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View Full Version : Dr. Frankenstrom's ammo box panniers


patracy
08-20-2006, 01:51 PM
Continuing in the tradition of a fully functional farkled out frugal strom. I present the latest creation from the lab of Dr. Frankenstrom. My removable, expendable, frugal pannier system.



Before you scoff at the pics, how many of you have a full luggage system that costs less than $70 total, and can be repaired for about $14 a side if damaged?



Anyhoo...



I used a set of ammo boxes from a army surplus store. Some 1/8" thick by 1" flat steel, some 3/4" alum angle (back lower cross brace), 4 12mm bolts, 8 12mm flat washers, 4 12mm split washers, 4 12mm wing nuts, 2 10mm bolts, 2 10mm nuts, 4 10mm flat washers, 2 10mm split washers, 2 10mm wing nuts, 2 8mm bolts, 4 8mm flat washers, 2 8mm split washers, 2 8mm wing nuts, silicone, and some spray on truck bedliner.



First of all I laid out a flat stock across the rear rack mount. I measured the drop I wanted and bent those shapes. I used the from rack mounts for the front. That required trimming the lower portion of the Strom rack due to the angle, but it's unnoticeable once installed. I cut out two sections, drilled the holes for the frame mounts, then installed them on the bike. I used a large crescent wrench to work as a metal brake. I used the passenger rearsets as another attachment point. Basically Just drilled holes in bar stock cut to length and tweaked as needed.



Here's a view of the bike without any luggage on it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v28/patracy/panniers/DSC00430.jpg



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v28/patracy/panniers/DSC00431.jpg



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v28/patracy/panniers/DSC00432.jpg



I used the 12mm hardware on the two upper mounting tabs. Basically I ran a bolt through the ammo box with washers on both sides, and a nut on the outside. Slip them into the hole and throw a lock washer and wingnut on the outside. I wanted something I could take on and off without tools.



While installing the hardware, to prevent water entry, I used copious amounts of silicone on the bolts.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v28/patracy/panniers/DSC00433.jpg



I used the 10mm hardware at the front lower section of the ammo boxes in the same fashion as the 12mm's. I used the 8mm's as well in the rear. Along with the alum angle stock. I used alum to save weight since the rear isn't handling the load, just stopping any swaying motions. I had to trim up my rear fender a tad to make it clear. Nothing a grinder couldn't handle.



Here's a view of one of the cases with my toolbag, first aid kit, and cable and lock. Still have plenty more room left.



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v28/patracy/panniers/DSC00434.jpg



Here's the completed shots



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v28/patracy/panniers/DSC00435.jpg



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v28/patracy/panniers/DSC00436.jpg



Other useful things I've found are that the cases make great stools for working on the bike.



I'm also going to fab up a system for a top case as well. I'm looking for some sort of black alum toolchest or something along those lines. I'll also build a quick release system for it as well.

fatalerror
08-20-2006, 02:56 PM
not bad! I'm a little confused about the red tank and blue fairing , though...

dellboy
08-20-2006, 03:41 PM
hat off to you, do you ever stop building things?

ononewheel
08-20-2006, 06:19 PM
Excellent post with good penny tech too.
Will the handles of the ammo boxes rattle? The ammo cans I have at home all rattle a bit.
Thanks.

patracy
08-20-2006, 07:53 PM
not bad! I'm a little confused about the red tank and blue fairing , though...


I rebuilt "Frankenstrom".

A tank was better than no tank!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v28/patracy/strom/DSC00376.jpg

patracy
08-20-2006, 07:55 PM
hat off to you, do you ever stop building things?


Nope, not planning on it. :lol:

(Next task is getting back to my suzuki RGV, I shoehorned a yamaha RZ350 engine into it) :shock:

patracy
08-20-2006, 07:57 PM
Excellent post with good penny tech too.
Will the handles of the ammo boxes rattle? The ammo cans I have at home all rattle a bit.
Thanks.

These have a little plastic tube around the handles. If they do rattle, I can't hear it. (course I can't hear good at all)

patracy
08-27-2006, 08:30 PM
And now I have a top case. My dad had this old tool case he didn't use. And a bracket laying around. I bent it into a tab setup. Then bolted it to the case. I used a set of bolts ran through the bottom with wing nuts through the upper rack holes to hold it in place, yet still be removeable. So I've got about $70 total in my luggage system. I'm happy.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v28/patracy/panniers/DSC00448.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v28/patracy/panniers/DSC00449.jpg

Notice the little biker to be. :D
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v28/patracy/panniers/DSC00450.jpg