Dreaded Gap in Headlight Trim Ring
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 205
Likes: 4
From: Indiana
Dreaded Gap in Headlight Trim Ring
I was able to install the chrome trim ring without a gap on my 2009 Ultra, but I can't accomplish it on my 2016 Ultra Limited. Is there something different? Has anyone been able to install the trim ring without a gap. The gap is about 1/4 inch. Thanks!
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
When I put mine on I used a strap wrench to pull the gap closed so the force is distributed all around the ring- rather than use the screw to try to pull it closed.
I think some of these are better made than others.
my Pal has a piece of metal foil tape covering his gap from the inside...
Mike
I think some of these are better made than others.
my Pal has a piece of metal foil tape covering his gap from the inside...
Mike
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,033
Likes: 41
From: Mount Airy, North Carolina
after helping two of my buddies install one on their street glide I have come to the definite conclusion that the only way to resolve the gap is to go trade for a road glide. Problem solved.
I kid I kid.
I kid I kid.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,395
Likes: 266
From: Southern California
Same issue here. No problem with my 2010 Heritage but that was a different Headlight Assembly altogether. If I'd known in advance about the gap on my 2015 Ultra Limited, I'd not have bought the Trim Ring. The matching Trim Rings on the Driving Lights fir just fine. All this said . . . installing the Trim Ring around the Original Trim Ring as a way of attachment seems like a very poor design. I mean, why not have the New Trim Ring completely replace the Original Trim Ring?
-----UPDATE-----
OK . . . So . . . I actually read and then to a degree followed the Installation Instructions (see attached pdf file). You know what is absolutely amazing? . . . the new Trim Ring now fits without a gap. As if by magic . . .
Step One says:
But . . . I still think it is a rather poor design. I would really prefer that the New Trim Ring completely replace the Original Trim Ring and not attach to it in this way.
-----UPDATE-----
OK . . . So . . . I actually read and then to a degree followed the Installation Instructions (see attached pdf file). You know what is absolutely amazing? . . . the new Trim Ring now fits without a gap. As if by magic . . .
Step One says:
1.) Loosen original equipment trim ring screw.
NOTE
If the original equipment trim ring screw is not loosened, the accessory trim ring will not fit properly.
The trick is "How Loose" to loosen the "Original Trim Ring Screw." Basically, you want to loosen it enough so that the lip of the New Trim Ring will fit snugly under the Original Trim Ring, but not so loose that both Trim Rings will be rattling around. So I measured the thickness of the New Trim Ring Shell with a Micrometer. Mine was 0.042" (forty-two thousandths of an inch). I then loosened the Screw that retains the Original Trim Ring and slid a 0.040" Feeler Gauge between the Original Trim Ring and the Headlight Housing. Then I tightened the Original Trim Ring Screw until there was a moderate drag on the Feeler Gauge (essentially a 0.040" gap) as I slide the Feeler Gauge in and out and back and forth. Now when I installed the New Trim Ring its retaining lip was able to slide under the Original Trim Ring (between the Original Trim Ring and the Headlight Housing) and I was able to tighten the New Trim Ring sufficiently so that there was no longer a Gap . . . . and both Trim Rings were tight and completely secure.NOTE
If the original equipment trim ring screw is not loosened, the accessory trim ring will not fit properly.
But . . . I still think it is a rather poor design. I would really prefer that the New Trim Ring completely replace the Original Trim Ring and not attach to it in this way.
Last edited by Bluehighways; Jun 20, 2017 at 02:18 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,053
Likes: 39
From: San Diego
Combination of loose original trim ring and getting a 2nd person to hold the sides together of the new trim ring while you tighten the tiny screw.
If you don't have a 2nd person, a soft jawed clamp might get the job done too.
If you don't have a 2nd person, a soft jawed clamp might get the job done too.
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 205
Likes: 4
From: Indiana
I appreciate the replies. I tried it again yesterday without any success. I was very proud of myself for being able to accomplish this task on my 09, but for some reason I just can't get it on my 16. It really shouldn't be this dang complicated. Thanks again!
Trending Topics
Some have mentioned that they removed the OEM trim ring and applied enough weather stripping to fill the void left by the ring and stop the rattle of the new trim ring. That way, you can tighten the new trim ring as much as needed, have no rattle.... or gap.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 610
Likes: 82
From: Indiana
Aargh... I got gaps....
