ARGHHH- Windshield Replacement - Can't get the last holes lined up!!

[gordorad]

Hey guys, I remember reading somewhere about tips for replacing the shield.....I just purchased a clearview and I can't get the last bolt in.  I even went to Ace and purchased two longer ones for the two outside bolts........but the last hole is just way off......Is there a trick/order to getting this thing back together??  It's been very frustrating!!

Thanks in advance!!

Gordo

[redflash]

I'll be listening for the answer, I was about to order one!

[Ricky-D]

Keeping everything sloppy, floppy loose, prior to tightening helps to line up all the hardware.

Then after you get all the connectors in and caught a few threads, proceed to tighten gradually, avoiding forcing the parts.

I don't have a windshield like yours but the principle of assembly is a constant.

***

[gordorad]

Well, I got it on.   It looks nice. 


After the last "holes" being off and no way to pull, etc...I started over.  My first time assembling, I put the middle bolt in first.  Guess that was my mistake.  I did not over tighten any of them, but by putting the middle in first, it was enough tension to not allow the far bolts any chance.

As many other has posted, the Clearview is thicker than the OEM, which adds two small issues....Less Flexible and less of the bolt to grab onto.  If my memory serves me correctly, the OEM bolts are two different sizes....middle three longer and outer two shorter.....

I also have a windshield pouch bag that added to the fun!!

So, ACE Hardware did have the longer bolts...10mm...about .85 a piece.  Had the chrome ones as well but as they were about 4.00 a piece, plus nicer than the OEM bolts, I opted for the eighty five centsers!!

Ok, back to reassembly.  This time started with the two outside bolts, and worked in and did the middle last.  Still a bit difficult, but it was accomplished.   Sometimes 6 pieces need to be aligned correctly.  PHEW!!

Thoughts on the shield???  Looks great, nice and thick.  And it was one of the "hook" specials, for about 135 shipped.   

[JC]

When I installed mine I found out the hard way that there are different size bolts    but once I figured that piece out it went together fine.