This tutorial shows how to adapt your registration plate mount to host your first aid box or tool box

Follow this step by step DIY process and fit a good hard case to the registration plate’s mounting bracket.

You can use this lockable, durable, dust and water tight container can be used for your tools, or your puncture repair kit or you emergency first aid kit.

You have the steel cross bar and the reg. plate mounting bracket as your platform to mount the pelican case

I used double sided tape, an old camera webbing strap, a galvanised iron bracket and two 20mm pipe brackets sourced from my local hardware store.

Cut the webbing to fit almost all around the cross bar, use the flame to cauterise the ends to stop any fraying, and then apply the double sided tape.

The pre-drilled holes in the galv plate are in just the correct places so no drilling required.

Here is a side view of the 20mm plastic pipe brackets fitted at the end of the galvanised plate with 5mm bolts and ny-lock nuts

This side view shows the butt fit at the end of the galv plate. No overhang.

First position the bracket dead centre and use a permanent marker to mark where the webbing packing must be stuck to the cross bar

The plastic brackets are just a tad too large, so I put double sided tape onto some webbing (an old camera strap) to pack the bracket to a tight firm fit.

The galvanised iron bracket, bolted to the plastic brackets is trimmed to length and fitted to the cross bar

Once the mounting plate is in position you can bolt the box where the reg plate used to be.

The reg plate becomes the pattern for the holes on the back of the box and the lid.

The reg plate becomes the pattern for the holes on the back of the box and the lid.

Be very careful at this point. Measure three

times, drill once to position the box so you are

close to tail light, but can still release or close

the lid clasps.

The reg plate becomes the pattern for the holes on the back of the box and the lid.

Drill too high and you may not be able to open

or close the box at all. The locking clips need

room to lift.

Be careful that the box is not too close to the

tail light

You can see the clasps in this photo, they do need some room to open and close

Pop rivet the registration plate to the centre of the lid

Personally, I’ve chosen to pack the box full of life saving medical gear. Which can rest undisturbed until checked or used.

Your choice may be your puncture kit and tow straps.

You can choose to include the sponge pads to reduce movement or rattles

In this photo, both boxes look perfectly natural and part of the bike. Very discretely out the way, yet very accessible

It is your choice, lock closed with two cable ties…..

Or you can lock closed with padlocks…..

Well done, another smart DIY enhancement to improve the ride experience . Enjoy.