That's what I was hoping to avoid doing....

 

the correct way is to use long zip tie put brass nut on tie then thread pointed end up between fender and tire. pull nut through hole and fasten new plastic collar.

 

If you have a jack just remove the bottom shock bolts and raise it up. What probably happened is the bolt crossthreaded ( since it is not a straight shot with the tour pak) and popped the clip off!

 

Fixed! And I learned some things along the way...

Removing the saddlebags, shock bolts, and right muffler, I was able to jack the middle up enough to get my arm behind the fender if I laid on my back. I had the Mrs. help with a stubby phillips from the top side.

It seems that the "nut" in question is actually round with a small tab key to keep it from turning when ya crank it down. Well, that wasn't happening any more in my case.

So, after removing both the "nut" and the bolt, I inspected them both for damage due to cross threading and determined they were fine. I put some LokTite silicon-based adhesive around the collar of the "nut" and held it in place while the Mrs. got the bolt going from the top.

It all seems secure now and I'm hoping that that silicon adhesive will set before I need to take the seat off again.

2 bolts for the shocks, 2 bolts and a muffler clamp for the right muffler, and all is back together again - just got back from taking my step-daughter on her first ride on a Harley.

It's all good....

Thanks folks!

 

LOL
There's a plastic retainer clip that wraps around that nut coming through the fender.
It's a dollar item at the dealership.

 

1st time i have heard of a dollar item from dealership.... LOL...

 

No kidding?
It's true!

 

Really? Got a P/N?

 

PM "dawg"
My Parts Manuals are at the shop.
He'll know it.

 

Ahhh... looks like "SEAT NUT KIT,w/nut & retention washer" 59768-97. But all I saw up in there was the nut itself.

Anyway, it's $2.75 at Zanotti's