Rear rack removal + body panel removal?

z20k · Post by **z20k** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 1:07 pm

So far I've had my dealer do 100% of my work so I'm interested in doing more myself..

1) How hard is it to remove a rear rack?
2) How hard is it to get body panels off?

ed85379 · Post by **ed85379** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 3:56 pm

The rear rack is simple. Two side bolts and a center bolt. I think the side bolts have allen-wrench heads though. I've replaced mine with standard hex heads.

The panels... are like a puzzle. Start from the back. Note that there is a screw under the license plate. Just make sure to keep track of the screws you remove and where they came from.

z20k · Post by **z20k** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 6:29 pm

ed85379 wrote:The rear rack is simple. Two side bolts and a center bolt. I think the side bolts have allen-wrench heads though. I've replaced mine with standard hex heads.

The panels... are like a puzzle. Start from the back. Note that there is a screw under the license plate. Just make sure to keep track of the screws you remove and where they came from.

Excellent advice. Hopefully all this will be simple enough.

z20k · Post by **z20k** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 7:04 pm

Oh! Second question.. how easy is it to get the original non rack backing on?

ed85379 · Post by **ed85379** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 7:06 pm

z20k wrote:Oh! Second question.. how easy is it to get the original non rack backing on?

I never have before, but I'm pretty sure it is exactly the same. Uses the same 3 bolts.

spr0k3t · Post by **spr0k3t** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 10:47 pm

When putting the rear rack back on, don't tighten down the sides until you have the threads started on both sides. Once they are started, go ahead and tighten down the center, then you can tighten the sides down without any problems.

z20k · Post by **z20k** » Sun Sep 23, 2012 10:56 pm

spr0k3t wrote:When putting the rear rack back on, don't tighten down the sides until you have the threads started on both sides. Once they are started, go ahead and tighten down the center, then you can tighten the sides down without any problems.

Well I'm going to be putting the original back part on since the back rack is destroying my new solo seat.

z20k · Post by **z20k** » Wed Sep 26, 2012 10:32 pm

So my dealer took off the rear rack and put on the factory handle and that's fine for now (my replacement panel isn't here yet.) but I decided to see how hard it would be to re-remove the factory handle and got the two nuts off and the screw out.. and it still held in - what's the deal? Is there any more to get it off?

thatvwbusguy · Post by **thatvwbusguy** » Thu Sep 27, 2012 11:21 pm

Do you mean that you removed the small screw on the black plastic panel on the upper rear of the handle? You need to pop the black plastic panel off and you will see another bolt that holds the center of the handle to the frame. Once that is out, the handle should pop right off.

If you are still having trouble with it, try to post a photo of where you are getting stuck and I will have a look.

Removing body panels is usually pretty simple. Just be sure to look (and feel around the edges) for any hidden fasteners. It sometimes helps to use a plastic spatula or an old credit card to start getting the panels separated.

JB

z20k · Post by **z20k** » Thu Sep 27, 2012 11:26 pm

Ah, I didn't know that plastic part needed to come off. Good to know!