[R & C]

I have an 86 Interstate and want to add the chrome rack to the top of the trunk box. I assume you drill through the top half to secure it with bolts.

Does this often lead to a leaky top box?

 

[joe in calif]

I have installed racks on almost every bike I had, never a leak.
Use these washers and it help keep the trunk lid from cracking if you overload the rack, and also help with any possible leak,

http://wingstuff.com/pgroup_detail/6_Add_On/877_Chrome_Star_Washers_with_Rubber_Washers_4_Pack/

 

[Two Wheel Wing]

I'm like Joe, I've never experienced a leak on either of my 3 touring bikes. Joe's correct, don't over tight'n and don't overload..

 

[budoka]

Same here, no leaks ever, not even in a car wash.

 

[Ron Robertson]

I'm with the other guys, be sure to use those star washers for the added support.
From the Northwest Corner.
Ron

 

[R & C]

Thanks for quick replies.

Is the star washer a kit you buy along with the rack? how much should I pay for a rack?

And the process would be:
Mark and drill holes then star washer on top side of box with rubber sealing washer underneath it and then a large flat washer and nut inside. Correct?

 

[Two Wheel Wing]

I've always had my racks installed by the dealer so I can't help with the installation. I can tell you that everyone who personally installed a rack say go slow when drilling and use a very sharp bit to drill into the trunk. Some even drill a small pilot hole first then then the required size next. Good luck and let us know how you make out..

 

[joe in calif]

Thanks for quick replies.

Is the star washer a kit you buy along with the rack? how much should I pay for a rack?

And the process would be:
Mark and drill holes then star washer on top side of box with rubber sealing washer underneath it and then a large flat washer and nut inside. Correct?

Depending on the rack you want you can pay from $70 to about $200, I had the Kyryakyn rack on my 02 and loved the way it looked. you can get the star washers from any accessory shop, try this
http://wingstuff.com/
or

http://www.directlineparts.com/

or

http://www.cyclemaxohio.com/

 

[Ron Robertson]

It's been a while, but what I did was to carefully set the rack on the trunk, to get a good idea where it is going to set. Then cover that area with masking tape. Put the rack back on and place it exactly where you want it and trace around each mounting post. Mark the center of each circle. Take a deep breath and drill your hole, yes use a good sharp bit.
From the Northwest Corner
Ron

 

[GoldDigger]

What I did was to place the rack on the lid, see where the feet go, place masking tape where the feet will go and circle them. Now, place match sticks or similar into the holes of the feet, put dab of paint or like substance and carefully put the feet down on the tape where the circles are drawn. The paint will mark exactly where the hole should be and the tape will keep the bit from cracking the plastic as it initally enters.
Just another way to do it.

 

[MaineWinger]

Recently installed chrome rack purchased from WingStuff, paid around $90 for it including luggage rack bag. Installation was simple and directions very easy to follow. Rack and bag are good quality and fit is decent. Load capacity for the rack is 10lbs. but with the installation of star washer kit I think that you could increase the load on the rack without any issues.

I Placed panters masking tape (blue) on the trunk and marked out location by tracing around each leg with marker. Mark out the center of each circle. I used a brad point drill bit, they are available at any local hardware retailer. My rack was installed on 2004 GL1800 and took me about an hour to complete the install. Wingstuff also has the star washers and I would encourage to install these washers. I agree with other posts that these washers spread out the load on the rack and could possible eliminate the possibility of leaks or cracking on the cover. I installed the star washers both inside the lid and under the legs on the rack, rubber washers inside and out. With rubber washers inside the lid and also outside you should eliminate any possibility of leaks.

I tend to over engineer! Good luck with your install.