Watch out with the strap, depending on where you put it it's really easy for it to move until it contacts the tire, shortly after that there will be no strap.
You can find a metal bar of the proper diameter and thickness and a greater-than-needed length at almost any hardware store. Given that, anyone with a cut-off saw, a drill press and a hand drill can fabricate a new bar with holes in places that haven't been damaged on your shell. So, yes, a mechanic can do this. And a field repair might be done with a hand drill, some oil, and a hacksaw, but be careful to clamp the metal down so it doesn't go spinning while you are dilling it. Even duct tape and a piece of wood might work for that.
|