Preparing for a big ride to Alaska this summer and thinking about things like radiator and headlight protection. I've seen a grill from Touratech, but it doesn't seem to be available in the U.S. any more and fairly expensive. So, I figured I'd try some Lexan from Lowe's after some paper mock ups. My first try was a smaller piece that just had a single bend and would Dual Lock over the headlight, but my 2nd try seems much by using two of the stock fasteners, two bends towards the bottom, and several pieces of Dual Lock to hold it in place. I used two 1" nylon spacers and a M5x50 zinc fastener, but have some button head stainless fasteners coming to replace them. I tried to cut the shape (using a carbide table saw blade) to be complimentary to the angular lines of the Strada. After I cut I smooth the edges down with a sander and then heated the edges up with a butane torch to smooth them even more. 3/4 view with headlight (LED) on: And more of a sideview to show the standoff distance from the headlight. I'm hoping if a truck on the Dalton Highway flings a rock at my headlight area that it wouldn't break. YOu can see two bends at the bottom just above the black Dual Lock (industrial strength Velcro) points. I placed the Lexan between two pieces of wood and clamped. Then heated up with a heat gun and then bent with another piece of wood to keep a straight and consistent line. Cost of the setup: $4.24 for 8"x10" piece of Lexan $0.92 for two 1" nylon spacers $0.96 for two stainless steel button-head fasteners Total About $6.
nice job, does it effect or obscure your light pattern at night? will you be adding more LED lights before you go?
I've got an LED for my Headlamp and the lighting is distorted badly from the reflector in back of the lamp assembly. It shows each and every facet from the reflector. But, it's hella bright.
As long as it's clean...not an any practical way. I imagine over time it might scuff up or possibly yellow with time. I had a set of LR-4 lights auxiliary in the past mounted on the crash guards, but when I did a header last spring I broke one of them and pulled them and wiring relay nest off. After I did the LED main light I haven't felt the need to put them back and and redo a relay. I'll be packing a spare H4 just in case though. Regardless, we're headed north ostensibly to beyond the Arctic circle just a two weeks after the summer solstice....I'm not anticipating much night riding.
You going up the Dempster? You will need more than that for protection from the big arse trucks kicking up dust and rocks.
No. However, we're thinking the Arctic Circle Sign, Coldfoot, and possibly Deadhorse depending on conditions while we're there.
