Modern Buddy

I have been replacing the visible bolts and screws on my Stella with chrome or polished stainless steel ones. I can't help it. The last hurdle is the big "special bolt" that attached the engine to the frame. This bolt is the long one visible in the bottom of the below photo. I would like to replace this with a stainless steel version, but I am afraid to remove it, as it appears to be THE pivot bolt for the mating of the drivetrain/chassis. I was curious if I could drive it out with another bolt of the same diameter (12mm) and then take it to the hardware store to get a stainless steel version.

has anyone ever removed this bolt? Will my Stella spring apart like a busted cuckoo clock if I remove the bolt??

I have removed plenty when dropping a motor.
I wouldn't just go to the hardware store to find a SS replacement...it's a pretty important bolt as in it is one of the two bolts that holds the motor to the frame.

I would suggest doing more homework before replacing all fasteners with SS. Are you retorquing new fasteners to spec? SS has much different properties than carbon steel.

Thanks BuddyRaton.

The bolts I have been replacing so far are ones that I am not worried about: The visible center stand bolts, center mat screws, license plate area screws, etc. And yes, I have a brand new torque wrench that I use on all of them.

This large "special" bolt definitely is something different, and that is why I posted. based on your feedback, I am thinking now of Plan B, which would be a bolt head cover. The tough time I am having is finding one large enough, as this bolt takes a 19mm socket.