Less costly top box for motorcycles

[tsnap]

I picked this box up at a garage sale for , like $5.00.

I thought it was a Honda box, because it says "CB700" on the top.  Later, I found that it is a snare drum case.  So all you wandering minstrel drummers already know that these are very similar to top boxes.

I think that a little jigsawing on the innards, and most of these drum cases could become top boxes and travel the world.  They sell fairly cheap online, and sizes vary.

just another thought, in the interest of economy.

i would leave some of the material near the edge, and remove the material in the center.  I might leave the "bowl" area of the case as is.

tom

[tsnap]

mo better pix

[Martin]

When I first got my bike about 18 years ago I needed a small top box, I didn't like the OEM ones. I was at a shopping centre and in a luggage shop they had these beauty cases in various colours. They had three black ones which they didn't have the combinations for. I bought all three for $15.00 ea . I bent up some aluminium to fit the OEM rack so it was parallel to the ground  (three sets ) and bolted the beauty case to it. Mates kept on asking where I got the nifty little top box. I sold one to a mate and fitted it for him mine was fixed but he wanted his removable which wasn't that hard. At one stage I had a car radio cassette player mounted in it. Eventually needed a bigger top box but I still have stored away.
Regards Martin.

[tsnap]

i have seen the medium size samsonite luggage spray painted black and used in the 3 positions.  i do not see it as much anymore.

tom

[Martin]

Thought I would drag it out and post a couple of pictures. The grey lining is removable, and I also attached a couple of strap points on the back ( Pic No 3 ), so I could strap down soft luggage on the pillion seat. I keep on looking in Zelows the shop where I bought it, but I have not seen any since.
Regards Martin.

[tsnap]

i''ve never seen that case before.  In USA we had rectangular ladies makeup cases, about 12 inch wide, 8 inch deep, and  6 inch wide, with a mirror inside the lid.  That one would look cool on my scooter!

[Martin]

Back I the Dark Ages 1970's, in the Army so no money. I bolted two small cases, which I painted black ( one blue & one green ) onto my 1969 BSA Lighting. Had to put everything in plastic bags, as they weren't waterproof. I used to carry a piece of 1/4" plate with a nut welded in each corner, you screwed in 4 long bolts and used it as a barbecue. Surprising what you can come up with when the need arises.
Ahh the good old days regards Martin.

[Chaos]

I like the shape of the snare box.  Probably more aerodynamic that the proverbial 22L box and the "UP" arrow will come in handy if you flip the bike   :falldown:

[The Mighty Gryphon]

I am a drummer and have owned those cases.  I would be careful about cutting out the liner.  That is a major part of the strength of the case.  I would expect that you would need to do some reinforcing to keep it stable enough to keep the latches closed.

BTW, CB700 are poorly made beginner drums, but some of their stuff like cymbal stands can be hacked into usable devices.  I have seen their floor toms made into end tables and bass drums used for coffee tables. 

[tsnap]

Im looking for a foot pedal for the accelerator pedal in my G20 box van

tom

[tsnap]

Yes , I gave the box a good squeeze, and may even leave the section close to the hinge.  I plan to leave the top intact, and a plate in the bottom. for mounting.

As a luggage rack on top, a small square of woven stainless wire set off the case about 2 inches, for straps.

and of course lights or reflectors for free light.

At the local flea market, there is an old fart who brings  odd and discontinued LED lights and reflectors from Peterson Manfc. here in KC.  He sells them for $4-6 each. so I have been adding them to cycles and scooters for years

tom

As an asiede, I sold my 1980 Honda CM400T to a kid in the local Vintage Japenese Motorcycle Club here in KC.  He is gonna butcher it for his GF.  Makes me sad when there are so many junkers out there