Rigid Toolbox fixing

[Keith.owen]

Hi,
I am probably being dumb, here, but I am a bit perplexed as to how the toolbox is fitted.

I have two boxes (repro) and two sets of brackets, from different sources.

With the exception that one set of brackets (the ones that go over the frame) has some studs for fixing into the box from behind, and the other doesn't all are the same. The question is that the bracket is wider that the box in all cases, meaning that there is a gap between it and the back of the box. To move it forward, towards the lid, means that the bracket sites over the ridge against which the lid abuts.

Is this normal? Could some kind soul take a picture of the toolbox fitted to their bike, looking up along the top frame member? Perhaps this would put me straight, since I bought some brackets from Drags, thinking the ones I had were incorrect and discovered that they were essentially the same as those I already had!

Thanks in anticipation,
Keith Owen

[Roger Gwynn]

year, model and frame type would help enormously Keith!

[Keith.owen]

Hi Roger,
Its a 1950 Rigid VH.

I thought it might be useful to carry a few goodies with me (harking back to when the nipple came off the end of the clutch cable and I suffered)!

[Roger Gwynn]

There are a lot of toolboxes, some with only subtle differences, not helped by the fact that the toolbox is often listed as 'with fittings'. Also they were made by an outside company that made toolboxes for other makers and sold them as general toolboxes as well. They come with flat lids, slightly domed lids and with larger domes.
As far as I can ascertain it should be this one
Part no - 6554-41
Back of box to c/l of rib - 2-3/8"
Drg No. -E9/964
Models - All
Years - 1946-55
Hinge - Bottom
Knob - 6557-41 or -47
Clips - 6560-36 (2)
Plate - 6565-35
Bracket - fixed
Notes - Lower bracket moved in by 5/16 from 1951

[Pete.Silson]

Keith,

These pictures are of the original toolbox on my '49:

The mount is quite close to the ridge. Possibly your pattern box is narrower than the original so maybe you could pad the rear mounts out a bit to take up the difference.

Pete

[Keith.owen]

Hi Pete,
It looks like I have a minor challenge here. Could I ask how deep your box is (measured on the inside from the top to the back)?

I suspect that the ones that I have, although from different sources and both pretty much the same, are possibly not as deep as the one on your bike.

Maybe I'll have to improvise the fixings.

Thanks and BR,
Keith

[Pete.Silson]

It looks like I have a minor challenge here.

Not a challenge - a learning opportunity

[Keith.owen]

Ah,
That explains things!

The boxes that I have are 2.5 inches high, which is why the bracket doesn't fit, as is. A spacer will clearly be needed.

Looking at one of the boxes, it looks to be 'left handed'. Interesting.

pete, thanks for taking the trouble to get back to me. Much appreciated.

Keith.

[dave.owen]

Keith, have you thought about using the top frame clip as used on the oil tank rigid and plunger.
Dave

[dave.owen]