Headlight rivets

Electrical issues
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dontsink
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Headlight rivets

#1

Post by dontsink »

Hi Gents,

I am wondering if the mounting plate inside and outside the headlamp bowl of an 57FL was riveted in place before or after painting? If after, isn´t there a problem with electric supply? And if not, aren´t there unprotected metal surfaces which will quickly start to rust?
I hope not to bother you with this questions, maybe someone has the answer.
Thank you!
Thomas
speedking1949
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Re: Headlight rivets

#2

Post by speedking1949 »

I agree, which is why I run a ground wire from the headlight and handlebars back to the battery.
Bigincher
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Re: Headlight rivets

#3

Post by Bigincher »

Let's see, '57 has the rubber mounted bracket that bolts to the lower tree, right?
It should have a threaded hole for an 8-32 screw, which is where a ground wire connects.
If you're asking about ground continuity through the rivets and chrome plated bucket, it's all metal, should not be an issue. The ground wire is a must, though, if the bracket is rubber mounted.
The factory assembled the parts after they were plated. Chrome bucket, cad brackets. It makes 'correct' restoration a bugger- you have to drill out the rivets, replate the items and then re-rivet it all back together. Colony makes some bolts that look like rivets that can be used instead of rivets. I know you didn't ask about restoration, but threw it out there anyway.
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Re: Headlight rivets

#4

Post by RUBONE »

The buckets were painted before the plates were riveted on. Originals have paint under the plates.
dontsink
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Re: Headlight rivets

#5

Post by dontsink »

Thank you!
I guess the plates was painted too? Or just the outsided one?
dontsink
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Re: Headlight rivets

#6

Post by dontsink »

Sorry guys, but i have to ask again - in 1957 at a panhead with a black painted headlight bowl was the riveted on mounting part with the adjustable bolt cadmium without paint on it or was it painted over after riveting it to the bowl?
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