Front Fender: Identify This Bolt

[infresig]

I am replacing my stock front fender with a CF version and was hoping that someone could tell me how to remove the bolt that attaches the rubber brake line holder on top of the fender and then how to reattach it to the replacement fender.  Pictures are included below of the bolt in question (as well as the underside of the fender where the bolt comes out). 

The new fender comes with a hole pre-drilled for the rubber holder but I'm not sure how to remove the existing one and transfer it over to the new fender.  The bolt does not appear threaded in any way, and I don't know what tools are needed to remove and reinstall it.  Any help would be very much appreciated.  Hopefully, this is an issue that's come up for others before.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/68308373@N04/6214710282/#in/photostream

http://www.flickr.com/photos/68308373@N04/6214710352/#in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/68308373@N04/6214710426/#in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/68308373@N04/6214710490/#in/photostream/

[Josh_357]

That my friend is a rivet. You will need to drill it out and re-attach to new fender

Pop rivet gun

[infresig]

Thanks.  That's what I was afraid of -- looks like I'll need to take it to a shop since I don't have the proper equipment.  Maybe I can replace the rivet with a bolt and nut so that I won't have the same problem in future.  I have the ABS version, so taking the front fender on and off is more of a pain than otherwise.

[Josh_357]

You can get a rivet gun at any hardware store for around $10-15, the hardest part is drilling out the old rivet, which isn't that hard.

[ducatiz]

yeah, they are nothing.

use a drill that covers the hole, maybe 1/8" to start and have up to a 3/16"

carefully drill right thru

the pop rivet gun is easy to use.  home depot.

use stainless rivets

[RBX QB]

... Maybe I can replace the rivet with a bolt and nut so that I won't have the same problem in future.  ...

That's what I'd do. I'd likely never be able to justify buying a rivet gun for this one use (unless I could find someone to loan me one).

Just make sure the bolt A) is stainless (or otherwise non-corrosive), B) doesn't interfere with any moving parts, and C) has a lock nut (or sim).

Backyard mechanics works for me.

[ducatiz]

You can replace it with a bolt+nut, but be careful.   Pop rivets work by squeezing two parts together with a somewhat malleable piece of metal, which conforms.  A bolt+nut will nto conform.  if you size it right and use some nylon washers it probably will be fine tho.

[infresig]

Thanks for the all helpful responses.  Unfortunately, you can add drill to rivet gun among the tools that I don't have.  I'm thinking of just letting the brake line "float" above the fender for now and installing the rubber bracket at a later time when I can access the proper tools.  I don't think this should be a problem since there's relatively little slack in the line and the fender will otherwise be securely attached (the only potential problem I can foresee is the line rubbing against the clear coat of the new fender, but I will see if that's an actual concern once installed).  I was really hoping to avoid having to install twice since the ABS sensor line needs to be secured to the inside of the fender with zipties, which is of course a pain to remove.

[ducatiz]

If you have a Ducati you must have tools

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-variable-speed-reversible-drill-3670.html

$18.. you might have a store near you

[infresig]

I'm building up the tool collection (I've got a basic set of wrenches, sockets and other assorted tools).  I'm acquiring them on as-needed basis.  Of course, with all the helpful and prompt advice, you guys are really shaming me into getting this done the right way the first time.

[ducatiz]

the pop rivet thing is a cheap purchase and lasts a lifetime.  if you ever do an exhaust repack you need it.

[lawbreaker]

IF - and i did no research on your location- you're in SoCal... I have the tools you need and will gladly loan them for the mere payment of BEER

[Punx Clever]

I'm building up the tool collection (I've got a basic set of wrenches, sockets and other assorted tools).  I'm acquiring them on as-needed basis.  Of course, with all the helpful and prompt advice, you guys are really shaming me into getting this done the right way the first time.

I have the same philosophy... tools as needed.

Now... what project can I think up that requires tools that I don't have yet...

[ducatiz]

I have the same philosophy... tools as needed.

Now... what project can I think up that requires tools that I don't have yet...

a bridge...

...to Japan.