Expensive mistake

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Jul 29, 2011 | 07:57 AM

dickey

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Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2010

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From: Florida

Expensive mistake

Was on call for work, but no accounts for the day, so I decided to throw some of the custom stuff I took off my old RoadKing before selling it on to the NEW RoadKing. Everything was going well, but I couldn't find the headlight chrome trim ring that looks SO GOOD on the locomotive style headlight. So, $39 later I'm preparing to install the new trim ring I bought. I removed the stock trim ring,ripped open the package on the new one,threw the instructions on the floor & proceeded to install the new ring. Tightened it up as tight as it would go,& noticed it was still loose;I could spin it easily. Thought to myself "even though this stuff is rice, the fitment of HD accessories is usually pretty good. Why is there so much excess?" So, I go to the grinder,figgering that I could grind down both ends & then I will be able to tighten it up all the way without the ends hitting. So, I proceed to grind it down,did a nice job, installed it & the fit was not perfect, but much better. The next day (yesterday) I was cleaning up the garage,reached down & picked up the instructions I threw down & glanced at them. Found out your supposed to install the new trim ring OVER the old one for proper fit. So, off comes the custom ring, on goes the stock,then put the custom ring over the stocker, but now it won't tighten all the way 'cause I ground a little off each end and I got about a 1/4" gap that looks like crap. So, back to the dealer (he had 1 left) and $39 down the drain. I felt like a real moron going back there.

Moral: Always read the instruction sheet no matter how simple you think the installation might be.

Anyone wanna buy a slightly modified FL style headlight trim ring CHEAP?

Jul 29, 2011 | 08:01 AM

VTwinJaxFL

Road Captain

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 593

Likes: 4

From:

That's a funny story, but a lesson learned. Thanks for sharing.

Jul 29, 2011 | 08:06 AM

cdestuck

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Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 6,724

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From: Altoona, Pa.

Old too fast and smart too late. Ya should be glad that piece was only 39 bucks. Not too mnay things you can buy from HD thats 39 bucks

Jul 29, 2011 | 08:11 AM

KBFXDLI

Big Kahuna HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 23,881

Likes: 34

From: USA

Ah yes...another part for your "Wall of Shame"....I just fubared my furnace draft inducer by drilling a hole in it for the temp sensor to bolt into (the guy at the shop said to do it) then find out that upon removing the sensor from the old one that there is no hole in it. $150 down the tubes.

Jul 29, 2011 | 08:16 AM

IAMSWUTIAMS

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 18,664

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From: San Diego, Mexifornia

Pretty cheap f'up. I built model cars as a kid. I always read the instructions.

Jul 29, 2011 | 08:27 AM

magna

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: May 2010

Posts: 3,453

Likes: 249

Known as mans disease,doesn't affect women," when all else fails read the instructions."

Jul 29, 2011 | 08:30 AM

MrMojo

Road Captain

Joined: May 2011

Posts: 523

Likes: 2

From: New England

Salesman at the dealership told me HD stands for hundred dollars because that is what you'll spend every time you buy something for the back. Sounds like you got off cheap! LOL!