Threading the nose casting bolt holes

[FatJackDurham 318]

SO, I did my first mod on my GT14 this weekend. Not sure how the purists will feel about this, but after the fun trying to remove the nose and gas tank, I decided it would make things easier if I changed some things.

 

1) First, I cut off the gas tank tray bolts that were supposed to poke down through the nose section and frame. 

2) Then, I threaded the four bolt holes in the bottom of the nose section with 3/8-16 helicoil threads.

3) Finally, I bolted the gas tank tray down to the nose section using the second set of holes.

 

IN this configuration, I can easily remove the nose section with the gas tank still installed by removing the bolts under the nose, the bolts holding the tank tray to the frame at the rear of the tray, and then the two cross bar supports at the top of the nose. Without the long bolts poking down through the frame, I can just slide the whole assembly off the frame. Takes about 5 minutes to do, instead of the twenty to sixty it took me before.

 

In retrospect, I think this is similar to how the designers wanted this taken apart, by removing the bottom nuts, then the tank tray nuts and lifting it off. However, my new design keeps the tank securely in place, making it less of a hassle.

 

Anyone else do this? Next time I take it apart, I'll post a photo.

Edited November 14, 2016 by FatJackDurham

[oldredrider 2,553]

I KNEW there had to be a better way! Thanks for sharing.