Rigid_EVO Brake light issues

[IXL2Relax]

There are lots of different kind of 'nuts' that are called 'speed nuts' - are you talking about these, that slip onto a plastic post?


These can be 'bent' to tighten them up...

Or do you have some other variety that are intended to actually go on a threaded bolt or stud?

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[45Brit]

They are an OEM part which secures the tail light to the mudguard, zinc plated pressed steel. The bolt has a rounded end and appears to have a wide spaced, shallow thread. They engage with an 11mm or so socket

[IXL2Relax]

OK - P/N 7501 - Steel stamped hollow nut. I can see how they would be a problem getting started on the threads in a difficult-to-reach spot. Anything up inside the fender is a bugger to get to without dropping the tire...

Can you get a regular nut in there without changing the whole unit?

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[45Brit]

Whatever thread they are supposed to engage on, appears to be stripped, it isn’t discernible other than faint grooves on the post.

The posts aren’t replaceable. They are moulded into the light unit base.

I’ve got a modern repro unit with ordinary threaded posts. Given the historic problems with this unit, I’m just going to bin the old one, keeping the lens and bulb as spares. I can see how to form tails and a connection using the available wire, and the connection will fit in behind the tongue on the mudguard.

[BigMek]

Yeah the OEM speed nuts really aren't nuts in the traditional sense. There's no thread on the studs on the taillight for them to engage, they just twist on as you tighten them and grab onto the outside of the stud. I tapped the studs with real threads after my taillight fell off on the way to work a few years ago.

Your repro unit might have little holes that will take small self-taping screws. Since the light base is supposed to sit against a painted surface (maybe with a gasket?), I'd suggest running a grounding wire so you don't have to worry about it.

[45Brit]

I opened then up slightly by tapping them onto the tapered boss of an Allen key socket, which allowed me to tap them onto the posts. I’ll get them fully home next time I go into the garage, probably Weds

The tail light already had a ground wire, as you describe

[night-train]

Originally Posted by 45Brit

I opened then up slightly by tapping them onto the tapered boss of an Allen key socket, which allowed me to tap them onto the posts. I’ll get them fully home next time I go into the garage, probably Weds

The tail light already had a ground wire, as you describe

Drill them out and loctite studs in, then use nyloc nuts in from under the fender. You'll have no more mechanical issues with it. Been down this road before, had I seen you post earlier I'd have responded then.

edit: Having trouble attaching pics. PM me a email and I'll send them.

[45Brit]

So, in the end I dropped the rear wheel, fitted a new rear light unit complete with ordinary threaded bolts, tidied up the wiring under the mudguard, checked the brake pads and rear wheel bearings while I was about it... I have a little finishing off to do tomorrow but things seem to be back on track now,