Baker Air Wing Fix

[kevorama]

I had my Baker Air Wings installed at SpyderFest this year. One of the things that I noticed over the period of the event was how many of these were installed. Another thing noticed, was how many folks came back needing the top wing on one side or both re tightened. It takes 2 7/16" wrenches BTW. My left side continually had to be tightened. It would start weather veining and become totally useless. I went to tighten it again last night and the acorn nut stripped out. That's when I realized that it wasn't powder coated metal. It was plastic or cheap nylon. I took the stock hardware up to my local store and tried to find a metal acorn nut for it. None of them fit properly, neither metric or English. So, we found another bolt and chrome acorn nut and they work fantastic. This might only be an issue with the folks that got the black hardware instead of the chrome or stainless hardware.

Anyway, here are a few shots of what was purchased and how it looks compared to the original black nut.

Stock hardware

New and improved version

​

 

[ThreeFeet]

What size did you end up with? Mine are starting to loosen in the wind too. Could I get the bolt at local hardware store? I haven't tried tightening as I am sure I'd break SOMETHING!!! But am willing to give it a try.

 

[rogerb]

If the bottom hits the side of the machine that means that they installed on the wrong side of the machine. There is a slight difference in the bolting pattern. If bolted right will not hit paint.

 

[CyncySpyder]

Thanks for this heads up and great tip

SpyderLovers sharing their experiences to make a Wonderful Product & Experience even better:yes::bowdown::yes:

 

[Phil]

Thanks Kev. Mine are good so far, but I'll keep this handy.


Phil, Tyler TX- from my iPad3.5 using Tapatalk HD

 

[kevorama]

What size did you end up with? Mine are starting to loosen in the wind too. Could I get the bolt at local hardware store? I haven't tried tightening as I am sure I'd break SOMETHING!!! But am willing to give it a try.

I took my original bolt and acorn nut to the hardware store. They matched up a new set for me in chrome. Total cost for both sides was less than $5.00.
If you use two 7/16 wrenches a little tweak is all it will take to tighten. If you have the chrome hardware already you should be fine.


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[pwilbarger]

I did this:
http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26397
See post #8.

Spyder Phyl

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[Pennyrick]

Upgraded this evening. Thanks.

 

[spacetrucker]

baker air wing fix

I two hand trouble and fix it that way and also pop riv it to the bike. It would not stay on with the tape. But mine still hits the paint at top pice but to late to fix paint hole in it now. So Bake air wings need a little better set up. My wing was great but this had to be fix alover to make it work right. But for the paint chips Owell will fix when change color of bike this winter time comes.:yikes::agree:

 

[kevorama]

I did this:
http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26397
See post #8.

Spyder Phyl

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I feel your pain. Read your post. Being able to hand tighten is very convenient.
I'm going to put some miles on my current setup and post after more time passes.


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[SteveMac]

Great fix Kevin!

 

[kevorama]

Steve, necessity is the mother of invention. Thanks. This is what worked for me. Those nylon acorns are going to give way sooner or later. The Air Wings take too much of a beating to last using such a soft material to keep it in place.


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[sealfloorboards]

Maybe the Silver Seal has a guardian angel but in the 3,500+ mmiles I've put down since SpyderFest, I haven't has a single problem with ANYTHING......that is, regarding my Spyder:roflblack:.

Ride in comfort,

John
Seal FloorBoards

 

[oldbaldguy]

Thanks! I lost an air wing on the way to Spyderfest. Lost it in a big wind gust on th interstate. Replaced at Spyderfest. Checked tightness before leaving for home. 750 miles later all the nuts were loose, on both sides. I will be changing mine as soon as the Spyder comes back from the dealer .

 

[clueless]

is the nylon nut supposed to be a locking nut? so it doesnt losen.

I would apply BLUE loctite to the threads of any nuts you use as replacement (the medium) non perminant loctite (NOT RED = Perminant) or use at least a locking washer.

 

[kevorama]

is the nylon nut supposed to be a locking nut? so it doesnt losen.

I would apply BLUE loctite to the threads of any nuts you use as replacement (the medium) non perminant loctite (NOT RED = Perminant) or use at least a locking washer.

I can only speak on the black hardware. The nylon nut that I speak of is not a metal nut with a nylon insert. It is a nylon or plastic acorn nut. No metal involved. Once stripped, the top wing will spin or weather vane freely. Adding threadlocker won't fix a plastic on metal fit, especially if the threads are stripped on the plastic acorn nut.

 

[clueless]

I can only speak on the black hardware. The nylon nut that I speak of is not a metal nut with a nylon insert. It is a nylon or plastic acorn nut. No metal involved. Once stripped, the top wing will spin or weather vane freely. Adding threadlocker won't fix a plastic on metal fit, especially if the threads are stripped on the plastic acorn nut.

ahh I get it... yes plastic nut = bad

loctite (not on the plastic nut) but was just suggesting for those changing out to a total metal screw and metal nut solution.

 

[J. Mark]

We bought the chrome unit at Spyderfest and have not yet had the problem...thanks for posting...will keep an eye on it.