rdb Report post Posted April 21, 2010 I want to do a conversion on my old sportster, from 883 to 1200. My mechanic of choice is willing to do some trading, so he gets these first off. He wanted lightweight leather so 6/7 and 4/5. Piping on front panel. I vinegarooned with a sponge, cause I didn't have a big enough container to dunk, So instead of pure black, there's leather color showing through, with blues and greys as the light hits it. Top coated with Sno-Proof for a waxy feel. Looks much better in real life, very funky. Didn't use a pattern, just jumped in. Will change the flap a little, and get accurate strap placements, when I work this up on posterboard, for paying customers...lol. Anywho, Thanx fer lookin'. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MADMAX22 Report post Posted April 21, 2010 Those turned out pretty nice. That welting looks really good. I had to do the same thing on my motorcycle seat sponging on the vine. It turned out pretty good, I got a more solid black at first but as it wears out there are some browns showing thru in spots, gives it a really cool look. I think one of these days I will have to play with it some more. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Luke Hatley Report post Posted April 21, 2010 nice looking bags. did you make the welts or buy them ? NOW WHEN YOU DO THE CONVERSION ,LENGTHIN & LOWER THE FRAME Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rdb Report post Posted April 21, 2010 Thanx guys! Max, I've actually used this coloring effect many times, especially with the vinegaroon. It just gives a completely different look than all the other black biker things. It lets you know there is leather under there. I made the piping, Luke, just folded over some thin black leather, no string or rope, but I didn't glue the middle of it, so when folded the natural roll of the bend looks like there's a round insert....cheap and easy. Unrelated bike stuff: I've already switched out the stock shocks for shorter ones, so it sits a bit lower, but I'm not chopping the frame on this one. If I ever see some dollars again, I'll probably build more of a chopper/bobber thing. There's actually plenty of torque in this old '88 883, and I can keep up right fine with my bros on Big Twins. I want the extra boost for emergencies, plus...I want to leave a few of them in the dust, just to see their jaws drop....lol Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Luke Hatley Report post Posted April 21, 2010 YOU HAVE IT GOING YOUR WAY,,,,, and i'm off to Bike Nite at Joes Crab Shack Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
