Wog's '78 Wild Child build

[wog]

Got the other side cut along with the first "window".

belt cover cutouts 014.jpg

The thinnest material I had was 3/16" and I was hoping it would fit...
but one step forward, two back.
Just touches the sprocket.

belt cover cutouts 015.jpg

belt cover cutouts 016.jpg

After cutting the disc, I noticed how it looked like a CD. Then I had the idea to use the clear protection disc on top of a new CD pack. But of course, I threw them all away after opening.
Probably wouldn't work anyway as they might be too brittle.

belt cover cutouts 017.jpg

I'll try to pick up some 1/8" or even 1/16" material this weekend to keep going.

[wog]

I thought the best way to mount the windows is with a couple screws threaded into aluminum "nuts" that have been welded to the cover insides.
I'll need to cut the bottom side on an angle to get them flat on top but here's some pics of the process...

belt cover cutouts 018.jpg

belt cover cutouts 019.jpg

belt cover cutouts 020.jpg

And about where they'll be welded to the covers...

belt cover cutouts 021.jpg

[Casper]

Cool, I like your out the box thinking.

[CYBORG]

How about cutting the plastic to fit the opening. Could machine a lip to glue it to or secure it from the inside with adhesive sealant

[Topwingnut]

You should figure you a way to light those vent holes up ...

[Roady]

My first thought about the plexi was to somehow block the outside of the holes, turn the cover over, lay the plexi in there, and then apply heat (oven?) so the plexi would mold to the opening.

But then, I tend to over-think occasionally.

Your holes is a great idea and will go well with the valve covers.

[wog]

You should figure you a way to light those vent holes up ...

I was thinking the same thing!
Yesterday I ordered these from ebay for less than $1.00 each...

orange leds.jpg

Plan on going with orange and flat black paint, so we'll see how it turns out.
Probably look like a orange strobe light in there

[wog]

CYBORB and Roady:
Great ideas. I chatted with GOWING yesterday via email and he had a brilliant idea also. Make clear belt covers.
I have on old vacuum form machine up in my loft that I picked up years ago.
To the left of the two tires in the pic...

vacuum form mach.jpg

They used them back in the '60s and '70s to make these signs...
I think most of you would remember them. I grew up with them everywhere in my town.

vacuum form sign.jpg

Not gonna be anytime soon, but I could make a negative then a positive mold from the outside of the stock cover. And use that to vacuum form clear plastic covers.
If I decide to bring the machine down, I'd probably use Roady's idea and just make the formed windows.

OK, I know what you're thinking and no,

I don't want to go into business making replacement side covers, etc...

[CYBORG]

DARN!!!!

[jimmyz3286]

How about clear valve covers. I could go for a pair of them.

[Roady]

I'm in for a pair of those clear valve covers.

[CYBORG]

Clear valve covers might be good on a show bike, if you could get the plastic thick enough. But the amount of oil that moves around in there when the bike is running, would not be a pretty thing to look at.

[Roady]

Might be cool if it was lighted with those LEDs.

[jimmyz3286]

Makes me think of the old clear top small block chevy valve covers you could get many years ago. They were rare but cool to watch.

[DocRoot]

I may be mistaken but I think those signs are made with the "vacuform" technology which heats the plastic and applies a vacuum to suck the soft material against a form. I am concerned that the engine heat would soften the plastic and that it would sag... and we don' want no stinkin' sag on no Goldwing riders (unless it is 'sagacious')