Sheet metal for R51/3

[lbrackr756]

I've got a line on an R51/3 that's probably missing the rear part of the rear fender. Any ideas on sources of used sheet metal parts for this scooter?

Little Egypt Airhead
'66 R50/2
'80 R100RT
'52 R51/3 (maybe soon)

[DarrylRi]

As a matter of fact...

You can buy new sheet metal for it from your BMW dealer.

No, I'm not kidding. I bought a complete new rear fender for about $600 (in primer) 4 years ago.

BMW Group Classic commissions certain vendors to make up accurate repro parts for vintage BMWs back to the war.

You need to know the correct part number. Go to your dealer and have them order it through the system. It'll take a few weeks to come in.

If that doesn't work, order it up direct from Mark Huggett (www.bmwbike.com) in Switzerland. The Swiss post is very slow, and very expensive. Try looking the number up on his web site and go to your dealer first to see if it's cheaper.

[lbrackr756]

Thank you. Yes, actually MAX BMW shows the same parts. It's confusing. The rear wheel fender (painted) is over $1,100 now. Shown as "mud guard" (in primer) is less, at $750. I assume they are the same thing since part numbers are only one digit off. I'm actually hoping for a used one somehow. The unit I'm looking at has the front part of the fender intact; just the rear part is missing. Seems these were sometimes replaced along the way with /2 rear parts.

[DarrylRi]

For used stuff, it will be harder. You can post want ads at the IBMWR Marketplace (www.ibmwr.org/market) and of course, there's the MOA's own flea market on this site. You could join the Yahoo slash2 email list that I run and ask there (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/slash2). You might try calling up Craig "Vech" Vechorick at Bench Mark Works (www.benchmarkworks.com) in MS and ask him if he knows of something, but he doesn't deal in used parts directly.

Otherwise, you're going to have to build up a /3 network.

BTW, the plunger frame bikes are really sweet. They are so low to the ground, it's like you're flying just above the pavement. You will be surprised at how different the ride is from your /2.

[lbrackr756]

Thanks! I already talked to Bench Mark Works. Looks like I need a seat, too. Current owner says that he only has a dual seat for it (somewhere)...hmmm

[DarrylRi]

These bikes didn't come with bench seats. Someone retrofitted it. They came with rubber topped "tractor style" seats. A second for the pillion, could be mounted on the fender or the parcel rack.

You can get a new seat from Vech, or you can hunt around for a used one. Be aware that if you get a used one that needs a new rubber top, they are apparently an extreme PITA to mount. I've read of people using come-alongs and fighting with them in tubs of hot, soapy water. Join the slash2 list and search through the archives for more about this ordeal.

[monsondm]

Darryl, My R68 came with a dual seat that appears it was made for the bike. It was different than a /3 type. I am thinking of putting it on my R51/3 as it mounts on the solo seat tabs and the rear fender. It is old and seems to be original, but who knows.

Dale

[monsondm]

I also couldn't find any rear flaps, so I started welding flat metal. It actually turned out acceptable. It turned out fine in spite of the rough look. Only could load one photo so thought this would show how I did it.

Dale Monson

[DarrylRi]

Darryl, My R68 came with a dual seat that appears it was made for the bike. It was different than a /3 type. I am thinking of putting it on my R51/3 as it mounts on the solo seat tabs and the rear fender. It is old and seems to be original, but who knows.

Dale

Interesting! I've never seen nor heard of a bench seat coming from BMW for the /3s. Your bike has several "customizations", like the front fender, mufflers and handlebars. Do you think the seat could have come from a later single or perhaps even a different German bike?

[DarrylRi]

I also couldn't find any rear flaps, so I started welding flat metal. It actually turned out acceptable. It turned out fine in spite of the rough look. Only could load one photo so thought this would show how I did it.

Dale Monson

I'm completely envious of your fabrication skills. Wish I could do things like that.

[monsondm]

I think the seat is original or from some bike with the same frame. It is a Denfeld. The R68 has the fiberglas front fender, the R51/5 has the fabricated rear flap. I did it after doing a similar flap for my Zundapp 601. See photo.

Someone in Germany is doing similar repro work. I patterened the Zundapp one from the German repro.