I haven't installed mine yet, but judging from the thickness of the plastic substrate, I think some aluminum reinforcement would be wise. If it wasn't required, mine would already be installed. I'm just trying to work up the ambition to remove the pannier housings for access although someone posted here about being able to sneak in an aluminum backer plate without removing the pannier housings..... must have small hands...I was able to purchase a set of locks from NoVa Chris and it will make a nice winter project. A question I have for those who have made this change. Is backing behind the piece that attaches to the body necessary?
Thank you
I'm in exactly the same place that Mike is in. I've got the latches; I'm pretty sure that some sort of backing would be needed; I'm too lazy now to get into pulling the pannier housings. I don't have particularly small hands and since I hit the deer and shattered my left hand, I'm not at all good at delicate tasks. It's a winter project for me.I haven't installed mine yet, but judging from the thickness of the plastic substrate, I think some aluminum reinforcement would be wise. If it wasn't required, mine would already be installed. I'm just trying to work up the ambition to remove the pannier housings for access although someone posted here about being able to sneak in an aluminum backer plate without removing the pannier housings..... must have small hands...
Mike