Garnish modification

I modified the black plastic piece above the headlight which I understand to be called a "Garnish". Mine is missing two plastic tabs that lock it onto the cowl, resulting in some movement on the windshield. I have a rather tall windshield and I suspect along with age (my bike is a 1990 23 years old) is what made them fatigue. Replacing it is an option but expensive. I decided to install windshield screw grommets near where the tabs are supposed to be located. ( I would have installed them lower but it wouldn't work because of the headlight housing.)
I measured and marked the desired location, drilled the appropriate size holes and installed the grommets and refitted the garnish.
i'm pleased with the result, the windshield is firmer, less whistling at speed because of the lower part of the garnish secured to the cowl.
The photos show the gap, measuring prior to drilling, the finished look as well as what the grommet looks like.
i bought a package of 10 grommets for under $10. The spares I can use for replacements when needed. ( John, in posts to follow has correctly named them wellnut)

Nice job, Robert,

Another thing that can be done is to replace the puny plastic push-pin at the bottom center of the garnish with a 5mm nut-clip and shortened windshield truss-screw. BTDT

The rubber thing is called a 'wellnut.'

Regards, John :STOC: Ten Fifty-Eight

via iPhone 4S

The garnish tabs were more likely broken by a ham-handed PO that didn't know how to properly remove it.

John OoSTerhuis said:

Nice job, __?__

Another thing that can be done is to replace the puny plastic push-pin at the bottom center of the garnish with a 5mm nut-clip and shortened windshield truss-screw. BTDT

The rubber thing is called a 'wellnut.'

Regards, John :STOC: Ten Fifty-Eight

via iPhone 4S

Click to expand...

John that's excellent idea as well. To be honest I thought about something similar but this was closer at hand. But your idea would possibly be neater.
cheers
Robert

John OoSTerhuis said:

The garnish tabs were more likely broken by a ham-handed PO that didn't know how to properly remove it.

Click to expand...

According to the ownership records, I believe out of a total of 7 PO's 3 were women and quite possibly anyone including the ladies may have been the culprit.

How many wellnuts did you use? There are four tabs plus the front one John mentioned.

DeanR said:

How many wellnuts did you use? There are four tabs plus the front one John mentioned.

Click to expand...

I was only missing the bottom two tabs. But the top of the garnish has a screw fastener point already.
I just did the lower tabs and I'm also thinking of doing the centre front too. ...like we need to have more screws in the Tupperware .....

if you buy a windshield from clearview, they send new wellnuts

Here's the garnish mod that has been around a while (done on all three of mine with broken tabs) -

You need: 2-'wellnuts', 2-truss screws, 2-plastic washers, 2-rubber washers (if you want to be completely "oem". Minimum would be 2 wellnuts and 2 screws.)

To hit the fairing plastic underneath, measure up from the bottom corner of the garnish 2"; then from the edge of the garnish 3/8". Drill a 5mm hole through both the garnish and the fairing. Then, remove the garnish and drill the hole in the fairing large enough to fit the wellnut snugly.

I have read about a hacksaw blade farkle, where a hacksaw blade is glued to the garnish to help strengthen the plastic and a screw is run through the hacksaw blade. I would love to see photos of the mod.

drseth said:

I have read about a hacksaw blade farkle, where a hacksaw blade is glued to the garnish to help strengthen the plastic and a screw is run through the hacksaw blade. I would love to see photos of the mod.

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The feller that came up with the garnish included the hacksaw farkle as part of it. I believe the originator was Ray Stevens - but not the music one ... ;-)

Here of course is another instance where I failed to do a search on the site before posting, however, some excellent suggestions on other avenues in making a strong repair to the garnish.
An observation; there is less vibration on my windshield. Less wind noise.
thanks for the suggestions.
cheers

That's a good idea. I was planning on buying a new one for same reason, but mine is cracked on top center as well. I'll try to glue it from the inside and use your idea on the bottom.

Mark

Use baking soda and super glue gel and you will be suprised at the strength of the bond.

Uncle Phil said:

Here's the garnish mod that has been around a while (done on all three of mine with broken tabs) -

You need: 2-'wellnuts', 2-truss screws, 2-plastic washers, 2-rubber washers (if you want to be completely "oem". Minimum would be 2 wellnuts and 2 screws.)

To hit the fairing plastic underneath, measure up from the bottom corner of the garnish 2"; then from the edge of the garnish 3/8". Drill a 5mm hole through both the garnish and the fairing. Then, remove the garnish and drill the hole in the fairing large enough to fit the wellnut snugly.

Click to expand...

I just did this last night. A few observations.

The drill bit size for the wellnuts is 3/8. On one side the hole for the wellnuts intruded into one of the slots. Maybe going over a 1/2 inch might be better. The curved surfaces are very difficult to measure. I used a tailors tape measure. I got extra wellnuts and screws from Clearview.

I haven't had a chance to test it yet, but I hope it works. It looks factory, along with my screw and nut clip in the center.