Modern Vespa

is it me or are the supplied screws that go from the top of the top case rack into the grab bar too short? it seems like the threads are still there, but for the life of me i can't get the threads to bite while the top case rack is in place -- even if i leave plenty of play in the other screws.

does anyone know the spec of a slightly longer screw? or any other fix for that matter?

thanks much again.

As I recall, the holes in my rack weren't straight. They were sort of "toe-nailed." I had to put the screws in at a slight angle and they were snug all the way. Tight threads in chromed parts happens when the manufacturer doesn't use the correct H limit tap to allow for plating. You can chase the threads with a standard tap if they are too tight.

I would suggest trying the screws without the case in place. That way you have an idea if the holes are crooked.

i agree with above. also some paint maybe in the threads and that is why it would not thread, but that would not be and ongoing problem. in other words once you but the screw in there then it would not be a hassle again.

Mine was a real bear to install, as well. It's been a while, but IIRC having to get one screw started and leave it loose. Then, I got the 2nd screw started by having a little bit of play in the system. Once both were threaded, I cranked 'em down. It's been ~2 years now, and they're still holding tight (knock on wood).

I'll chime in on the lack of precision when it comes to the LX topcase. I recall the lining up of all the connections being a bitch. Be patient and persistent and it will happen.

Well, I got it, but it was way more difficult than it should be. Thanks for the help.

As advice to anyone else who tries this: don't tighten anything up as you install. Leave all of the nuts and bolts real "loosey-goosey" and then sort of nudge, cajole, pray or whatever to get all of them to line up. Then tighten the suckers down. If you follow the instructions you will drink heavily, probably like the guy in Pontedera responsible for drilling out the mounting holes for the top case.

I just installed a Top Case on my wifes LX150, I could not get the screws in until I srayed some WD 40 into the holes. I then tried the screws w/o the Top Case and got out lots of rust from the threads, after that I had no prblems