MKII Markland Hitch Install.

[GolfVenture]

I needing to locate longer bolts that go thru the bottom of the side bag to accomodiate the spacer and then the washer & nut.

 

I went to McLendons Hardware and they have items that most hardward stores do not carry. They do have the longer bolts in metrics however because there is a nut welded for the original bolt the longer bolt needs to have more threads towards the nut head and these do not.

 

What have others with MKIIs installing Markland hitch done. I will try Home Depot and Lowes tomorrow but I'm not too hopeful.

[MiCarl]

I believe mine has a smaller diameter bolt. You could also just drill the threads out of the welded nut.

[Snaggletooth]

You got a tap & die set? Add some threads to a longer bolt.

 

[painterman67]

my 91 I ended up not using those wings to bolt to the bottom of the saddle bags. Instead I have a set of harley ultra glides hanging from the whole in the wing. I have hauled my trailer many thousands of miles like this.

 

 

David

[skydoc_17]

Hey Brian,

On the hitch installs I have done, I have just drilled the metric nut out and used a

5/16-18 Bolt. Those little screws that hold the bottom of the plastic side bag are not strong enough to attach the frame rails of the hitch to the side bag crash bars. Those "ears" that are welded to the hitch frame and attach to the side bag crash bars are there to control the lateral movement of the hitch frame itself. Remove the metal bushing that is located in the floor of the side bag that passes thru the rubber grommets, purchase a set of bolts and matching washers, drill a clearance hole for the bolt thru the tab on the crash bar, (which will remove the nut) and install the bolt with a flat washer thru the grommet, thru the tab from the hitch, thru the tab on the crash bar, and finish up with a flat washer, a lock washer, and the nut.

Earl

[Pegasus1300]

I have done it both ways and there seemed to be no adverse effects to leaving the bolt out.I did finally find long enough bolts with full length threads at a specialty bolt house and you may have to do the same.It also is not that hard to cut new threads if you have the correct die.

[Flyinfool]

I saw 2 options when I did mine.

 

1. Use a 6mm die to add enough thread to the longer bolt from the hardware store.

 

2. This is what I used, I drilled out the welded nut to 1/4 inch and then used a 1/4-20 grade 8 bolt with a nylon insert lock nut on the bottom.

 

I went with the 1/4-20 because it is just a little bigger than the stock 6mm. This way allowed me to keep the stock gromets and metal spacer so that I am not putting any stresses on the bottom of the side bag. I do not remember if I had to drill out the stock metal spacer that goes thru the grommet.