Actually, you have to remove the two stock rivets first to be able to remove the stock Timing/Points cover and then you can install whatever floats your boat after that. Owning a Harley does not necessarily mean that you are handy with tools or even own any. It sure helps if you are though and it can save you lots of money too! I was at the 69th Annual Sturgis Bike Rally in August this year and I saw a bike that had the OLD #7 motif all over the whole motorcycle. Kind of like a Jack Daniels tribute bike if you will. It looked good too! Kudos to you for doing it yourself and you also get to have that sense of satisfaction of a job well done. Good luck with your next “Mod” and ride safe out there!

I also changed out the Timing/Points cover on my 1999 XL883 to a cover that I made and I blacked it out with some truck bed liner stray that I got at the Pep Boys. I used that same spray on the Derby cover and the Inspection cover and on the AirCleaner cover and the front fork brace too! Not too bad for a good ol' boy from Virginia. Got some very scenic riding around my home towm of Arlington and up through to Great Falls and all around that area!

 

+1 on the rivets
I wanted to change mine out as well but then i saw that it had rivets and forgot about it. How do you know what size srew to use to install the new timing cover?

 

A new cover should come with screws.
If not, your year bike should take 10-32 by 1/4" long. Harley's part # for these chrome screws - 9463.
Old #7 is always nice (makes my liver quiver just lookin' at it). Enjoy.

 

Thanks Harleyscuba!! Ive been wanting to change mine out for a while and never bothered with it when i saw the rivets.

That Old #7 looks like a good replacement!