Just put a bunch of masking tape on then put your rack in place and mark the hole locations. Use the scratch awl as a center punch through the tape, now the mark is transferred to the plastic so I usually remove the tape and use the center mark to drill my holes (I've found that trying to drill through tape can sometimes make a mess, so I remove it before drilling).


I don't like the post that said take the tape off before drilling. I have never heard of anyone taking the tape off. My advice would be leave it on and drill through it. You won't mess up anything doing it that way and if the bit were to slip the tape might keep it from hitting the paint.

 

Just do it

 

make that 3 - 4 times. My dad & brothers who worked as carpenters always said "measure twice & cut once."

 

Monster,

Have you mounted your rack yet? Did you see the new full size rack HD came out with? I recall you trying to decide between the full size one, and the contour. You may want to check this one out if you did not see it yet:

http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/g...bmLocale=en_US


and the integrated brake light option:

http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/g...bmLocale=en_US


Ace

 

When marking the standoffs on the tape, I always use a sharp pencil just to be very precise. Some time the point on the sharpies can be pretty well rounded over so the outline can be off somewhat whichkind of becomes "measure with a micrometer, mark it with a piece of chalk, cut it with an axe. LOL

 

As far as installation goes I found that brad type drill bits are the way to go. They won't slip or skate across the surface messing up your paint. Thetour-pack are a nylon material and easy to drill unlike fiberglass that can flake off and splinter. Here's a picture of a brad bit and you can get them at Sears.


Ride well,

Jim

 

I just ordered a king tourpak for a solo installation and I'm not interested in using the back rest. I will be using my Mustangbackrest. Do you all think that will look ok? Can the backrest holes be plugged up? Thanks.

 

drill small holes first

 

Do it like they taught us in the Air Force:

1. Measure it with a micrometer
2. Mark it with chalk
3. Cut it with a hatchet

 

The first step is the most important step.........don't be drinking while you do this! The second step is almost as important........throw away the template it's useless. And third I just used a 1/4" sharp bit over one layer of masking tape and drilled ONCE. See pics for my install......

[IMG]local://upfiles/56749/E52A40631A6641CB84DBB73F8FD8DC83.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/56749/971D0A85FA6942ACAFFF5A9D2C069289.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/56749/591CEF1334DF4E87BAD79A1386CC02B6.jpg[/IMG]