Softail fender strut cover bolts / washers

[aal]

Can I safely use fender strut bolts without washers?  I got the chrome bolts, but don't like the finish washers that come with them.  I can't find washers that match the outside diameter of the bolt heads, like the stock ones do.  The stock washers don't seem to come off of the stock bolts either.  Thanks.

[verson22]

The cover is protected by the washer from the hex corners and wrench to a certain extent.Eventually you would mess up the strut cover if they are removed a few times. I'd spring for some chrome washers the size you like. Ted

[aal]

I went with the stock ones for now, although when I went to the dealer to get them I noticed a fatboy in the lot with just the chrome bolts and no washers; looked good.

[still_on2_wheels]

Try copper or aluminum crush washers. I think I saw some at Ace recently during a hardware scouting mission. They are much thinner OD than SAE finish washers and would hide under the hex head.

Jeff

[Blazing Saddles]

I've been using chrome button head allen bolts in my struts for over 15 years. I actually use a couple of different lenghts depending on whether or not I am running the docking posts for my Easy Brackets/saddlebag  setup.

Blazin'

[aal]

Try copper or aluminum crush washers. I think I saw some at Ace recently during a hardware scouting mission. They are much thinner OD than SAE finish washers and would hide under the hex head.

Jeff

I thought about this, but wasn't sure if the crush washers would work.  I noticed also they are almost the same size as the bolt head.

Also, blazingsaddles, you use these without washers?

[Blazing Saddles]

Yes, I use them without washers.

Blazin'