??? Re tour-pak hinges

[woodmnctry]

I have seen reference to upgrading the Tour-Pak hinges to the heavy duty variety ---- however -- looking at the HD parts n' parts catalog --- the ones I have found (part # 79211-08A) do not mention or note "heavy duty" as in added strength but seem to embrace the word and concept of "appearance" --- I am all over the concept of increasing the structural integrity of the hinge and lock system but not so sure these will really accomplish that mission statement. ---- Thus would appreciate comments from those whom have installed these hinges and locks.
TKS
G

Dang --- snow and cold here but nothing compared to the Right hand side of the country !!!

 

[Shriner Jim]

The call them "Premium TourPak Hinges"

 

[Trent]

I installed a set of them myself. They are much stronger, thicker, and more solid than the original hinges. They do not rattle either. If you go to a dealer, pull 'em outta the box and compare, you will see the big functional differences. And they do look way better to top it off. You have to take the lid off and drill out the rivets holding in the old ones, then drill the holes just a size bigger to fit the new ones. I am not very mechanical but was able to do this with no problem. Very happy with them....you will be also.

 

[zbear]

I installed a set of them myself. They are much stronger, thicker, and more solid than the original hinges. They do not rattle either. If you go to a dealer, pull 'em outta the box and compare, you will see the big functional differences. And they do look way better to top it off. You have to take the lid off and drill out the rivets holding in the old ones, then drill the holes just a size bigger to fit the new ones. I am not very mechanical but was able to do this with no problem. Very happy with them....you will be also.

I originally put a pair of them on my '94 FLHTC when I repainted it. The stock set had bent slightly over the years. They worked so well and looked so much better, they were one of the 1st things I added to my trike.

 

[Sloufoot]

Keep in mind these henge look a lot better, & are stronger, but the extra strength is just the henge not the tour pac. Lid or bottom. I put them on mine & like them a lot.

 

[woodmnctry]

Thanks for all the input -- glad to see that they provide an enhanced structural element for the tour pak --- got em ordered
TKS
G

 

[geezerglide11441]

G, when you install the hinges (with the lid off) take special care with the rubber gasket when you do the drilling. I found that to be the most important issue with installation. Use a larger size bit than the rivet (couple sizes larger) and gently rock the drill from side to side until the rivet is all drilled out. I would suggest NOT drilling straight into the rivet for fear of going too far. The lid drills very easy being fiberglass so take care and go slow.

Also helps to have some help when installing the lid back on and installing the screws. I have installed about 4 or 5 sets thus far on my rides and friends bikes that were a little afraid of the process.

Take care and good luck, you will like them!!

Roger

 

[DK Custom Products]

I was going to put the premium hinges on mine. But after looking at them, and talking to the Service Dept. I decided not to.

I would rather the hinge break than the actual Tour-Pak.

It seems that now the hinge is the weak link, going to the heavier hinge makes the TP the weak link.

I'm probably over-thinking it, but I keep the hinges lubed with silicone and have and no problems, even with heavy use and regularly exceeding the weight limits by 3x-4x.

 

[geezerglide11441]

DK, Sounds like reverse engineering to me!! If either hinge breaks it is going to do damage to the tour pack, and they are expensive!! I think you ARE over thinking the issue, but it is your tour pack and you can certainly leave it is if that is your preference!!pepper

Roger

 

[geezerglide11441]

As an additional safety factor regarding the tour pack issues, and not totally trusting the tether, I installed the tour pack hinge assembly that I purchased from "E Glide Goodies" (I think that is where I purchased) and if works awesome. It holds the lid open at 90 degrees whereas the tether let's it open more than 90 degrees to the length of the tether, and if the tether comes out of the retractor, there goes the lid!! I have read thread of other bikers that this actually happened and the repair was "buy another lid !!

Roger

 

[Trent]

I installed a length of chain to keep the lid from crashing down if the tether breaks. Cost about 2.00 and that lid is not going anywhere. Didn't have to drill any holes to install it either.

 

[Oldmsocko]

I installed the hinges on my TG when first purchased it and I am very happy with them. I was afraid the original cheap hinges would break and damage my tour pack.

 

[iaff84]

I installed a set of them myself. They are much stronger, thicker, and more solid than the original hinges. They do not rattle either. If you go to a dealer, pull 'em outta the box and compare, you will see the big functional differences. And they do look way better to top it off. You have to take the lid off and drill out the rivets holding in the old ones, then drill the holes just a size bigger to fit the new ones. I am not very mechanical but was able to do this with no problem. Very happy with them....you will be also.

I put both hinges and latches on. I like them both.
Dennis

 

[Trent]

I need to do the latches also Dennis...They look great! Do they go on the same way as the hinges?

 

[iaff84]

I need to do the latches also Dennis...They look great! Do they go on the same way as the hinges?

Yes, bolt on, no rivets. Push button open.
You will need to drill a couple new holes.
Dennis

 

[geezerglide11441]

:Agree: I installed both as well Dennis! Classy look that should not have had to be an extra add- on for a $35K bike!!

Roger

 

[iaff84]

:Agree: I installed both as well Dennis! Classy look that should not have had to be an extra add- on for a $35K bike!!

Roger

What else do we have to spend our kids inheritance on? Spend it nowThumbUp
At times I enjoy doing a few little things to my bikes. What works for some, others cuss.
Dennis

 

[geezerglide11441]

"A few little things to my bike", if you look at my signature you will note I have spent a little $$ on my ride as well!! Would do it again!pepper

Take care and ride safe Dennis,

Roger

 

[iaff84]

"A few little things to my bike", if you look at my signature you will note I have spent a little $$ on my ride as well!! Would do it again!pepper

Take care and ride safe Dennis,

Roger

I see allot of that, now I know why most parts are always "back ordered", everyone else has bought it all up!
It is the Misc. Chrome Accessories that will get you! ask Trent

 

[Trent]

Yep... The list is long...Some add-on accessories I installed a coupla years ago I have now replaced with newer stuff. I have new crap sitting on the Mustang seat right now waiting for my HD tech Buddy to come over and sip Crown and help me install. New front brake and clutch levers,,,the new extended turn signal switches..... More lights for the front end... I easily have 55K into that 32K TG now...I am on my 3rd air breather!! 3rd set of mufflers...!! Dunno if it will ever end. All of Dennis's stuff of course,,,including my favorite one of a kind add on. !!!!

 

[Shriner Jim]

I put the premium hinges and latches on mine. I would recommend that you use a Dremmel (spelling?) tool and gently grind off the inside end of the rivets. I did used a drill and it didn't work too well. The drill would almost go through the rivet and then it would spin. A small grinder would also make it easier to get behind the weather strip. My $0.02.

 

[screwball]

Just something to keep in mind, the 'premium' hinges look great, but in every case I've seen tour pack cover failure came when the lanyard failed and the lid did a flop over. The hinges never break, the plastic lip on the tour pack lid does. BIG BUCKS!!! I also added a piece of chain in addition to the cable supplied by Harley. You have to be careful about opening the lid in the wind, or letting someone else open it.

 

[iaff84]

Just something to keep in mind, the 'premium' hinges look great, but in every case I've seen tour pack cover failure came when the lanyard failed and the lid did a flop over. The hinges never break, the plastic lip on the tour pack lid does. BIG BUCKS!!! I also added a piece of chain in addition to the cable supplied by Harley. You have to be careful about opening the lid in the wind, or letting someone else open it.

I agree. I put the hinges and latches on because I like the look better.

I was one that had the retractable cable break, lucky that lid did not break. I installed a metal support arm on mine so I would not have to worry again.

Are the tour boxes strong? Could be made better but after allot of use of this one and the one on my 05 Ultra, they stand up to allot of abuse.

These different type hinges and latches fall in the "pretty" class and not the necessary class for me, but pretty is sometimes necessary! ThumbUp
Dennis

 

[geezerglide11441]

Dennis, "Pretty" is always necessary!!pepper

Roger

 

[hocnsoc]

Just installed the Premium hinges. Suggest using a metal putty knife to protect the gasket when drilling the rivet rollover portion and opening up the holes. I will make up a 1/16th coated cable with different anchor points to backup the tether. (Belt and suspenders). As a previous post mentioned, take your time. Threadlock is a must.

 

[rhino 2]

I don't know if it can be done, :Shrug: But I wish someone could figure a way so the lid would open from the left side, [or back to front] I guess from all the years on two wheelers I always approach the trike from the left, And then have to go around to the other side. I know on a two wheeler it has to be that way so the lid doesn't keep slamming down on you.....

 

[tom w]

don't want to wear out the agree button but I have the good hinges put them on for cosmetic reasons but they are a lot more well built. ThumbUp

 

[tom w]

I don't know if it can be done, :Shrug: But I wish someone could figure a way so the lid would open from the left side, [or back to front] I guess from all the years on two wheelers I always approach the trike from the left, And then have to go around to the other side. I know on a two wheeler it has to be that way so the lid doesn't keep slamming down on you.....

no reason why you couldn't switch side with the hardware if you wanted.

 

[DTR 11TG]

... I installed a metal support arm on mine so I would not have to worry again. ...
ThumbUp
Dennis

Hi Dennis, I wondering if you could say more about the "metal support arm" that you installed, a photo, where you got it or measurements, anything would be great help. I don't really like the stuff I see for sale, plus the $$'s are usually way too much for what it is. Just PM me if that would be easier for you. Thanks

 

[rhino 2]

no reason why you couldn't switch side with the hardware if you wanted.

Yea, You would think so, But I studied it 6 ways to Sunday and it won't work..
Believe me I wish it would be that simple..:Shrug: