Yes the infernal window is a goner. The guy at the powder coating place is going to remove the metal piece behind the window too because he doubts the goop holding it in will survive.
When the cases are done and I’m ready to put them on the bike I’ll try to swap those parts out of my nasty old cases.

e. I bet back in the wild west traveling salesmen had extractors on offer along with their mystery cure potions.


Snake oil and screw extractors

At least snake oil would let a guy get some
Medicine
The wifey unit wouldn't be able to say no to

Blasted
Screw extractor kits ARE a screwing
And could get a salesman strung up.

So there's an alternate universe where the darn things work?
Sure there is. And Courageous Cat and Minute Mouse are real in another universe too.

In this universe what do I use to hold down my seat? A sheet metal screw?
I ask as I'm waiting for the train to work because riding with a loose seat isn't the best idea ever.

philthymike wrote on 06/24/19 at 05:06:26:


If the seat bolt had been broken off because somebody tried to tighten it excessively.....the extractors work just fine (as the bolt is not locked into the threads by rust, galling or cross threading).

When the bolt head breaks off because you tried to remove it and the threads are locked into the frame - the extractor has very little chance of getting the bolt out as it likely cannot provide more torque than the original bolt head did.

In order to get it out (before you broke off the extractor)....you needed to use penetrating oil and/or heat to get the threads to release - then you may have some luck with the extractor.

Since this bike is horribly corroded - it is advisable that you use penetrating oil before you try to remove the bolts......and this should be days or weeks before you try to remove the bolts.

Once an extractor is broken off inside, it becomes much harder.  I have used chain saw sharpening stones in a Dremel to slowly grind the bit out.  Then I continue to use the stone to grind enough of the bolt away on one side so I can see the tops of the threads....then use a punch to loosen the remaining piece of bolt.  It could take an hour or two to get this done on your seat bolt.

If you are very, very careful to get a hole in the center of the stuck bolt and try the extractor....if it doesn't come out stop before you break off the extractor - then use progressively larger drills and you hopefully can get the shell of the bolt out once it is paper thin.

Remember when we all told you what a project this bike was going to be?  A lot of us have been down this road before and know what a challenge it is.

Interesting, I had the same experience with the bike I was using for a mock-up. The treaded inert in the seat back was a bear, and I tried the extractor with the similar results, only mine didn't break, it grabbed and stripped the insert. It's a treaded insert in plastic. Finally got it ground, drilled and removed. Over drilled the hole a bit and put a stainless 10-24 t-nut pressed into the plastic. Because it's plastic, you can't apply any heat and it's way to easy to strip it in the plastic. Sent it out for a new cover, did all my seat cushions and am good to go. Just a couple hours wasted.

I'll remember that for next time. Thanks!

Thanks but I haven't changed my mind about extractors. They are evil incarnate.

In other news look at the purdy parts!  

Anyone know what sort of goop Suzuki applies to the back of the oil sightglass? Is gooping it necessary?