jdwintx Report post Posted May 1, 2009 While I'm in the process of making all new seats and bags for my Road*, I've been researching saddlebag construction. I want to make bags that are quick release and rather substantial for long trips. In my research I came across the courbouilli method of hardening leather for armour. I was wondering if anyone has ever tried this for making "rigid" saddlebags and if so, what success or failures you've had. I was thinking about building a wooden form that conformed to the shape of bag I want, wet mold the leather on it, then harden it by pouring hot water and additives over it, then heat drying it. What do you guys think? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
McJeep Report post Posted May 2, 2009 While I'm in the process of making all new seats and bags for my Road*, I've been researching saddlebag construction. I want to make bags that are quick release and rather substantial for long trips. In my research I came across the courbouilli method of hardening leather for armour. I was wondering if anyone has ever tried this for making "rigid" saddlebags and if so, what success or failures you've had. I was thinking about building a wooden form that conformed to the shape of bag I want, wet mold the leather on it, then harden it by pouring hot water and additives over it, then heat drying it. What do you guys think? While it'll stiffen the leather I sure don't see it being irm enough to hold any amount of gear without the weight sagging them out. Not to mention what foul weather might do to the stiffness? I'd personally go with a hard inner panel (wheel side of bag) and then a heat formed plastic reinforcement liner that matches the profile of the bag while filling it full width. That's how my "Boss" bags are reinforced and they've held their shape perfectly for 4 years and 40,000 so far Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
azrider Report post Posted May 2, 2009 I looked into this, but was concerned with the durability once I got caugt in the rain. I also don't know if tooling would work. I found a pair of Leatherlyke hard plastic bags from a junkyard on ebay, and got them for 70 with shipping. I will be covering those. Just another option. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Roger Report post Posted May 2, 2009 yea.. i would think you would be better off using some sort of stiffener to help the bags hold thier shape. i use strips of lexan to stiffen my tool bags Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jbird Report post Posted May 2, 2009 Roger were do you get your lexan Josh yea.. i would think you would be better off using some sort of stiffener to help the bags hold thier shape. i use strips of lexan to stiffen my tool bags Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
outcast Report post Posted May 3, 2009 I use lexan for stiffners in bags too. I get them here. http://www.smallparts.com/Clear-Polycarbon...amp;pf_rd_t=101 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
