In the quest for some fatter fenders I came across a seller on Ebay selling these three piece Indian Chief fenders, some welding required. At $200 for the set (front and rear) it beats the pre-built, pre-painted Chief fenders others are selling for $500!
Here are some shots of the front fender getting fitted. Looks like I may be loosing the chin spoiler that was under the radiator, a scoop of sorts. I had mounted both horns behind the spoiler and now they are visible. I do not know what I am going to do with them at this point... This fender reaches back pretty far and I had to remove the scoop to try fitting this fender. This side will be cut to fit the brake caliper, and there is almost a 1/4" clearance between the disc and the fender.
The left side is already cut for a caliper. I used the plaxma cutter to cut off the extra lip for the disc and to make a simpler form for a filler piece of steel, I cut out the odd shaped disc hole. Will pick up some steel today to finish welding this thing together.
Here is a side view to show how phat this thing really is. It is bolted up on this side already. I have about 1/4" available between the fender and the forks so I will be building some front fender struts and having them chromed to add some rigidity to the whole assembly. Something with sharp points front and rear that match the flow of the fender and bolt to three or four mounts on the fender. I will be picking up a front fender light that mounts on top to keep in the Indian tradition.... I see black paint and purple flames in my future!!
Here is a side shot that shows what I think is an 1100 ACE fender I picked up for $60 plus shipping. It bolted right up to my existing fender struts and the seat mounting bolt was in the same location, but it just wasn't enough fender for me!! Also there is a bit or a gap at the rear bolts as this fender tapers just a bit. A 1/4" spacer should work well here.
If you like the looks of the front, wait until the rear gets mounted!! The rear fenders have side skirts that will cover most of the rear wheel for a vintage low rider look! He he The rear is about 10 inches with while the existing struts offer about 7.5" of space. So cutting out the center of the fender or widening the struts will be required. I think I will probably narrow the fender since I am limited on tire size anyhow....
So by the time this is over I will have created an Indian Shadow Spirit!!!
Have the two VT1100 Shadow Spirit front fenders and rear fenders for sale. I had picked up an extra set to have painted and never did. one black front with a chip in the paint ($20 +shipping), one purple front no flaws ($40 +shipping)
One rear black stock no flaws ($75 +shipping), one rear black with chip in paint on top, license plate mount has been cut off, and side LED blinkers installed as shown in most pictures on this site ($125=shipping). LEDs were $100 themselves so this is a good price if you are looking to side mount your license and do not mind doing touch up painting.
Updated 3/7/2005
Well, I got a cold or flu last week and didn't get much done at all. Mike M. (Ruhk) from the HondaShadow.net forum came by and we installed the Ace fender on his 97 VT1100 Spirit. He was pleased with the results. We are going to hook up soon and get some riding in. Here are a few shots I snapped off that evening.
We didn't think to take a shot before we started, but we know what the stock fender looks like on a Spirit don't we? I used some large chrome nuts to take up the space between the fender and the struts at the last hole and then cut down some inserts to take up a small amount of space in the second set of holes. The front holes fit tight into place. I had never noticed the VT1100 Ace fender tapers in towards the rear before. Here is a shot of Mike on his customized Spirit.
Finally, Mike and I after the project of wiring up this new fender. Will have to ask him about his screen name!
Gonzo and Ruhk
We will probably hook up later to weld in the license plate mounting holes since he is running the side mount plate. Click below to continue with the fender modifications. We already have enough figures on this page! Ha!
Gonzo
02' Shadow Spirit