Plastic side panel cut/trim ??

[Bryan750]

Hello all , I'm building my first cafe racer from a 82 gs750tz, seat came in today and as i predicted the side panels (not sure what to call them) stick out by a lot and well it doesn't look clean or "flush". most cafes/brats remove the plastic side panels but i really like the color scheme on the bike and I'd like to keep them on and I think I'll be forced to I have a Dremel or grind them down to sit nicely within the frame and probably mount them on with trusty zip ties. Thing is I don't trust my self as I don't really have a steady hand, friend says he's willing to try but has no experience.


my question is , is there anyone here that I can send my panels in and do the job professionally for a fee or is there a proper DIY that'll help me in anyway?

I appreciate the advice and help guys!

 

[habsdoc]

I do not believe that you will get those panels much closer than they already are. You can pull them off and look, but I think that they are pretty well tight up to the frame. Most just cover the tubed frame using sheet metal or leave it open. Your call on that one and good luck.

 

[Rob S.]

How about this: fabricate additions to your side covers (what most call them) to fill in the vacant area between the seat and the covers.

Looks like you've had them very nicely custom painted to match your tank, btw. I think the answer is more material, not less. And I'd be loathe to take a Dremel to them - replacement side covers, in any color, don't come cheap.

 

[Bryan750]

Thanks guys
Rob that's a pretty good Idea , although I wouldn't know where to start on trying to fab plastic but I'll look into shops in my area and hopefully find someone with some experience

 

[Vmass]

Larger and closer pictures will yield you more ideas. What about fabricating something with the same material as the seat to fill the gap, with stitching the color of your paint? Again, tough to come up with a great idea without better pictures.

 

[Bryan750]

Gonna remove that bracket where the original seat clips on to so the cafe seat will tuck with the frame

 

[Bryan750]

Heres a closer shot

 

[Bryan750]

View attachment 44461 And here's the best shot I could take with the seat as close as possible

 

[dorkburger]

Someone here recently had a G bike cafed, and he made filler panels which looked good. the G has a different shape, but it may work for you. I'llsee if I can find it.

 

[dorkburger]

Found it.
View attachment 44462

 

[Bryan750]

Dude that's cool! I think I might go that route if I can cut out some plastic to fill it in