Will someone please tell me what's going on here? I received my new passing lamp bracket from J&P Cycles today, and it's identical to the rusted one I got as an "extra" with the bike, and it WILL NOT fit.

That is, unless I'm doing something wrong. I mean, it looks dirt simple, right? Just line the holes up and put the OEM screws right back in, right?

But look:



It's a 1994 Fatboy. J&P's website said that this would fit. I called them. They were of no real help.

Why is the headlight assembly removed? Because I thought maybe it's supposed to go under the cover. But no, that would be an even more impossible fit (and I'll re-splice and solder the wires back in a bit).

The side brackets are square. The fork is round.

The OEM screws won't begin to go through the square side brackets and catch thread.

So what's the answer? Longer screws from a hardware store? This bracket didn't include any. It also has zero instructions. I guess they assume, like I did, that it's plug-n-play.

I'm in a panic because I also have LED lights on the way and no bracket that will work (as far as I can tell).

So for those of you who have installed these, what was the trick, if any?

Please help....

 

I did some searches and found this image from another poster here. I hope he doesn't mind if I "borrow" it.



Where do I get this type of bolt? Or were they stock on a different model?

 

If you can get the holes to line up but the bolts aren't long enough then I suggest you get longer bolts.

Have you compared the thickness of the new bracket to the thickness of the old one?
Are you sure you are using the correct bolts for that hole?
It's an aftermarket part and those often need a little caressing to make them fit.

I suggest you post this and any other questions for that bike in the EVO section.
You will get more responses if you do.

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/evo-classic-models-84/

 

The first place I look for a new bolt is the nearest hardware store.
Just take your old one to match the threads.

You may have to cut it shorter or add washers but that isn't hard.

 

Yeah. I've shortened them before by threading a nut, cutting the bolt, then threading the nut off to clean the threads.

Now that I've seen some decent pictures, it makes a lot more sense; I just need longer bolts. I just made the mistake of assuming that the stock bolts were supposed to work with the bracket, but clearly not.

Some instructions in the package surely wouldn't have hurt.....

Thanks for your help!

 

Yes, the forks are round and the bracket is "square". The bracket sits "off" the fork covers, and you will need longer screws. The screws are "fine thread" (5/16-24 UNF).

 

I just came back from Lowe's with longer screws. I remembered the size and thread pitch from having to tap one out two days ago.

 

Wow. I would have never guessed that this would be a PITA on my bike. It just looks so simple.

But it's installed and the headlight is reassembled and working.

 

Good job. "Never give up, never surrender!" The juice always tastes sweeter when you squeeze it yourself.

 

Yep.