Be careful when reinstalling windshield mounting brackets.

[stebrock]

So I was installing my new F4 Customs windshield and as I was tightening the first of the 2 mounting brackets to the F3 body it appears that the "threaded insert" stripped!. I had not yet tightened the bracket flush to the body when the bolt started to get harder to turn (no it's not cross threaded). I had not cleaned the old locktite off the threads. The bolt would not tighten further (lacks 1/8" from making contact) . Since it spins freely I can also not remove it. My only choice was to install the remaining bracket and tighten the 3 remaining bolts. The bracket with the "loose bolt" is cinched up pretty good by the remaining torqued bolt and doesn't move so I figure I'm safe for now. I have no clue how you would ever get the bolt out. Peering into one of the other bolt holes it looks like the threaded insert is part of another plastic piece that's locked into the F3. Any ideas?
Rick

 

[johnwinslow]

So I was installing my new F4 Customs windshield and as I was tightening the first of the 2 mounting brackets to the F3 body it appears that the "threaded insert" stripped!. I had not yet tightened the bracket flush to the body when the bolt started to get harder to turn (no it's not cross threaded). I had not cleaned the old locktite off the threads. The bolt would not tighten further (lacks 1/8" from making contact) . Since it spins freely I can also not remove it. My only choice was to install the remaining bracket and tighten the 3 remaining bolts. The bracket with the "loose bolt" is cinched up pretty good by the remaining torqued bolt and doesn't move so I figure I'm safe for now. I have no clue how you would ever get the bolt out. Peering into one of the other bolt holes it looks like the threaded insert is part of another plastic piece that's locked into the F3. Any ideas?
Rick

There are many kits that you can get to replace twin-serts, they all require drilling first cut the top of the bolt or screw off, next pull the insert and bolt out, vice grips and a flat bar. get a twinsert to fit and epoxy it in. replace the old bolt, remember the length is important, you do not want to bottom out. How is my punctuation?

 

[Bruce B]

So I was installing my new F4 Customs windshield and as I was tightening the first of the 2 mounting brackets to the F3 body it appears that the "threaded insert" stripped!. I had not yet tightened the bracket flush to the body when the bolt started to get harder to turn (no it's not cross threaded). I had not cleaned the old locktite off the threads. The bolt would not tighten further (lacks 1/8" from making contact) . Since it spins freely I can also not remove it. My only choice was to install the remaining bracket and tighten the 3 remaining bolts. The bracket with the "loose bolt" is cinched up pretty good by the remaining torqued bolt and doesn't move so I figure I'm safe for now. I have no clue how you would ever get the bolt out. Peering into one of the other bolt holes it looks like the threaded insert is part of another plastic piece that's locked into the F3. Any ideas?
Rick

Give us a photo of the panel and bolt in question.

 

[F4 Customs]

give me a call

Give me a call and Ill try and help.
Don Frank
330-968-4644
F4

 

[jcthorne]

For replacing stripped brass inserts in the plastic structure, I have had great results using the E-Z Lok knife edge threaded inserts normally intended for hard wood and plastics. Most of the Spyder ones are M5 or M6 size. You do need the installation tool to go with them and a bit of locktite on the external threads of the insert keeps them from backing out. They actually seem stronger than the pressed in factory inserts.