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HD Driver Backrest help

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Old Jul 9, 2008 | 07:06 AM
  #1  
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Default HD Driver Backrest help

I've read somewhere of some folks that heated and bent the arms on the standard back rest so it does not pitch them forward as much. If you've done that, can you give me some idea as to what you heated it with, where on the arms you heated it, etc. Pics would be great.
&nbsp\\;
Thanks!
 
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Old Jul 9, 2008 | 07:32 AM
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Default RE: HD Driver Backrest help

Try a couple washers under the front bolts first, this is usually enough. Heat At the bend with a burnz-o-matic handheld, if the washers don't work.
 
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Old Jul 9, 2008 | 07:37 AM
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Default RE: HD Driver Backrest help

Try what 1badbagger suggested, and try replacing the front strap from the frame to the mount with a longer one.&nbsp\\; You only need a few degrees of tilt to move the rest back far enough to be comfortable.
 
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Old Jul 9, 2008 | 07:43 AM
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Default RE: HD Driver Backrest help

Thanks! I've got a couple different propane torches, even a acetelyne if needed. Washers sound like a good first step.
 
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Old Jul 9, 2008 | 08:05 AM
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Default RE: HD Driver Backrest help

I haven't done it, but it seems like it would bend a little without heat in a bench vise.&nbsp\\; That way you wont risk burning up the pad.&nbsp\\; The washer idea is a good one.&nbsp\\; I had to shim the bracket up with washers&nbsp\\;for my mustang backrest, except I needed it to go forward to get it to hit the slot in the seat.
 
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Old Jul 9, 2008 | 08:57 AM
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Default RE: HD Driver Backrest help

This may sound funny, but it's true. The backrest actually sits further back if you use the second bolt holes and not the first ones. It's because of the angle. I used a couple washers under the second bolt hole and then put a slight downward bend in the forward brace. It worked perfectly. I'm going to post some pictures tonight.
 
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Old Jul 9, 2008 | 09:49 AM
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Default RE: HD Driver Backrest help

Thanks, pics would help a great deal. I think I've got it mounted in the center holes.
 
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Old Jul 9, 2008 | 10:20 AM
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Default RE: HD Driver Backrest help

In the directions, assuming I read them correctly, it said to install a washer and lock washer at the rear mounting points.&nbsp\\; I took those out and added 3 washers to the front mounting point.&nbsp\\; That tilted it back just enough for me.
 
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Old Jul 9, 2008 | 11:29 AM
  #9  
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Default RE: HD Driver Backrest help

Silly question here, but have you tried to use the adjustment screw behind the back rest that changes&nbsp\\;the&nbsp\\;angle? I believe it is a 3/16" allen head screw. You can see it thru the grommet at the base of the&nbsp\\;pad. No extra washers are needed.
&nbsp\\;
Bare in mind I have not&nbsp\\;seen the thread you are referring to so I don't know all the facts.
 
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Old Jul 9, 2008 | 01:15 PM
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Default RE: HD Driver Backrest help

Yes, I've run that screw as far as its gonna go.
&nbsp\\;
 
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