I just did the one-by-one swap last weekend. I actually did have an issue-- for some reason, now I'm seeping a little primary fluid. Even though I carefully torqued them to spec. I'm thinking the problem is I only did six or so of the top ones-- ran out of time. So maybe the last guy torqued the rest to a different spec or something. Anyway, I snugged them up a bit more and and it's better, but still have a tiny bit of seepage. Maybe best to make sure you do all of them and torque them all the same.

Also, you might try just polishing the bolts you have. I did mine on a bench wheel and just went from black to green compound. Maybe 5 minutes per bolt and they look really great-- almost chrome and no $$.

 

Yeah, the nail polish definitely helps on the allen heads. I wanted to go with the 12pt ss. I've got the complete set of chrome bolts I'll do somebody a good deal on. They were on my bike about 6 months before I switched to the 12 pt. They are the Gardner Wescott set complete
part #P-88-79, fits 2000-2006 Twin Cam 88B Softail models. It's a bunch of bolts! Can be seen at this link: http://www.dollarrider.com/detail.cf...416&sblid_name=
Shoot me a pm if interested.

 

Won't the factory bolts rust if you polish the zinc coating off of them??

 

For those that did a 'one at a time' swap. Where did you get the parts list for placing your order. Did you first pull all the bolts to check length, then reinstall, then change again after receiving the new ones? Did you find a list somewhere or do you have a parts catalog?

 

I bought a kit made by Gardner-Wescott....still had to buy a few from the local hardware store though.

 

You can buy a kit or call Dan at Topline Fasteners, he pretty much knows what you need. Tell him Tony sent you. 877-999-2202
http://toplinefasteners.com/index.html

 

Yup. I looked at stainless too. You do get into debates on it because they can be generally Grade 5 or less, there are places I may not want them. My preference is Gardner-Westcot, where they offer Grade 8 (where appropriate) and do the nail polish trick in the heads.

If you want some interesting reading, there's a dude by the name of "poop" in the clubchopper forum who's a metalurgist and he goes into excruciating detail on fastner strength.

-DO