I have removed the side bags but the bolts that held them up stick out. I would like to use shorter ones and keep the current ones for when I want to put the bags on again. Any suggestions on which bolts I could use?

2003 Softail Heritage

 

someone here will know. be patient.

if you're in hurry, take a nut or bolt to Lowes or HD
there should be a mounted rack in the nut 'n bolt aisle of all the common size metric and US.
you thread the nut or bolt into it and that will tell you the thread size and pitch


..L.T.A.

 

If I understand your question correctly, they are part #4266A- 3/8-16 x 7/8 Button Head Screw (grade 5).. (#3 in the below parts pic)

That's to go through the strut cover to the backing plate only. If you want to get the ones with a grommet, I don't know that part number, but the screw is probably at least 3/8-16 x 1.25" Button Head Screw. Just add the length needed to the 3/8-16 x 7/8" bolt needed to include the grommets you are using for the rack..

It's not rocket science, but don't get them too long. You don't want them sticking through the backing plate nuts far enough to interfere with the rear tire...

https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/e...20f8580d2211/y

 

Thanks for that! Does look to be a #3 and will look for those. I wish they had a shorter version of the #31 that ended at the bolt so that the threads at the end would no longer be there

 

Just reverse the shorter bolt so the nut and threads are inside. Thats what I've done on my bikes.

 

Intriguing and they do not scratch the tires?

 

I would NOT put longer bolts on the inside for fear of gouging the tire! Don't ask me how I know.

 

Are you planning on leaving the Tour Pack on at all times? If you are, then those bolts are going to need to be longer because of the black quick release spacers.

Let me tell you from experience, this will seriously become a major pain in the ***, not to mention the wear and tear on the brackets behind the fender. I did the same
thing to my Heritage when I got it, but after a few times of swapping hardware was a hassle, not that it's difficult by any means, just became a PITA. So, I decided to loctite
them and leave the bags. Plus, I like being able to hit the liquor store or stop by the butcher for a couple steaks and not have to worry about it.
I did like the clean look......good luck.

 

Don't anyone make things anymore? I would go into my box of nuts and bolts or buy a few from Ace Hardware and cut then to size.

 

I do plan to keep the bag as-is as I routinely bike to work and that holds my office bag, helmet, gear etc. I don't think I will use the side bags ever so for now will close the open spaces with the default bolt. For the longer bolts might check if I can get a couple more of those and just trim off the ends or else buy some new ones in size with a hex head or so. Love yours clean look!