Windshield bracket removal

[FJRMaineiac]

Has anyone had any difficulty removing the two allen head screws in the middle of the windshield bracket (Gen 1 FJR)? They are 5mm screws that appear to be the same as the ones on the sides of the "W" bracket (that have the acorn nut that is visible from the side of the windshield). I was able to get the side ones off, and it appears that Mammie Yammie may have used some Loctite on them, so I even tried putting some heat to the ones in the middle (see photo) but still no luck. I have also tried a healthy dose of WD-40. Still no joy. Through my efforts I think I have started to strip the heads and may have to resort to drilling them out and removing them with an easy-out tool. Just wondering if I am missing something ... :dribble:

 

[Ignacio]

The first time I removed mine there was a solid "pop" as they broke loose. I put them back in with a far less aggressive Loctite initially and don't at all now as I swap windshields perhaps annually.

If this is your first time removing them and the bike is an '04...I can well imagine they're tough. I'd suggest a propane torch to heat up the metal area, but there's tupperware to close by to really do that. I'd use a good allen and try...and if it strips...drill out and replace.

 

[FJRMaineiac]

That's what I have tried so far, but I think I will give it another go with the propane torch (with something behind it to protect the tupperware, of course). I'd rather not have to drill it out and use an easy-out because there's always the chance that I will mess up the threads in the bracket itself. Either way, it's gotta come off. I need to get all the plastic and over to my paint guy for it's new paint job. I'll share the results of that when he is done.

Thanks Ignacio.

 

[Fred W]

WD-40 is not a very good penetrating oil.

Try a spritz of PB Blaster or similar real penetrant, then let it set overnight. Do this before you bugger up the allen head.

PS - What color are you going with?

 

[FJRMaineiac]

I'll have to pick up some PB Blaster. Thanks for the tip, Fred.

To the disappointment of many, I am afraid, I am going with black for the new color. I know that many think that black is boring, hard to keep clean, etc., but it is still my favorite color (esp. for vehicles). It will match the rest of my fleet.

I am still toying with and investigating some possible graphics to add, however. I don't want to go over the top, but something understated that won't take away from the overall look of the bike. Unfortunately many of the graphics packages / paint schemes I have seen online and elsewhere are way too much for my tastes. They might look good on a sportbike, but the FJR seems a little more "subdued" than that.

Still thinking about it though. Open to other ideas and thoughts.

 

[na1g]

+1 on the "PB Blaster". The stuff really works. You might want to test it on an inconspicuous bit of bodywork before going nuts with it, or just be very careful about overspray. Also, an impact driver might be able to crack the fasteners loose. Drilling out allen-head screws is easy since the head already has a nice, centered starting hole, but try less drastic methods first. Good luck!

pete :cold:

 

[RadioHowie]

Also, an impact driver might be able to crack the fasteners loose.

Try EVERYTHING else you can before you resort to an impact driver. They're great for most hard-to-move screws and bolts, but remember, you'd be hammering on the windshield mechanism which, IIRC, is cast aluminum and is only slightly stronger than warm Cheez Whiz.

 

[Fred W]

To the disappointment of many, I am afraid, I am going with black for the new color. I know that many think that black is boring, hard to keep clean, etc., but it is still my favorite color (esp. for vehicles). It will match the rest of my fleet.

Oh my. I was afraid of that.

Silver... maybe. Brittish Racing Green... sure! Ferrari Fly Yellow? F'n A ditty-bag, yeah!!

But black? :bye2:

How about Candy Apple Red with a really big metal flake? So 60's retro cool...

 

[FJReady]

Those are 6mm flat head screws, In case you were wondering. I took mine out to install the 'frugal man's windshield angle change device' many years ago. I remember them being a ***** to loosen. Quite a 'crack' as Iggy pointed out when they let go. Must be installed by the same guy who put the oil drain plug in the first time.

I believe there's enough room to carve out a wide screw driver slot in the head to accommodate a large flat tip blade if you're so inclined. I've had to resort to that before on a previous bike- I used the thin little wafer cut-off wheel on a Dremel tool to do it. Not pretty but it was effective.

However I imagine the heat will work for you. I've had success before using a judicious amount of torch heat to convince Loctite to release its bond on things.

If you do pork it entirely you should be able to drill out the female threads in the 'W' and find some stylish acorn nuts to thread onto the new screws. Or possibly run a slightly larger tap into the 'W' and go up a screw size. Just planning possible plan Bs for ya.

Good luck.

And black is beautiful. What does Fred know?

 

[lonerider]

If you do strip out the hex socket, you might be able to go to the next larger size in standard and carefully tap it into the hex socket. If you can get it all the way in, it should grip well enough to loosen the bolt.

 

[RsvlFeej]

I had to drill one of mine out first time I added spacers.

Black?! Really? DOOOOD, sell your '04 and buy an '08 or '09 that came from the factory completely lacking color. (sorry, I've always really liked the '04 color, which is why I think the '10 might be pretty enough to buy).

 

[FJRMaineiac]

I picked up a can of PB Blaster on my way to work this morning. I am going to give the torch another try tonight before the PB Blaster. I seem to recall reading something on the label about it being flammable :huh: ! If the torch doesn't do it, I'll let the PB set overnight and try it again in the morning.

I may have to resort to the screwdriver slot - that might work if I can get enough torque on the screwdriver. We'll make it work one way or another.

I knew my color (or "lack thereof") would tweak some of you. I don't mind the cerulean silver of the '04, but given the choice, I always defer to black. Sorry - I am kind of stuck in my ways I guess. I am the kinda guy that always gets the same thing at his favorite sandwich shop, drinks his coffee black, his vodka neat, ice cream - vanilla if you please... Boring - maybe. Predictable - yup. But I know what I like. As my tag line states: "Its just my opinion, but its the only one I've got".

Hopefully I can come up with some garnish / accessories / graphics / etc. that will keep the new color from becoming 'too' boring...

As for opting for the '08 or '09 - I tried that route but the boss shut me down. Sumpin' about this one being paid for and not needing another...

 

[Geezer]

When you apply heat, make sure the heat is focused on the female part, not the screw or bolt itself. You are trying not only to soften the loctite, but also to make the metal expand enough to loosen it's grip on the screw.

 

[FJRMaineiac]

Will do. Thanks Geezer!

 

[FJRMaineiac]

Well, I tried the heat (again) and the PB Blaster, but to no avail. I resorted to using the easy-out and - SUCCESS!!! Finally got those beasties out.

Just a few more bits of tupperware and the gas tank to remove and its off to the paint shop. Kinda getting excited about the project now!

Making progress, steady by jerks.... :yahoo:

 

[madmike2]

You do realize that the bikes headed for the Northeast are assembled with higher torque values???

I mean, we wouldn't want things coming loose because of severe temperature cycles. :blink:

 

[double_entendre]

I stripped mine out completely when I tried taking them out and alternate solutions didn't work. I ended up taking it to a welding shop I have a relationship with and they got it out. Ya gotta wonder wtf is going on at the factory that they torque everything that high and put red loctite on just to be sure. Sheesh.

Rancho

 

[Ignacio]

Well, I just stripped one of mine. Dang! :angry2:

I heard the pop, but in this case it was the hex deforming.

So I cut a slot into the head with a Dremel, applied a bit of heat, and then used a large blade screwdriver on an impact driver to loosen it. I'll have to go to the fastener store and get a couple new ones...probably in stainless. This time I'm going to use the weakest strength Loctite.

 

[RadioHowie]

This time I'm going to use the weakest strength Loctite.

That would be the stuff that runs outta Bust's right ear when MizzBust hits him with a frying pan, right?