When I bought my bike, it already had docking hardware installed for detachable sideplates. Im about to take the hardware off to remove the strut covers but know sure how to.....advice please

 

What bike model?
Basically should be 4 bolts... same 4 that bolt the fender to the fender struts. If you're not putting the detachable back on, you'll need shorter bolts.

 

its a 07 fxd. I'm putting it back on. I know it comes off with the four bolts. But cant figure out the bracket that is under the fender

 

The brackets on the inside of the fender have threaded guides that go through the holes in the fender and struts. The allen head bolts thread into them from the outside in. On a stock setup the rear hole has a bolt that goes from inside the fender through the strut and into the light.

 

If your turn signals are on the rear stem you will need to take off the tail light and disconnect the turn signal plugs. Once you disconnect the plugs get the wires out of the brackets under the fender. Once you have done that you can start by loosening the jam nut that holds the turn signal bullet to the end of the stem.
I won't go any further if your sigs aren't mounted to the docking hardware.

I will say if your plan is to take off the strut covers you will need to jack the bike up to vertical and disconnect the shocks from the upper mount. By jacking the bike vertical you will take the weight of the bike off the rear tire, by not lifting it off the ground you won't have the swingarm/rear tire come dropping to the ground when you get the last bolt out.