Yes, This is just the final test fit. I was suffering from premature-photography syndrome. I'm gonna drill all around for bunge/net attachment, then give it a coat of paint. I was wanting a larger tail rack, but couldn't see paying $100+ for something I could make using the same attachment points. Later on I may get some aluminum to re-make the stand offs. That way I could weld them to the plate and countersink the attachment nuts. We just didn't have any aluminum stock so we used the stainless.
I don't have access to many tech resources in BFE Arkansas and the home brew method looks too much like work. It'll probably get a coat of rattle can, that will make for easy touchups.
You need a good primer for painting aluminum. I can't remember what it's called off the top of my head, but you should be able to find it here with a search.
As much as I like the 48 quart cooler idea, that's not likely to happen. My plan was for a place to carry a folding chair and/or a small duffel. I'd guess that will be comparatively less stress on the bike than my +sized self. The pictures are a bit deceiving. The diamond plate is just 10.5" front to rear, it goes about .5" past the end of the OE rack. I purposely kept it short to keep the levered stress to a minimum.
I began the project on Monday buying the hardware and ordering a Pelican box. The job completed and the bike returned to storage Saturday. Cost was only $20 in metals, $6 for hardware and $120 for the Pelican box. It'll be a good place to stuff the cold weather riding gear when the temps heat up.
