I'm removing the rear strut covers on my 07 Street Bob, and there's a ton of great write ups. Good stuff!

In pulling the upper shock bolt, I'm wondering if you can run without the chrome shock cover? Part no. 54708-65A? Looks only decorative...but...maybe not?

I'm not a fan of any kind of shroud or covering that's a rust breeding ground...these seem to be.

Can I just leave 'em off?

And also just confirming... top bolt 75-85lbs and bottom 30-40lbs torque +blue loctite?

Thanks!

 

You can leave them off. I just replaced my strut covers and those torque numbers sound right.

 

You're right, it's only decorative.

I have to leave them off when I mount my FXDP hard bags for longer hauls and never have experienced any problem.



Here's what the 2003 book says on torque values:

"Tighten upper and lower shock mounts to 25-40 ft-lbs (34-54Nmm). If upper shock stud nut (Item # 7 in figure # 3 in this PDF) is removed, tighten to 60-80 ft-lbs 81.3-108.5Nmm)"

 

And the afters...a couple of hours (really would have been a lot less, but the previous owner let a lot of corrosion and rust get outta hand...patina and character for some...me I gotta get rid of as much of that as I can). Anyhoo, the much cleaner fender area afters...




Thanks for makin' the first project a smooth one!