Help! How do I install the backrest brackets?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,513
Likes: 4
From: Midland, TX
RE: Help! How do I install the backrest brackets?
I agree with Iron Legend. The backrest bracket should bolt on outside of the fender struts, but the easiest way to tell is to go ahead and put the back rest assembly together completely. That should show you the width of the mounting bracket and tell you whether it goes inside or outside of the struts. But, I'm thinking outside. I don't know your bracket exactly, but it should have a cut out which will clear the turn signals. Worst case if you get stumped, go to your local Harley shop and ax them if you can copy the instructions from a kit they have. Then promise them you'll never buy any crap off e-bay again.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Help! How do I install the backrest brackets?
I think you're probably hung up on the that mounts the turn signal. There's a nut inside the fender that has to be removed. The wires are routed through some metal clips that have to be bent down to give some slack as well. W-D 40 is great for removing the adhesive from the original fender reflectors. Good Luck!!!
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Help! How do I install the backrest brackets?
I have the HD rigid mount side plates (model #53925-04). This side plate mounts between the fender and the turn signal assembly.
How do I remove the nut on the indide of the fender? How many nuts are there on the inside of the fender? What tool do I use?
It seems pretty tight under the fender.
Sorry to be a pain- I am just trying to figure it all out.
Thanks for your help.
Tim
How do I remove the nut on the indide of the fender? How many nuts are there on the inside of the fender? What tool do I use?
It seems pretty tight under the fender.
Sorry to be a pain- I am just trying to figure it all out.
Thanks for your help.
Tim
Cruiser
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Help! How do I install the backrest brackets?
Should be the 2 torx screws that you already removed, and just the one nut on the turn signal stud. I used a small combo wrench for the turn signal nut (forget what size, maybe 1/2 inch ? or so). The wires are routed and clipped pretty tight, so until you bend the metal clips down for some slack, it might seem like something is still holding the chrome plate on. Be careful not to cut or pinch the wires with the wrench or when you re-assemble everything.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,338
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Help! How do I install the backrest brackets?
I looked it up, to my surprise as well, the side plates go IN BETWEEN the fender and the fender support. That's as much as I know since they changed the design since my old Sporty.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 14,082
Likes: 8
RE: Help! How do I install the backrest brackets?
They in fact mount between the fender and the fender brace and the turn signals need to be taken loose. It is a tight fit between fender and brace, you ill scratch the fender if you are not very careful. Alignment of the holes in the back rest brackets, fender and fender brace can be a pain, patience pays off here. The turn signals have a stud with a nut inside the fender, and there are two bolts besides that. Remove the cover from the brake light and unplug the turn signals, this makes it easier once things are loosend and bolts are removed, the braces for the back rest should have a slot that fit over the studs for the turn signals, some people have gotten the braces installed without removeing the turn signals but I couldn't get everthing lined up like that.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 223
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Help! How do I install the backrest brackets?
be very very careful and if you can take the fender almost completely off. i have an 04 and put it on mine and if you follow harley directions you will scratch up your fender. Thank god i read the directions after im done.
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Stage I
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Quincy, Ma
Back rest side fender bolts
Hey gang,
I own a 2004 sportster 1200 custom
I bought a back rest with nice luggage rack
The fender side bolts on the bike are too
Short now to attach the back rest.
Does anyone know the length bolts
Needed to replace them with?
Thanks so much
-Bob M.
I own a 2004 sportster 1200 custom
I bought a back rest with nice luggage rack
The fender side bolts on the bike are too
Short now to attach the back rest.
Does anyone know the length bolts
Needed to replace them with?
Thanks so much
-Bob M.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,713
Likes: 299
From: SC
If they end up being too long, a cutoff wheel on your grinder and a file will take care of that issue.