Hey folks

I lossed the bolt that screws my seat down. Went to the Harley dealership got a replacement bolt today but what they gave me is not long enough, I am attaching a picture of my seat. Do I need a special size for this? The seat is a Harley seat, it says Harley Davidson right on it so I assume it's oem

The bike is a 96 fatboy

 

It should be 1/4-20 in size. A well equipped Ace Hardware may have some chrome ones of varying lengths and you should be able to find one that'll work.

 

Then get a longer bolt.

Just because something says HD doesn't make it OEM to your bike.

 

Here's a couple of places to looook......
Cut them down if the length is too loooong....

https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&ke...l_1y33mvt6x0_e


https://www.grainger.com/product/GRAINGER-APPROVED-Thumb-Screw-5PY67?s_pp=false&picUrl=//static.grainger.com/rp/s/is/image/Grainger/5PY57_AS01?$smthumb$

 

Or you can go to your local hardware store.
FWIW that bolt on my bike is 1/4 28.

If you do cut it down make sure you get a nut threaded on the bolt before you cut it.
That will help you straighten out the threads after cutting.

 

1/4-20 x 3/4 to 1" will work with a lock washer and regular washer. You can buy the Allen key heads in stainless steel at Ace, Lowes and most likely a home depot. Put a little blue locktite on it and it'll stay there.

 

Mine is also a 1/4-28 (Unified National FINE thread). You can get nice stainless button head screws in any well stocked hardware store.

 

#5 2952A SCREW 1/4-20 X 1/2 SEMS truss hd. | BJ96/BK96/BL96/BM96/BN96/BP96

According to the listing it's 1/4 -20 x 1/2 inch long ... just get one a bit longer.

http://www.stcharlesharleydavidson.c...A%5cX49%5cBM96

 

My understanding is that standard size is 1/4 X 20 for thickness and thread.
The length being about 1/2 inch.
Numerous choices on e bay and such.
Ace Hardware has a good selection of bolts also.
The head of the bolt becomes the limiting factor but a chrome metal washer and rubber gasket can resolve the issue.
Some license plate security bolts are of the same size but strength is unlabeled.
Caution with using too long of a bolt as a lowered bike might cause bolt to scrub against tire.
Lift the seat and try the bolt you got at harley then you can re-confirm the size at Ace Hardware using their "fit" display and get one slightly longer.
Do not forget the chrome washer and a thin rubber gasket to help against loosening vibrations.
The rear fender cover looks rather thick and looks like it adds at least 1/4 inch thickness with the chrome metal and black backing combination.
Then add the usual problem of the first few threads in nut portion being stripped and it will not grab.

 

I once cut a new rain groove into a tire.
You don't need to ask how..........