Topic: Drilling headlight ears for turn signals

[Scott S]

 I'm trying to mount some smaller aftermarket turn signals on my CB500 and the threaded stem is too short for mounting them in the conventional spot.
 I've seen the thread about using lamp parts to lengthen the threaded portion, but that won't work with the particular lights I have.

 I've considered drilling the headlight ears to mount them, but the CB500/550 headlight ears seem to get snatched up rather quickly when they come up for sale. Mine are in pretty nice shape and I'd hate to ruin something that might be worth a few bucks.
 I know it's totally my call....but would it be a bad thing to drill the headlight ears?

[KingCustomCycles.com]

It depends on the original condition of the rest of the bke.  Repainted, aftermarket exhaust, seat cover, different bars?  Drill away.

[Scott S]

 All of the above except the seat cover. And I have a spare pan that I plan on having a "gunfighter" style seat made from, so....

[Skunk Stripe]

You could always get a set of "universal" headlight ears that already have the holes. Cost about $10 or so. I would rather blow 10 clams than wreck a nice part if I did not have to.

[domer]

i got a coupling nut (basically a nut thats about an inch long) and ground down half of it so it would fit in the hole and grab the threads. but i only did it cause i was too lazy to tear it all apart and cut the hole in the back bigger. but it actually worked well....

[mjstone]

You could get a set of CB550 ears, they have holes for tun signals already.  The 500 ears had you mount the signals as part of the headlight bucket bolt.  The 550 put the signals several inches farther back with there own holes to mount them in.

MJ