Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech ahhh Nuts

I just got a few things back from the chromer. New engine mount bolts and nuts where the first to be installed. I wrapped the first one with masking tape. torqued it to spec took the tape off, bolt head ok nice big mark on the nut. Second bolt wrapped in duct tape, same result. Anybody have a better way of protecting chrome bolts during installation?

Tommy

yes, use stainless!

I would of if I could of found that size in stainless. I had no luck at Fastenal.

what size? Those guys have everything! I found most of the stainless I needed at Ace believe it or not.

They are 12mm x 6.5 inches. The closest american size is 1/2" but they won't fit through the casting on the engine.

Ace has metric stainless but not sure about that long.

put a paper towel around it

Frank

i actually use the paper towel trick myself. Have to use a slightly larger socket though to allow the towel to be inbetween the socket surface and the side of the nut unless your tools are worn.

mine are not worn to bad, just takes a little pressure to get the socket on and comes off easy enough (at least in my expierences)

Frank

I could never git it to go over without tearing but it does provide a nice cushion.

the blue shop towels, the heavy paper towels are the way to go

Frank

There's the difference. I'll try those next time.I tryed just normal household towels.

I saw a socket set on TV once that was made for chrome fasteners. Must have some sort of real thin rubber/plastic coating on the inside.

Oh wait, maybe it was a plactic coating on the FACE of the socket so it wouldn't mark whatever your bolt/nut was holding. Maybe that's it... Either way, might be worth checking out if you have a big need for them.

McMastercarr.com has just about any ss bolt you will ever need.

Maybe they should called it fastenalmostall? I had a heckuva time finding a medium pitch M10 bolt too... Good luck, let us know how you make out!

Sorry that was www.mcmaster.com

Thats cool thanx. I bookmarked them for future reference.

Wow, I just love places with all those little parts and pieces in them, could browse for hours...... Thanks

Thanks guys.

Tommy

Do a search for "protective socket sets". Here's one I turned up from Snap-On. They're expensive!

Everything Snap On is expensive and not even the best tools. They are very good but there are other tools just as good and better in specific cases. Like sockets compared to sockets. There is nothing I know of thats bad from Snap On but I can get same quality from other manufacturers S&K I like and Craftsman for some stuff. Can't beat the long 1/2 drive flex head ratchet though.

This may go without saying, but use a six point socket/wrench.

I always use a 6pt. I thought after the first nut there might be a flaw inside the socket but it was ok. I guess the chrome is soft and at 80nm of torque it just moves the plating a small amount on the nut. To be honest, I'm kinda a fanatic so these things irritate me more than most people

Tommy

>I'm kinda a fanatic

Think I'm a bit of a fastener freak too.

We'll see what kind of luck I have.
I got nylocks & flat washers from Gardner-Wescott.
Socket is 6 point Duralast brand from Auto Zone.
Bolts are still at plater's.
They're gonna get a stress bake after plating.

Stress bake ? Are you doing that because of hydrogen embrittlement?

Are you sure the plating's actually getting damaged from the socket, and that it's not actually the nut distorting slightly with the torque? There's some things you just can't chrome.

>Are you doing that because of hydrogen embrittlement?

Yup.
Motor mount bolts & axles.
I figured all that stuff was probably about on the line hardness wise & as far as I know it can't hurt.

Sorry to bump a stale thread, but wanted to post my results for Tommy or anyone else who's interested.

I considered this a two man job & lined up some help.
The swingarm pivot was reversed, making the bike's left side the hold side for everything.
All the heads except the lower rear motor mount were wrapped with electrical tape.
The battery box was already in place, so we taped an open end wrench to hold that last one.
I probably should have lubed the threads, but didn't.
The only thing on the torque side that got taped was the swingarm pivot.
I gave it about 100nm (of the specified 110).
Motor mounts got 77-78 (of specified 80).
Couldn't detect any damage.

I used acorns & flats on the motor mounts.
Probly just me, but I feel a little better about those than the stock flange nuts.

Haven't done the rear axle yet.
My help was supposed to bring the nut with him & forgot it.

So your're the guy! When I happened on to a picture of your ride a few days ago, I left a comment that it was the nicest looking Bonnie I had ever seen. What an incredibly sweet looking ride!!