Topic: VIN plate removal on a K1 frame

[GNXFan]

I am prepping my K1 frame for powdercoating and have come to the removal of the serial number plate. Does anyone here have any cool tips on getting the pins out without destroying the aluminum plate? I usually push the pins out from the inside of the head of the frame but that doesn't work on a 750 because the metal is thicker and the pins aren't exposed on the inside. I have done a search and didn't find anything.

[newcbguy]

this is one of the reasons that I painted my frame. I just masked the vin plate off blasted the frame then painted. I have to admit that I have had to touch it up several times though.  I would imagine that you would have to drill the factory rivets and reattach with a rivet gun, but the rivets wont be the same.

[markb]

The plate is held on with a type U drive screw.  Its kind of like a round head screw with no slot and a steep pitch thread that is tapped in with a hammer.  I replaced mine on a K0 with a 1/4" long #2.  First use a center punch to put a dent exactly in the center of the head.  Then carefully use a #44 drill (.086) to drill until the head falls off.  You will probably have to use a small punch to push the remaining shank through.  There was some adhesive under my plate so I gradually worked my way around the plate with a razor blade to cut it loose.  The screws are a McMaster-Carr part #90081A077 and they were about $3 for a box of 100.  I used the zinc plated but I think they're also available in stainless.
Mark

[GNXFan]

Thanks for the tips. I had thought about drilling the screws out but I didn't think anything else was available to replace them. I have already worked a razor blade behind the plate to loosen up the glue as well as spray some WD40 as well.

[myhondas]

these are called drive screws.. you can get them at a lot of shops and hardware stores. Reason for the concave punches is to keep the round head with the center punch hole intact. Plastic mallet will work most of the time also.


http://www.hansonrivet.com/w58.htm