Trying to install rigid mount sideplates - need some help
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
From: Minot, ND
Trying to install rigid mount sideplates - need some help
I'm installing my sissybar and can't even get past loosening the bolts on the strut cover. I'm assuming there's loctite on the bolts - any advice on getting these things to budge? I swear I'm not this much of a wimp.
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
From: Minot, ND
RE: Trying to install rigid mount sideplates - need some help
I grabbed the old lady's hair dryer and blasted the bolt on high for about a minute - how long does it usually take? Should I be aiming at the gap between the strut cover and the fender?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 3
From: Chesterfield, VA
RE: Trying to install rigid mount sideplates - need some help
The correct amount of heat on the bolt head should loosen up the Loctite. Your hairdryer may not be enough. Got a heat gun?
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 967
Likes: 3
From: Eastern Massachusetts
RE: Trying to install rigid mount sideplates - need some help
Yeah, hair dryer probably isn't the tool you need, but that said, I never had a problem breaking the bolts lose and I've done it a few times.
The right torx bit and a plain old ratchet handle was enough leverage for me. I'm always nervous about telling someone I don't know to put some muscle into it, but if you're inclined to treat the bike with a soft hand, this isn't the place to do it. If you're putting some real torque into it, then I'd switch to an impact wrench or hand it off to the dealer. You're going to be very sad if you strip out one of those bolt heads.
If you want to try heat, going at it from the head might not be optimal. Jack the bike up and use a nozzle to direct the heat onto the end under the fender. Be reeeeeal careful of the tire and the paint and the wiring and so on.
The right torx bit and a plain old ratchet handle was enough leverage for me. I'm always nervous about telling someone I don't know to put some muscle into it, but if you're inclined to treat the bike with a soft hand, this isn't the place to do it. If you're putting some real torque into it, then I'd switch to an impact wrench or hand it off to the dealer. You're going to be very sad if you strip out one of those bolt heads.
If you want to try heat, going at it from the head might not be optimal. Jack the bike up and use a nozzle to direct the heat onto the end under the fender. Be reeeeeal careful of the tire and the paint and the wiring and so on.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 244
Likes: 1
From: NW Ohio
RE: Trying to install rigid mount sideplates - need some help
ORIGINAL: Splatter
Yeah, hair dryer probably isn't the tool you need, but that said, I never had a problem breaking the bolts lose and I've done it a few times.
The right torx bit and a plain old ratchet handle was enough leverage for me. I'm always nervous about telling someone I don't know to put some muscle into it, but if you're inclined to treat the bike with a soft hand, this isn't the place to do it. If you're putting some real torque into it, then I'd switch to an impact wrench or hand it off to the dealer. You're going to be very sad if you strip out one of those bolt heads.
If you want to try heat, going at it from the head might not be optimal. Jack the bike up and use a nozzle to direct the heat onto the end under the fender. Be reeeeeal careful of the tire and the paint and the wiring and so on.
Yeah, hair dryer probably isn't the tool you need, but that said, I never had a problem breaking the bolts lose and I've done it a few times.
The right torx bit and a plain old ratchet handle was enough leverage for me. I'm always nervous about telling someone I don't know to put some muscle into it, but if you're inclined to treat the bike with a soft hand, this isn't the place to do it. If you're putting some real torque into it, then I'd switch to an impact wrench or hand it off to the dealer. You're going to be very sad if you strip out one of those bolt heads.
If you want to try heat, going at it from the head might not be optimal. Jack the bike up and use a nozzle to direct the heat onto the end under the fender. Be reeeeeal careful of the tire and the paint and the wiring and so on.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,384
Likes: 12
From: Out on Deranged
RE: Trying to install rigid mount sideplates - need some help
from the looks of your avatar you have an fxdf,you should not have to remove your strut . I didn't have to and although mine is a detachable sideplate,they look identicle on the web pics 'cept mine is a c-slot where yours is a round hole. check it out on hd's page . open two pages and compare. yes I know its the .ca page but they are the same parts!
http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/g...bmLocale=en_CA
http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/g...bmLocale=en_CA
http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/g...bmLocale=en_CA
http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/g...bmLocale=en_CA
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 128
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From: Minot, ND
RE: Trying to install rigid mount sideplates - need some help
The heat + some elbow greaseon the ratchet handle broke the bolt loose. I think my biggest problem was using a damned screwdriver...That said, the sissybar looks great! Thanks for the help!
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[IMG]local://upfiles/49672/C69AFA21E4744D4C8910882D155F1776.jpg[/IMG]
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
From: SouthWest Iowa
RE: Trying to install rigid mount sideplates - need some help
I recently put on 2 bungee bolts on the front bolt sites and put on the narrow turn sig kit. The bolts came off pretty ez. One of them was a little tough but when I cranked on it a little harder it broke free. I used no heat.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 539
Likes: 0
From: NH - Why not Minot, ND
RE: Trying to install rigid mount sideplates - need some help
Did you say a screwdriver? Put that to the side while working on these bikes. There's not much on 'em you'll get loose with one...