Simplex Fenders

[Ricks]

As we all know, finding good fenders is difficult.  I know Wayne has fiberglass reproductions available, but I have decided to try building my own, from steel.  To accomplish this, I need a couple of tools.  I am going to try doing it with an English wheel and a shrinker/stretcher.  As I had neither of these tools, I recently got a shrinker/stretcher from Harbor Freight.  As we all know the quality of their stuff, it took some massaging, but I have it working well.  Using one of these by hand is a pain in the ass, so I decided to build a pedal operated stand.  This makes it much easier and quicker to use this machine.  I would guess I have about 10 hours into the stand, with lathe and welding time computed in.  It works really well.

Next up will be a Harbor Freight English wheel, very modified using some of the ideas others have tested and proven to work.  I will post that when I get around to it.

Here is the Shrinker/stretcher, I just need to paint it.

[pd]

Pretty fancy there , Rick .

Nice job . Hope it works well for you .

Pete .

[HGontheHD]

Looks good. I could always use a couple of good fenders.

[Ricks]

All painted and tested.  Works very well.  I can't wait to get the English Wheel and try to make a fender.

[pd]

Kinda pretty for a working shop .

Pete .

[Ricks]

Hammered paint!  It hides the scrapes pretty well.

[relic]

Hey Rick great job! I have one too! Here is a pic of my English wheel...I built it about 10 years ago.[img][/img I sold a few of these back when the biker shows were the rage. Mine folds off the wall to save space.

[pd]

I like that hammered paint for old rims and stuff that's a bit rough . It definitely hides a lot of sins .

Pete .

[pd]

 

Hey Rick great job! I have one too! Here is a pic of my English wheel...I built it about 10 years ago.[img][/img I sold a few of these back when the biker shows were the rage.

Crimity sakes , you could do tank fenders with that thing .

Pete .

[oil-lamp]

Well just be sure you have a good pair of kevlar gloves to protect your hands from cuts. 

[Ricks]

Mike, nice wheel!  That looks stout!

[Ricks]

Well, here's my E-wheel.  I started with a horrible fright "kit" and built it up to where it is usable.  Baileigh Industrial and Woodward Fab also sell the same wheel, but includes the lower anvils, with different paint for about $750, but I picked up the HF one for $260, plus the anvil kit for another $100.  I spent about 20 hours beefing up the frame, adding a tensioner to the riser, adding an additional set screw to the anvil holder, polishing the wheels and basically squaring everything up.  Now I just need to learn how to use it!  LOL

Anyone know what gauge a Simplex fender is?  I measured a few and see anywhere from .031" - .049" , depending on what part of the fender.  I am thinking 20 gauge, but I guess 18 is possible?

Here is what a Baileigh one looks like and mine after the mods.  Also threw in a picture of the shot bag stand I built.

[pd]

Rick ,

Yours looks like it can withstand a lot more abuse .

When will production commence ?


Pete .

[Ricks]

I have been learning how to use the wheel and shrinker to form the fenders.  I have made a few attempts and think I have a good plan of attack on how this should be done.  Here is a short fender section that I did.  I only had an 18" long piece of sheet metal, so that is how long I made the fender section.  Here it is compared to a stock fender.  I had a short section of an old fender cut so I could check the profile against.

I also made a couple of T dollies and Tucking Forks while I was at it.

[pd]

Lookin' real good , Rick .

Are you using the same thickness metal as OEM ? Maybe just the light , but your 'new' fender seems a bit more thin .

None the less , nice work .

Pete .