cutting top case mounting brackets

[Iahawk]

I figure you guys will have a good answer for me...I need to cut about an inch off each of the 2 metal top case mounting brackets..they are pretty thick so I'm wondering if I can use a metal cutoff wheel in my angle grinder? I though about a hacksaw and a dremel with a little cutoff wheel but neither of those seem like good ideas..pic attached below. Thanks and Happy 4th!

[CROSSBOLT]

I would recommend one-half inch off each end to preserve the strength of those slots. Why do you have to shorten them?

Karl

[de dee]

  I have cut up to 1/4 " stainless steel with my grinder , no problem  !!!

[Iahawk]

Crossbolt, they are just a little too long to fit properly under my existing, plastic,  factory 'luggage rack'. It makes the top case mounting plate bolts go in at a slight angle...an inch shorter and they will be perfect.

De dee, thanks for the confirmation...had my angle grinder for a few years but never really used it..I will give it a try.

[Stig / Major Tom]

Crossbolt, they are just a little too long to fit properly under my existing, plastic,  factory 'luggage rack'. It makes the top case mounting plate bolts go in at a slight angle...an inch shorter and they will be perfect.

De dee, thanks for the confirmation...had my angle grinder for a few years but never really used it..I will give it a try.

Those look like brackets for the Bestem 929 case.
In any event,....eye protection !
I use hack saw for this type thing - if you keep your rpm's down you can't hurt yourself - the wait time at my local E.R. is ridiculous!
Stig

[pipster326]

Absolutely what Karl said, 1/2 inch from each side. I think a hacksaw would give you a straighter edge, cut-off  wheel will work too. I would like to see a picture, when you are done. I'm thinking about a top case myself. Thanks


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[MJR]

I have several ways, electric body saw from Harbor Freight with fine blades, an air body saw (same as other just air operated), hack saw/saw box, and my Ryobi sawsall with fine tooth saw blades. Cut off wheels are a bit messier than saws.

[Iahawk]

finally found some time this afternoon to shorten the brackets. I ended up getting some dewalt metal cut off discs that were a better size for my grinder...and wow, they cut like butter! This was actually the first time I've even used my grinder. The cuts were pretty clean..here's a pic of what they looked like right after cutting. I then took my file and cleaned up the sharp edges. They fit perfectly...and yes, Stig, they are for a Bestem box and I wore a full face shield with elbow length leather gloves! ATGATT!

[CROSSBOLT]

Nice, straight and square cuts! Good job!

Karl

[blue]

I buy pass all that.And just use biger bolts and nuts and lock washers.

[Scooter Dan]

I had considered cutting the mounting brackets on my Bestem top box too but decided that because they have to stick out anyway to work with the stock rear rack on my P200 that it really didn't matter to me how far they projected as long as I wasn't hitting street signs.