Hey, is there any source for bolt size and lenght for external bolts on Softtail? I'm looking to replace the Zinc crap with chrome or S/S and I'm not interested in Harley replacement based on price. Not interested in complete kit as funds are not available for large purchase. Any help would be greatly appreciated.


PS: Been a member for several years, but changed computers and lost log on and no one would answer when I hit the button for forgot password so had to re-join.

Thanks in advance.

 

I don't remember seeing this in the service manual, and the P&A book doesn't list it... Probably be best to do a piece or 2 at a time, just take the originals with you to the store.

If I ever get to that point I'd avoid the HD kits as well, the prices are just out to lunch.

 

check fleabay,i got some stainless steel bolts from a guy there for a resonable price. i cant find his card that he sent along but i thought he was in florida

 

Diamond Engineering has awesome stainless steel, polished up and loooks better than chrome. You can buy kits for the individual items you want bolts for. IE handlebar, primary etc. Get it through Drag Specialties.

 

The "HARDWARE LIST" in the back of applicable parts manual for specific model will give fastener specifications. Example of one is the "primary cover bolts" [p/n 4820A] is listed as "SCREW, 1/4-20 X 20 hex. socket" which you should then be able to find from outside HD. Be careful as some screws are "proprietary" to HD meaning they nay have a "wierd" thread pitch and may not be available exc. from a dealership (usually in the -24 pitch range). Good idea to also "clen up" threads on a chrome bolt/screw since the chroming process sometimes makes the threads slightly oversize.

 

Rob is on the money. I would use thread chasers, rather than a tap and die set. For stainless steal, you need to apply never seize or they may gall.

 

Not 2 scare you but keep in mind torque & bolt installation patterns on specific items like the rocker box & primary covers etc... etc.. They may have a sequence and torque requirements. Change 1 at a time in the specified order to torque and you should be fine.

 

Thanks to one and all for the information. I'll check out the Parts Application Manual. Diamond Industries, the one I believe call "Groove" are sick. Bro of mine used them on his Street Glide, but are really pricy. I have been buying large quantities of stud bolts for my job and recently discovered that the supplier that I have been dealing with is also a distributer for chrome scooter bolts from supplier in or near Phoenix, hoping to get a discount. Thanks for reminding me about chasing threads and never sneeze on S/S. Live and die on torque specs. as it is requirement for my job.

 

I did a bit of research on this a while back and collected some links to places that can get you the bolts you need.

http://www.alloyboltz.com/catalog/index.php

http://www.southcoaststainless.com/index.htm

http://www.boltdepot.com/Default.aspx

http://www.chromebolt.com/

http://www.depss.com/

Hope those help, just be sure that you use the RIGHT length bolt for whatever your replacing. Many of them are the same size, but often bolts for the same thing, like the fender struts or primary cover are the same thread and bolt head size, but more than one length.

 

I have ordered from bolt depot with excellent results. Order a bunch at once as shipping is a killer otherwise.