Gluing to Latigo

[esantoro]

How will the base panel be attached to the tank?

You should be able either to rivet or stitch the case into place, perhaps onto a rectangular piece of leather that can be stitched onto the tank panel, unless a full tank wrap is not part of the plan, in which case I would suggest two leather straps that wrap around the tank. Forgive me if I'm not fully understanding the concept you are after.

ed

[McJeep]

I would stitch the case on (it attaches to the smaller piece of leather) but can't get inside it. The ipod slips in from one end :0/

Base panel will be glued to tank as well (so far) - I can fasten it with rivets or screws if needed

[Regis]

Might I ask what part is latigo? Are you making the the tank panel using latigo?

regis

[esantoro]

It looks as if there is room to mark stitch marks inside the case and then punch the holes by hand. Glue the case to the latigo just to keep it in place while marking stitches and punching holes. Do two rectangular sections: one inside the rectangular cutout, the other inside of the circular cut out.

ed

I would stitch the case on (it attaches to the smaller piece of leather) but can't get inside it. The ipod slips in from one end :0/

Base panel will be glued to tank as well (so far) - I can fasten it with rivets or screws if needed

[McJeep]

Might I ask what part is latigo? Are you making the the tank panel using latigo?

Both pieces are latigo

one inside the rectangular cutout, the other inside of the circular cut out.

That's the problem - they aren't cutouts, they are plastic windows

[esantoro]

Aha. I would then try a few small single capped solid brass jiffy rivets, with proper padding so as not to damage those plastic windows or the front side of the case. I'd also try gluing a bit of thin leather over the brass exposed to the ipod to prohibit scratching.

ed

Both pieces are latigo

That's the problem - they aren't cutouts, they are plastic windows

Edited June 8, 2009 by esantoro

[McJeep]

So I finally got this thing knocked together

I did end up using a double ply of latigo for the main panel and glued it (after a very good sanding - thanks hidepounder). I also found a new contact cement that I really like the properties of - Lepages blue. I also found a really good use for old toothbrushes ;0) As I wanted to really work the glue into the sanded area on the first coat the toothbrush worked way better than a brush which I find tends to drag the glue across the surface vice driving it in. After a good second coat on everything I used strips of paper between the layers till I got everything lined up perfect (the backing panel is cut to very tight tolerances so as to support the top panel right to the lacing) and then slipped one strip of paper out at a time pressing the panels together as I went.

Fairly happy with the result and being as the panel is going to be screwed to the bike dash there's no chance of it ever coming off the bike. All other pieces are joined with either snaps or heavy velcro as suggested. Still have to mold a weather flap but buddy wants it now so we'll deal with that bit in the fall. It'll be a molded piece of veg tan, stitched at the top and with a magnet sewn in at the bottom to hold to the bottom snap on the ipod panel.

Sure would've been a lot easier if the guy had let me use the whole dash - he wanted to keep his funky pewter eagle medallion at the bottom of the panel.

Note: I really like the double thickness of the main panel with the backing piece trimmed to fit inside the lacing - once its hammered down a bit to set the cement and flatten the lacing, it gives a real nice almost upholstery look (as if it's cushioned like a car dash)

Pics are here - thanks for looking http://mcbearcat.shawwebspace.ca/pages/view/leather_bits/

Edited July 15, 2009 by McJeep