Well, i snapped the stud on the spear by accident. Ordered a new one for 50 bucks. I go and pick it up, and the stud is just chrome coated, no threads. I was just wondering why it is not threaded at the factory. Does anybody know of a reason. If you need to tap it, thread the stud using a #6-32 tap to get it back to normal. A service tech said that the bolt should thread it, but I did not have luck with that. All back together now. Peace out and GO BLUE!

 

LOL, your'e in Ohio and yelling Go Blue. I like it a lot. Seems like the stud should have been threaded already unless they went to one of those silly spring clips. Either way. good info on the thread size and welcome to the forum.

 

This type of non threaded stud has been used on cars since at least the 60's mostly on lettering, badges, taillight housings, etc.. I think they do this becaues on this type of material (pot metal and plastic) the nut cuts it's own threads and this creates a kind of lock much like a nylock nut.
I know they are very reliable so don't worry.

 

Wolver, after I posted my how-to thread you posted this. Good info. FYI I included it on the last page of my file found here: https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touring-models/271781-a-how-to-guide-for-ape-install.html

 

Wolver, The correct fastener for that application is a self threading nut. It's stamped out of sheet metal. A normal threaded not will not work well. The downside is that they only seem to work correctly once. You should be able to find one at any auto parts store. Of course it's possible it missed the threading work during manufacture.