removing the plastic plugs to install a crash bar 21 FLHC

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Dec 5, 2022 | 11:47 AM

dmonger

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: Feb 2019

Posts: 831

Likes: 217

From: The Shit Show

removing the plastic plugs to install a crash bar 21 FLHC

So I am the type that hates riding without a crash bar, call me paranoid or whatever, but I prefer knowing that if something happens, I am not going to destroy my tank and bend the fins on my motor. I see that two plastic caps are slotted in the mounting holes where the bar will go, but how do y'all get them out? I got a screwdriver behind it, but I couldn't pry them out, and I can't find anything in the service manual.

Dec 5, 2022 | 11:57 AM

GalvTexGuy

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2015

Posts: 10,032

Likes: 5,305

I believe they are Christmas tree clips and they are a bear to remove.

Last edited by GalvTexGuy; Dec 5, 2022 at 12:06 PM.

Dec 5, 2022 | 01:45 PM

702

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: May 2018

Posts: 5,814

Likes: 7,144

From: Las Vegas

Bust the head off them and knock them out with a punch. Use a small punch so you don't bugger up the threads.

Dec 5, 2022 | 02:12 PM

Durham man

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2017

Posts: 3,320

Likes: 1,883

Put a slit in it and turn it out, they are threaded. Tape around it so you don’t scratch.
they are a bitch!

Last edited by Durham man; Dec 5, 2022 at 02:13 PM.

Dec 5, 2022 | 06:18 PM

John107

Intermediate

Joined: Dec 2019

Posts: 40

Likes: 22

From: No. Jersey

I initially had the same issue on my 2018 Deluxe when installing crash bars. I started with a flat head screw driver until the slot was widened and deepened, then used a narrow nosed vice grip to unscrew the cap. neat and clean. I don't expect to use the caps again.

Dec 6, 2022 | 06:13 AM

Steve Sportster

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2018

Posts: 2,773

Likes: 2,261

From: Ft. Wayne IN

I remember what a pain these were to remove on my 2018 Heritage. I traded the 2018 in on a 2022 last month but kept the crash bars. When I remembered these PITA plugs I decided to try something different. I gave them a whack with a punch from the inside and they popped right out. Easy.