Author Topic: Which bolt goes where? EZ solution for the memory-challenged.  (Read 4521 times)

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Offline alacrity

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Which bolt goes where? EZ solution for the memory-challenged.
« on: September 08, 2013, 04:02:50 PM »
This is especially helpful when dealing with engine covers that require different length bolts in different places , but all are of the same scale.  So on our bikes you might have 4 different length m6 fasteners in the same cover.

And its especially useful if there is gonna be a time gap between disassembly and reassembly.

Here's what I do:
 

Take a color photo.
Print it.
Tape it to a piece of cardboard.
Punch thin holes through each pictured fastener. Then push the bolt thru the tight hole and let it bind in there.  When you are done, tape another piece of cardboard tightly over the bolt heads so they stay put while stored.  No guessing later.

I also use this technique when replacing crapped up old fasteners (like the inevitably awful JIS cross head screws).  Faster than measuring each bolt, I have a stock of m6 and m8 socket head cap screws on hand. I match em up one to one with the old bolts as I pull em out.   Honda uses a lot of odd sizes you can't buy (I.E. m6x32) so in these cases I will try the next longer one or cut the one I have to the proper length, and then when I am sure it will be good to go, I place it where it goes in the printed picture.   It makes assembly quick and near brainless -- it goes together like a kit later.

« Last Edit: September 09, 2013, 04:00:17 PM by alacrity »
I recently restored and sold a 77 cb750f, and am nearly finished with a (former basket case) cb750k5.  This is a place to share, learn and enjoy.  I am grateful to and for 99+% of this site's membership.

Offline kammery

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Re: Which bolt goes where? EZ solution for the memory-challenged.
« Reply #1 on: November 12, 2013, 10:16:44 AM »
 Digital cameras make our world much better I take pictures on something new . I work at a Ford dealer , when we have a new trans or valve body  take pictures .When we lift the bodies for engine replacement take lots of pictures .

Offline calj737

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Re: Which bolt goes where? EZ solution for the memory-challenged.
« Reply #2 on: December 17, 2013, 04:42:11 AM »
+1 Alacrity on that exact technique.

When I go to replace buggered bolts and screws, I use the parts fiche and a spreadsheet to document it all. Gives me size, pitch and length info and style.
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

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Jay Ace

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Re: Which bolt goes where? EZ solution for the memory-challenged.
« Reply #3 on: December 17, 2013, 06:13:39 AM »
First time I opened my iMac for HD upgrade, I did the same thing! Very good tip.

Offline MoMo

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Re: Which bolt goes where? EZ solution for the memory-challenged.
« Reply #4 on: December 17, 2013, 07:21:30 AM »
Well done and with great alacrity I may add...Larry

Offline alacrity

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Re: Which bolt goes where? EZ solution for the memory-challenged.
« Reply #5 on: January 19, 2014, 09:31:37 PM »
Thanks gents.  It's a funny thing, isn't it? Just when you're old and experienced enough to know where things go, you start forgetting where things go because you're old.

 :-\
I recently restored and sold a 77 cb750f, and am nearly finished with a (former basket case) cb750k5.  This is a place to share, learn and enjoy.  I am grateful to and for 99+% of this site's membership.

Offline Blasbo

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Re: Which bolt goes where? EZ solution for the memory-challenged.
« Reply #6 on: January 22, 2014, 10:45:00 AM »
Nice tip. I've used the punch holes in cardboard method, but I like the photo plus cardboard on top idea.