time as the tins.  The bags are in really solid shape, and will need very little in the way of bodywork.  They even have working locks and the original keys!  However, as I look at them, I'm really not happy with the finish of the trim or the locking hardware, and would appreciate any input as to how best to go about restoring these bags.  Should I remove the trim for painting and then re-install it afterwards?  Is the trim chrome or stainless?  Can the latches be disassembled to allow polishing or recrhoming?

I'm hoping that folks who have done these before can provide some pointers as to the best approach.

Thanks,
Shaun

[dxhall]

I have been unable to find new latches that are just like the old ones.  Your best bet is to call Moe at Cycle Garden and see what he's been able to find recently.  I haven't talked to him for a while.   

[canuck750]

Hi Shaun

I drilled out the rivets on my Wixoms and then polished the aluminum trim strips. Mark which strip is L and R and front and back, I didn't and ended up riveting them back on incorrectly, slightly different fit, hardly noticeable but one day I will pull them off and mount them correctly.

The surface finish is pebbled, I sanded the gel coat smooth before I painted mine.

I found weather strip at ab automotive auto body supply shop and riveted on new weather-stripping.



The lights are available from automotive supply shops, standard truck / trailer lights

I also drilled out the hinge and lock rivets, painted the insides of the lids and cases with black truck bed liner paint, painted the outsides then re secured everything with aluminum rivets.

Cheers
Jim



I stripped the locks and had the re-chromed

[JoeW]

I just put a set of these on a client's bike...
http://www.mcmaster.com/#6200a31/=11o5gr6
These worked best with the latches on the lid. The client didn't mind that they were non locking. McMaster Carr has a pretty big assortment of latches.

[Penderic]

Marine cabinet hardware has some nice quality solid latches .... but usally too big for the particular job.


Cabinet and some briefcase latches will have something that fits.


I ended up using the type you have now on my Craven vintage bags but I would like to get something solid instead of stamped metal pieces.

[LeRoy]

JoeW is right on track with the plan to drill out the rivets and polish the individual pieces.

...and on a related but self-serving spamish matter, do you need the lights, lenses, bases or gaskets? I have genuine NOS Dietz lights if you want to go for originality. If you want a low-cost option, then JowW is correct that similar-looking replacements are readily-available in many auto parts stores. But if it's original Dietz lights you want, I can supply them at a reasonable price. Just send me a PM.

[smdl]

Thanks, folks.  The latches are actually in very good working condition, so I will try to save them if I can.  I can't tell if they are corroded, or if they have some sort of textured finish on them.  I'll take some pics before I start disassembling them this weekend.

I'm really envious of you folks in the US in relation to McMaster-Carr.  For some reason, they have decided that Canada is too complex to deal with (something about duties and tariffs), and won't sell to us anymore.  Very strange in this day and age, especially with NAFTA. 

Jim, as always, thanks for sharing both beautiful pictures and useful information.  What a beautiful machine!

Cheers,
Shaun

[spreadeagle]

I am looking to paint an oem touring fairing for a 2002 special sport.  Its made of ABS .  I am thinking I should use urethane paint?  I just want to do a nice rattle can job, cheaply!   I cant seem to find any urethane locally.  Got any suggestions on types of paint to use?
Them white bags look awesome!!

[smdl]

Just to close the loop on this (pardon the pun), here is a picture of the hinges (correction: latches) on the bags now:



Cheers,
Shaun

[Kentktk]

Cheers
Jim

Sir your work is impeccable !

[JoeW]

Took a picture of the stainless latches from McMaster Carr...
 

[smdl]

Took a picture of the stainless latches from McMaster Carr...
 

Nice!  Thanks, Joe.

Shaun