R1100RT-P Panel Bolts

[Fritzc]

I just had the panels off my RT and wondered if anyone has a clever way of lining up the holes for the bolts so they can go straight in without crossthreading? I'm having a dickens of a time lining up the holes, especially on the top where you have to go through two layers of plastic then try to screw in bolt so it is straight. What a PIA just to get at the battery or anything else under there. Rob!! I want my /5 back!! :deal

[bmwmick]

I just had the panels off my RT and wondered if anyone has a clever way of lining up the holes for the bolts so they can go straight in without crossthreading? I'm having a dickens of a time lining up the holes, especially on the top where you have to go through two layers of plastic then try to screw in bolt so it is straight. What a PIA just to get at the battery or anything else under there. Rob!! I want my /5 back!! :deal

Fritz,
I've opened the holes in the tank cover piece so that the top tupperware screws can be started straight. It saves a LOT of aggravation when re-installing those screws. I just used a rotary bit in my Dremel to open the holes. Once you can see the entire circumfrence of the brass inserts, you've done enough. :)
To re-install the tupperware, I start the top screws first and let the side covers just fall into place. You need to leave them all loose till ALL the screws are started. That helps a lot too. You can stick an awl into the holes before you start the lower screws to align the movable threads and center them in the hole.
Good luck!

[Fritzc]

Fritz,
I've opened the holes in the tank cover piece so that the top tupperware screws can be started straight. It saves a LOT of aggravation when re-installing those screws. I just used a rotary bit in my Dremel to open the holes. Once you can see the entire circumfrence of the brass inserts, you've done enough. :)
To re-install the tupperware, I start the top screws first and let the side covers just fall into place. You need to leave them all loose till ALL the screws are started. That helps a lot too. You can stick an awl into the holes before you start the lower screws to align the movable threads and center them in the hole.
Good luck!

Good advice! The awl trick worked pretty good. I didn't want to enlarge the holes. I'm too timid. Maybe next time. Leaving them loose helped a lot as you can wiggle the panel around some until I get them all started. Lotsa fun with awl in one hand, driver and bolt in other hand, knees pressed against the panel, and a flashlight in my mouth! I should video tape myself!! :laugh

[lorazepam]

Technician rule number one. Never tighten cover screws until all are started.