{"id":3885,"date":"2017-05-21T09:23:07","date_gmt":"2017-05-21T13:23:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/192.168.50.23\/wordpress\/?p=3885"},"modified":"2017-05-21T09:23:07","modified_gmt":"2017-05-21T13:23:07","slug":"update-dnepr-electrical-pieces","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/forths.com\/index.php\/2017\/05\/21\/update-dnepr-electrical-pieces\/","title":{"rendered":"Update: Dnepr Electrical Pieces"},"content":{"rendered":"

When I started the Dnepr MT-11 rebuild project, I decided early on that I would conceal the electrical components that were originally exposed to the elements. \u00a0Not only did their original placement allow\u00a0corrosion and dirt to accumulate, but the electrical parts and related wiring were ugly to look at. \u00a0To house all electrical components in a tidy manner, I purchased some aftermarket metal motorcycle toolboxes that would fit the Dnepr’s frame. \u00a0These toolboxes are\u00a0similar to those that hung from the sides of bikes in the ’30s and ’40s.<\/p>\n

Since the Dnepr didn’t originally come with metal toolboxes, there were no existing mounting points on the frame. \u00a0After some searching I decided to use brass plated copper Munsen rings, which are designed to suspend pipes from above. \u00a0The Munsen rings were available in the diameter I needed, and the brass looked great against the black painted frame. \u00a0Since the base metal was copper, the rings should flex as needed under stress and not crack. \u00a0Besides, the toolboxes were not heavy.<\/p>\n

To mount the electrical components inside the toolboxes, I planned to use 1\/4″ plywood. \u00a0I could have simply painted the plywood, but in a case of overkill, I naturally chose walnut burl veneer to cover the plywood. \u00a0The veneer was inexpensive and readily available, and while nobody would see it unless the toolboxes were open, I thought it would add a classy touch to the project.<\/p>\n

I used a contact adhesive to glue the veneers to the plywood. \u00a0Once the panels were cut out, I lightly sanded the veneers before spraying a satin polyurethane on all sides to seal the wood and bring out the beauty of the burled grain. \u00a0The location of the toolboxes couldn’t have been better, too – right next to the battery box. \u00a0Therefore, most wiring will be completely concealed from view – a big improvement over the original Dnepr design. \u00a0The left toolbox would contain a new switched fuse panel, electronic turn signal flasher for the LED signals, and the master battery toggle switch that previously hung below the rider’s seat. \u00a0The right toolbox would house the voltage regulator, rear brake switch, and another toggle I added that would allow the right turn signals to be switched between the motorcycle and sidecar in the unlikely event I ever opt to ride the motorcycle without the sidecar.<\/p>\n

I’m pleased with the appearance and functionality of the toolboxes. \u00a0While I won’t be doing any intentional foul weather riding, the electrical components will be shielded from weather and dirt, and there will be no ugly exposed wiring. \u00a0I still need to mount the rear fender lights before I begin creating the custom wiring harness. \u00a0I should make more progress at the end of May. \u00a0Stay tuned.<\/p>\n