Modify message

Welcome to Vulcan Drifter Riders. Please log in or sign up.

Main Menu

Vulcan Drifter Riders
► DISCUSSIONS
► Drifter 800 Only
► Modify message ( Re: Oldy's Fiberblass Rear Fender )

Modify message

The message has the following error or errors that must be corrected before continuing:: Warning: this topic has not been posted in for at least 180 days.
Unless you're sure you want to reply, please consider starting a new topic.

Subject
Message icon
Reason for editing

So I've had my rear fender from Oldy's for about a Month now.  I've got it epoxy-primered and ready for top coat probably on Wednesday this week.

Just a few observations I'd like to share if any of you guys are considering Oldy's fiberglass fender:

#1.  Its a sturdy fiberglass fender, made of what I believe is chopped strand.  I may be wrong on the terminology, but there's no weaved mat--looks like blown-in fiber that you see on the underside  The top finish is excellent.  I'm not concerned about the underside and I'm still considering whether or not to put some type of coating on it.  Probably just fine without any.

#2.  The original ABS (?) fender is much flimsier now that I have it removed.  And thinner.  No wonder they're prone to cracking.  There's bulk to the Oldy's.  The ABS fender has anchoring points where the wiring harness/chain guard mounts underneath.  Oldy's does not.  The stock chain guard is just like a plastic rail, so I suppose it would provide only minimal protection for the fender if the chain would explode.  It would also provide protection for the wiring harness, as the wiring harness is attached along the top of the chain guard.  My chain guard did have quite a bit of buildup from chain lube over the years and I had to scrub it considerably to get it clean.  I'll need to figure a way to mount the chain guard/wiring harness assembly without those anchoring points that the ABS fender has.

#3.  Oldy's will ask you if you'd like them to include the tail light "bucket" area for those wanting to retain the original stock tail lamp.  They actually have to add this recessed area after the initial fender build up.  I chose to retain the stock setup, but was very tempted to do some kind of cool custom tail light.

#4.  Paint matching, for me, was a toss up.  I took a painted piece to the local paint store and did the best i could to match.  I spend probably a couple hours reading what I could about the exactly proper paint code for my 2003, but ended up having to pick one out of a paint chip book they had there.  I went outside in the sunlight and everything to make a best choice.  I ended up with a GM color if I remember correctly.  I chose to use an acrylic enamel.

#5.  Taking that old fender off was a involved process.  Drilling all the holes in the fiberglass fender will be hairy too.  I did choose to drill after the paint.  Might had been a better idea to drill out the holes and "dry fit" all the stuff first, but I've already committed to doing it afterwards and my fender sits  45-minutes away at the Aviation school I attend on nights.  If I had it to do over, I'd drill and dry fit before painting.  Oldy's did recommend using a universal "step bit" to drill out the holes, by the way.

It would be nice to have this thing shot and reinstalled this weekend.  I'll keep you guys updated on how things go.

Attachments: (Clear attachments)

Restrictions: 6 per post (6 remaining), maximum total size 64.00 MB, maximum individual size 29.30 MB

Uncheck the attachments you no longer want attached

Click or drag files here to attach them.

Insert width (px):

Insert height (px):

(Clear attachments)

Other options

Lock this topic
Return to this topic
Don't use smileys
Move this topic

Shortcuts: ALT+S post or ALT+P preview

Topic summary

Posted by chief

- September 30, 2021, 17:01:21 PM

I know it has been done but I don't have any details. It would be great if you could take some pics and a bit of a narrative on the install.

Posted by coolwind57

- September 30, 2021, 10:33:43 AM

I just pulled the trigger on an Oldy's Fiberglass rear fender. My original has some pretty nasty-looking gouges that I'm wishing weren't there.

I like the thought of more rigidity and a less fracture-prone product than what Kawasaki came up with (ABS, I believe).

Anyhow, I'm curious if anyone here is rockin' the Oldy's fiberglass rear fender.... If so, would love some feedback with your experience with installing and having it on your bike.

Nice guy at Oldy's by the way. We spoke for several minutes on the phone. Seemed like some good ol' boys up there in Iowa.

SMF spam blocked by CleanTalk