MkIV Windshield install

[Claybuster]

Hi All,
Just a quick question regarding the windshield posts. I drilled and tapped them as many have suggested, and it indeed makes things sooo much easier when installing. A minor detail I think I have missed in many of your build threads is if those that have also tapped the posts, did you use the nylock nuts on the other side of the posts during final assembly? (I think I know the answer, but I just don't want to do anything stupid!)
Thanks for the input!
Jason

[Blitzboy54]

Yes, once your done adjusting (removing, installing ect) finish it off with the locking nuts.

[Al_C]

Don't forget the shims!

[Jeff Kleiner]

I don't because putting a nut on kind of defeats the purpose of tapping the post. Put a lock washer under the bolt.

Jeff

[Blitzboy54]

I don't because putting a nut on kind of defeats the purpose of tapping the post. Put a lock washer under the bolt.

Jeff

Really? I would not have figured.

If Jeff says this is the way then I'm changing my answer. I will give this a shot on my build. Certainly easier, I was worried it would back out I guess.

[Mike.Bray]

Put a lock washer under the bolt.

In the time I've been on this forum I've never disagreed with the master so here's a first.

The only thing a spring lock washer does is give the user a false sense of security. It takes very little load to compress a spring washer, the spring will be fully compressed long before recommended torque is reached. And once compressed the lock washer is nothing more than a thick AN size flat washer. If for whatever reason the bolt loosens to the point where the split washer opens enough to be a spring, there is too little residual stress in the assembled bolt for any sort of safety. Same is true for a wave washer.

If you think about it, when is the last time you saw a lock washer on an OEM car or in an engine.

Now, serrated or star washers can be effective but this effectiveness is limited to small machine screws and soft materials like plastic or aluminum.

Threaded fasteners stay tight with proper torque using Hook's Law. In the case of the windshield frame, it is relatively thin and made from brass so it will not be possible to achieve proper torque on a fastener. You're best to tap it for a fine thread and use Loctite 242. Primer doesn't hurt either.

[Claybuster]

Hey, thanks for the great advice! I never would have though about a lock washer or loctite. I do have shims. Now I have some things to think about.

But Mike and Jeff: Does it taste great, or is it less filling?

[Mike.Bray]

But Mike and Jeff: Does it taste great, or is it less filling?

It's just physics......

[Claybuster]

Sorry, gents. That was my meager attempt at being funny. I hope I didn't offend.
(please tell me you remember the commercials...)

Seriously, thank you all for the continued great advice and suggestions. It really is appreciated.

Jason

[Mike.Bray]

i got it Claybuster.