I am trying to add Harley Chrome Tie-Down Brackets to my '17 Limited - one side went fine - took the studs out of the other side and can't get anything to go in the top hole - the stud that came out or the new bolts -

I'm just wondering how that could get boogered unless it was when I got custom paint and they took the fairing off -

Now I can't really get the light or the Tie-Down Bracket on there securely - can't seem to do anything that is simple anymore........

 

Maybe check if there is factory lock-tight in there gumming up the threads

 

The outer chrome piece moves around. Loosen the bottom bolt and move it around until you can get it aligned. It don't move much but just enough to through alignment off.

 

 

Had the same issue. Takes patience.

 

This is part of it - got it cleaned out - got frustrated and will hit it again in the morning....

 

Yep, the threads need to be lined up "just right" to get it started.

 

Just spit on the hole and screw it in... Worked when I was 15...

Hahaha!

 

Make sure all other bolts are slightly loose so you can adjust their alignment. In the past when I've had trouble getting a bolt started I have found that by turning it counter clockwise ad you push it in you can often feel it drop into the proper position to get the threads started.
If you feel like it' been cross threaded before you can always move everything out of the way and chase the threads with a tap.