Hey folks,

I am trying to remove the rubber coated mounts for a sissy bar from the rear end of my 2001 sporty. I’ve attached pictures, but they’re the ones from the factory.

Unfortunately tiny hex head bolts on a 20 year old bike are now rusted and stripped. I tried to grab the whole thing with Vice grips, but the rubber cover just spins. I don’t think I can remove the rear fender to attack from the inside without first getting the bolts off.

My only 2 ideas as of now are to either
- cut half of them off, and then try to twist out the bolt after pulling off the rubber part.

- weld something to the hex head, but I don’t know how to weld so I’d need to find some help.

thoughts?

thanks in advance!

 

You could try pounding a slightly oversize torx bit in there if it's stripped. Try a manual impact driver to break it free. They're really cheap and useful.

 

There is nut at the inner side. Is it possible to reach with a wrench?

 

The rear screws screw into a plate that I don't think turns. The front into a nut.

If the rears are stripped out then if the torx bit idea doesn't work I would cut a slot for a screw driver.

 

Not on your specific application, but I've used a speed-out kit on a few nasty stripped screws and it has worked great. Also you can start by using a soldering iron to heat the bolt up without damaging the paint.