If I were repeating the experiments (and you never know--I might), I think I'd go looking for falling-apart used panniers, and raid them for their hardware.
On the light mount: any reason not to use those little elastic-band LED lights? They're cheap, they're bright, and they don't run down the batteries very fast. I have one on my top tube near the handlebars and it makes a terrific visibility addition to the Dutch bike's built-in headlamp.
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Panniers: before I got a Dutch bike and baskets...
...I did some experimenting with making pannier-type arrangements out of found stuff.
If I were repeating the experiments (and you never know--I might), I think I'd go looking for falling-apart used panniers, and raid them for their hardware.
On the light mount: any reason not to use those little elastic-band LED lights? They're cheap, they're bright, and they don't run down the batteries very fast. I have one on my top tube near the handlebars and it makes a terrific visibility addition to the Dutch bike's built-in headlamp.