> Locking Top Case Quick Release U-bar Thingy

[kp600]

I got a used Pelican 1500 case on ebay a while back in hopes of using it as a top case. My search of the forums for an inexpensive locking quick release mounting bracket yielded only other rider's questions and inquiries. So out to the garage I go to do a little brainstorming :loco: and low and behold I spotted a U-Bar lock dangling from my son's bicycle.

http://kphenix.smugmug.com/photos/400033144_dycSL-L.jpg
It's important to find one with a locking "notch" on both ends so it can be pulled straight off. Some U-Bars have a "crook" on one end which wouldn't work here.

http://kphenix.smugmug.com/photos/400031682_v2Nhr-L.jpg
I removed the Bandit's grab bar and fashioned a bracket to mount in its place. (Paint work still to come and sorry, no close up's of my bodgy welding)

http://kphenix.smugmug.com/photos/400032190_ZgA9N-L.jpg
I also found some cute little nylon marine pad eyes on ebay. I attached them around the front and sides so I can secure gear on top of the case with cargo straps or a bungee net.

http://kphenix.smugmug.com/photos/400032688_oMy8M-XL.jpg
The lock is attached to the case with 1" conduit clamps. I cut a piece off an old plastic cutting board (sorry dear) and bolted it to the case using 1/2" spacers so as to slide under the front of the U-Bar. Later, I'll make an open luggage rack to attach to the U-Bar bracket. The whole thing comes off with 4 bolts and the OEM grab bar can go right back on like it never even happened.

I'll take more pics after I clean and paint the bracket. So far I'm pleased with how it works.

[Manfred]

That's very cool! I love creative CBMMA solutions.

[Mic]

Nice work!

[kp600]

Ok it's all done. :) I also added a big honking LED brake light. There's more pics in my smugmug. (http://kphenix.smugmug.com/gallery/6351166_ksZFL#400031682_v2Nhr)

http://kphenix.smugmug.com/photos/403049502_rVjYM-L.jpg

http://kphenix.smugmug.com/photos/403049514_4yEB9-XL.jpg

http://kphenix.smugmug.com/photos/403049504_5XbNF-L.jpg

[kp600]

BTW: I am an admitted Pelican case noob. :shrug: I had to block off the pressure purge screw which was on the bottom of this older design 1500. It was in the way of the lock hardware. I imagine an extreme temperature drop might cause a vacuum and make it hard to open. I can always install another one - is the pressure purge valve really necessary? :loco:

[kp600]

My Arkansas - Missouri trip was delayed one day which gave me time for one more farkle. I had been meaning to replace my magnetic tank bag with a gas cap mounted Pelican 1300 case so I threw the rig together in a mad rush. It still ain't finished but boy am I glad I did it. It works great!

http://kphenix.smugmug.com/photos/453832487_gQRs9-X2.jpg

http://kphenix.smugmug.com/photos/453832464_Cwuzq-M.jpg

http://kphenix.smugmug.com/photos/453832451_zmKz5-M.jpg

I used the same u-bar lock as the top case. I made a wooden jig to align the bolt holes while welding the tabs onto the bar. I still have to grind the welds smooth and add the black coating. It may not be much to look at but in my case anyway, it sure beats spending big bucks on the SW Motech setup.