Here is the Thread I promised; Making A PGR Flag

[FuzzyRSTD]

I have pictures and so forth to help explain what I have done to make a PGR 3'X5' flag pole to use as a mounted flag on the bike and then also removable to use at the funeral home and grave sites. I have been ask how to make these and I promised I would do a "how to" here. So I will do the best I can to explain this here. Rather simple to build, but hard to put in writing for me. So here goes;

 

#1. I purchased a 8' long poplar 1 1/4" dowel rod from the local hardware/home store or where ever you may find them. Around $10.00 - $12.00 .

 

You can find plenty 6' long for closet rods and curtains that are expensive to, but not long enough. You need to cut the rod to 6' 6". This length gives you enough to keep the flag from touching the ground while standing the flag line at a slight angle.

 

The poplar are what you may find most of the time. Hardwood such as oak would probably be, or possibly be better, but the poplar does work well and is light and pretty tough. Pine would be to brittle and would most likely break when under stress, so no good. You would be surprised at the force generated at 70 mph with a 3'X5' flag flying.

 

#2. So now you have a 6' 6" pole. Next attach a decorative type ball on what would be the top end of the wood rod. You can find these at the same hardware places and are easy to find. Around $2.00-$3.00 total. You need one with a screw attachment made in it. Mine did not have the screw and I bought one of the attaching screws with it.

 

#3. I bought some eye lag screws. You need at least three. This explains what I am talking about.

http://www.boltdepot.com/Wire_eye_lags_Zinc_plated_steel.aspx

 

#4. Purchase your self a 3'X5' polyester American flag. The cheap ones are what I use.

 

#5. I put an extra grommet in the flag at the center of the flag, so that it now has three. You might want to even use four of these, but three is enough. I purchased a grommet package for tarps that included the small tools. Be very careful when putting these in. Use light hammer force and quit when you have the grommet attached and cut the center material out with a utility sharp razor.

 

#6. Attach the flag to the eye lag screws with these quick links, shown here just to give you an idea. These give you the freedom to remove the flag and place in a zip lock bag for storage in your saddle bags if you like and also to replace the flag very easily.

http://fasteners.hardwarestore.com/16-63-chain-links-swivels/quick-link-134619.aspx

 

#7. I put a screw and a washer with a rubber washer on the bottom end of my flag pole. This will protect it while standing the flag line and resting the bottom on the concrete and black top.

 

#8. I spray painted my pole with a clear finish shellac. It worked OK with several light coats. The next one I am going to paint it on. I feel I can get a better coverage and a thicker coat than the spay on. Just remove the eye lags and paint the end ball/decorative end. Then after drying put your hardware back on.

 

Hope this helps other PGR members and I thank you for your honorable decision to help such a great organisation. Take care and ride safe. Remember the PGR is not only for those that ride, but also for those that do not. There are times that we can help in the winter months and drive our cars and trucks to help to.

 

I build Motorcycle Flag Pole Mounts to work with this pole. My main decision to do this was because of the PGR members. I hope I have helped you here with this little explanation of how to build the flag pole. Here is the link to the Motorcycle Flag Pole Mounts that I build. The best and safest way to attach the 3'X5' flag I think. You can use these on bikes and also other vehicles with a 2" receiver by using the reducer/adapter. The flag removes very easily with just one small pin and re-attaches just as easy.

http://www.venturerider.org/classifieds/showcat.php?cat=34

 

[ATTACH]66020[/ATTACH]

The 6' 6" flag pole. Needs to be 6' 6" to keep the flag from touching the ground.

 

[ATTACH]66021[/ATTACH]

The decorative ball.

 

[ATTACH]66022[/ATTACH]

The top ball.

 

[ATTACH]66023[/ATTACH]

The hardware I used.

 

[ATTACH]66024[/ATTACH]

Quick link flag attachment.

 

[ATTACH]66025[/ATTACH]

The grommet package.

 

[ATTACH]66026[/ATTACH]

The bottom of the pole.

 

Fuzzy

Edited April 25, 2012 by FuzzyRSTD

[dacheedah]

very nice, well done

[FuzzyRSTD]

very nice, well done

 

Thank you very much.

 

Fuzzy

[Bobby G]

Very nice!

 

I had a buddy of mine give me a flag pole made of four 18" sections of 1 3/4" PVC pipe that had 2" straight sleeves on each section with a rope down the middle of the whole thing that was very easy to assemble to make a nice size flag pole that is easily collapseable and transportable. It's similar to a sectioned tent pole. The eye grommets are pre-installed, and it has an end cap on the top and a plug on the bottom. Not as nice as yours, and certainly not for flying on the bike, but for holding when on a flag line. This way, I always have a flag and pole with me in my saddle bag and don't have to disconnect or wrench off the pole I use on the bike. Most PGR missions I attend here in GA have a flag wagon present so we don't need to bring our own, but it's nice to have a spare with me.

[FuzzyRSTD]

Good idea Bob, thanks.........

 

Fuzzy:thumbsup2:

[FuzzyRSTD]

I found these on E-bay and thought PGR members might be interested. They cover and protect your flag while in transit on your bike.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/251033570852?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_720wt_1270

 

I do not think you could make one for the price and the $1.00 shipping.

 

Fuzzy