When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
If the bracket has spread apart, I would suggest that you squeeze the bracket back, and then JB Weld the carriage bolt to it. Don't use a lot, and try to keep it off the top, where the bolt sits in the bracket, as it will interfere with the console tunnel that the bolt goes through.
ok, me and my Dremel Multi-Max, after a couple of drill bits, got the cap of the pseudo nut off. Now there is a sleeve, about 3/4", on the business end of the carriage bolt. I need to take the tripmeter reset off. Then I believe the dash will slide off and I'm hoping to grab both ends and crank them apart, the bolt and nut sleeve that is.
I had the same thing happen on Reaper. It wasn't the carriage bolt, it was the bracket it sits in. It spread apart enough to allow the bolt to turn. I wound up using a nut splitter to get the nut off. I used large channel locks to squeeze the bracket back, and it worked... for a while. It happened again, and again I had to split the nut off, so the last time, I JB welded the carriage bolt to the bracket. Haven't had a problem since.
Cheers!
so, unfortunately you are right Clammy. I finally got the 'nut' cut off and sure 'nough, it's the bracket on the tank that has rounded out, not spread.
Really hard to "see" the entire situation and dimensions with the picture:
Is that harley part number 5419 for carriage bolt?
Is that carriage bolt a 5/16-18?
Would a U-Nut work in this application...placement of u-nut in slot...
But turning a correct size bolt to a stud to replace carriage bolt, and placement of red threadlocker on stud that threads u-nut
or
Would a WELL NUT work in this application...placement of well nut in slot...
But turning any correct size bolt to a stud to replace carriage bolt, and placement of red threadlocker on stud that threads the well-nut.
A well nut will probably required shaving of some rubber to create a grove on the sides in order to let it slide into the slot.
Really hard to "see" the entire situation and dimensions with the picture:
Is that harley part number 5419 for carriage bolt?
Is that carriage bolt a 5/16-18?
Would a U-Nut work in this application...placement of u-nut in slot...
But turning a correct size bolt to a stud to replace carriage bolt, and placement of red threadlocker on stud that threads u-nut
or
Would a WELL NUT work in this application...placement of well nut in slot...
But turning any correct size bolt to a stud to replace carriage bolt, and placement of red threadlocker on stud that threads the well-nut.
A well nut will probably required shaving of some rubber to create a grove on the sides in order to let it slide into the slot.
never thought of those. I think a U-Nut would be better. Here are a couple of pics that might help with the "seeing the whole picture and dimensions." The area/receiver used to be 5/16" square to hold the square neck of the carriage bolt, but now it is a rounded 3/8", so the bolt just spins. Here are the pics.
Much easier to see with the provided information.
The mounting point on gas tank looks like a rectangle hollow raised area.
That rectangle raised area looks about 1 3/4 inches by 3 1/2.
Can you cut a piece of flat thin metal that would slide into that area?
Like a metal ruler.
After fitment is determined then remove the piece of metal ruler.
Then use your dremel tool to cut a a slot into the metal ruler the size of carriage nut square.You want it tight.
Slide cut metal rectangle piece (ruler) into place from right to left or left to right under that raised area.
Remember it now has a slot.
Now: Think for a moment...stick piece welded to gas tank in picture looks like it is suppose to push carriage bolt head UP.
So you might need to pull UP in it to bend it into place. It looks bent down.
Maybe use a string to pull it up(fishing line?)
So that stick thing is now sitting in the groove you created.
Then you slide your newly purchased carriage bolt into original slot while applying a little down pressure to push stick thing down and at same time sliding into slot created by new metal rectangle metal ruler piece..
You are basically duplicating the slot but under the slot with the metal ruler.
Then place a small o-ring or 2 on top side of carriage bolt slot area to keep it in position for console. Basically to help keep carriage bolt square in the newly created groove.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.
