Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: webnetxpress on February 28, 2014, 11:28:18 PM

Title: windshield removal help??
Post by: webnetxpress on February 28, 2014, 11:28:18 PM

Trying to replace windshield and can't seem to get that middle 5mm screw loose.  Any suggestions?  I really really cranked on it and it didn't budge at all.  It got to the point that it was beginning to slip in the head and I stopped for fear of ruining the heads.

Anyone else have this happen?  Should I try some heat from the bottom side?  I'm almost thinking of taking it to the dealer to avoid ruining the screws.

Thanks.  David

Title: Re: windshield removal help??
Post by: VirginiaJim on March 01, 2014, 06:24:34 AM

What tool/bit are you using?  For the tough ones, I use the 3/8 socket with the allen bit embedded in it.

Title: Re: windshield removal help??
Post by: MAN OF BLUES on March 01, 2014, 10:06:37 AM

Grind the end of the bit down so its square and sharp, then tap it into the screw head, these screws are soft and the chamfer on the bit keeps them from bottoming in the hex.

Title: Re: windshield removal help??
Post by: VirginiaJim on March 01, 2014, 10:27:20 AM

Good advice.

Title: Re: windshield removal help??
Post by: Conrad on March 02, 2014, 05:58:16 AM

Quote from: MAN OF BLUES on March 01, 2014, 10:06:37 AM

Grind the end of the bit down so its square and sharp, then tap it into the screw head, these screws are soft and the chamfer on the bit keeps them from bottoming in the hex.

+1 to this. When I remove mine I get the bit settled into the right place and I hit the wrench sharply with the heal of my hand. They pop lose every time. 

Title: Re: windshield removal help??
Post by: Pokey on March 02, 2014, 03:46:23 PM

Sipping on a bit more bourbon tends to help me get screws out.

Title: Re: windshield removal help??
Post by: MAN OF BLUES on March 02, 2014, 03:53:53 PM

Quote from: Pokey on March 02, 2014, 03:46:23 PM

Sipping on a bit more bourbon tends to help me get screws out.

where you spying on me yesterday??? :rotflmao: :rotflmao:

Title: Re: windshield removal help??
Post by: webnetxpress on March 02, 2014, 08:58:55 PM

well, ground down the end of a T star handled 5mm allen wrench.  went out there at lunch today (nice and warm and sunny).  I smacked it real good into the screw head and then cranked and they both broke free :)

maybe a combination of the warmth expanding things just a bit, the better end on the tool, and maybe me not being too chicken to crank a little harder.

Thanks to everyone for their words of wisdom and advice.

Title: Re: windshield removal help??
Post by: Conrad on March 03, 2014, 04:24:53 AM

Quote from: Pokey on March 02, 2014, 03:46:23 PM

Sipping on a bit more bourbon tends to help me get screws out.

What about when the screws need to go back in?

Title: Re: windshield removal help??
Post by: Pokey on March 03, 2014, 01:37:26 PM

Quote from: Conrad on March 03, 2014, 04:24:53 AM

What about when the screws need to go back in?

I find that crossing my eyes a bit tends to help with that, but hey that is how I do it.  ;D