AJS & Matchless Owners Club

Luggage racks for lightweights seem a bit thin on the ground so had a go at knocking one up last week based on a what mounting points could be used and a reference to the pillion footrest extra threaded holes were for rack supports . Surprising amount of metal , over 5 metres of 1/2 inch tube all in all . Bent round a groove in a steel block in vice to avoid kinking the tubes then mig welded. Pictures show trial fit and then back from local powdercoat chap. Pleased with the results and cheap enough . Steel tube £9 odd and £15 for powder coating .

Hi

I'd call that a result Sort of thing that should be written up in more detail for others to benefit from.

Regards Mick

I chopped welded and painted an old MZ 250 rack for my A.J.S.250 and its champion for a bit camping gear strapped on with bungies
shifter

Mick D wrote:Hi

I'd call that a result Sort of thing that should be written up in more detail for others to benefit from.

Regards Mick

If it helps will give some pointer on how I cobbled this together with no fancy bending tools and such later . Cheers

If anyone fancies having a go at making a rack attached is a rough plan of how I did this . Tools needed ,hacksaw ,vice round and flat file ,drill , hammer ,welder ( but could be brazed or silver soldered )
The main tubes are all 1/2 inch mild steel 16 gauge . I brought 2 x 3mtr lengths chopped in half . Also 12 inch 3/8 steel rod to but in the joints to help with alignment and welding . All the bends are the same radius .
I used a 4 inch piece of steel round bar with a groove cut in it 1/2 inch wide and 1/4 deep as a former, but hardwood should do the job just as well. Trap the tube in a vice with the former and a steady pull should give a 90 degree bend ,putting a piece of the 3/8 rod in the end in the vice will keep it round .
4 of these for the top and 2 for the main frame . Cut the 2 tube ends on each bends to length and insert 2 inch or so of 3/8 rod where the joints are and tack weld . Flatten and drill the main frame ends before joining together . Trial fit
to shock mounts and cut the supports to the mudgard bolts to suit This helps to get this all nice and square . Finally weld in the 4 support uprights . Slap a bit of paint on or powder coat to taste . Basically thats it . Worst part is making the former ,after that pretty much plain sailing .

I brought 2 x 3mtr lengths

Where did you bring it from?

Well done - neat job.

" the metal store " Cleckheaton West Yorks.
www.themetalstore.co.uk
or 01274 875479