eegah
02-23-2009, 04:14 PM
I installed both a Bestem Top case and the Hepko-Becker center stand this winter. for anyone who is planning to install either I will pass this on:
My Bestem case rattled like others reported. I found rubber bumpers at Ace Hardware, which directly replace the two forward bumpers installed in the case mounting plate (the bumpers closest to the two mounting posts which the case hooks onto). The rear two bumpers that come with the case are ok in length.
The bumpers were in a Servalite box in the nuts ands bolts department, labeled "automotive bumpers" and are part number RBA-XJ for Fords. They need to be trimmed to length with a razor, and the bottom edge also must be beveled a bit with a razor to fit into the depression surrounding the mounting plate hole, but they work perfectly and have the same size mounting stem as the stock ones. (.99 each and a two minute job)
I used pickup truck cap tape, sticky on one side, to insulate between the mounting plate and my stock rack. (stock rubber pad is removed) It is waterproof, and easy to remove.
For the Hepco-Becker center-stand, I found that the chain came too close to the left center-stand leg when the stand is retracted (as previously posted). Mine did not actually rub yet, but I think it may when the chain gets on the slack side of adjustment.
I replaced that skinny bumper that comes with the stand with a bolted-on 7/8 inch black rubber chair leg cap. (these are the rubber caps to put on the bottom of a round chair leg to protect your floor/chair leg) Bolts right on with a 5/16 inch bolt (x 1.25") and a washer to go under its head, with a nut and lock washer on top. This had to be trimmed with a razor also, and now holds the stand off the chain perfectly. They sell a set of 4 of these "Chair Leg Tips" for about $1 at Lowes. 5 minute job to drill, trim and mount it.
My Bestem case rattled like others reported. I found rubber bumpers at Ace Hardware, which directly replace the two forward bumpers installed in the case mounting plate (the bumpers closest to the two mounting posts which the case hooks onto). The rear two bumpers that come with the case are ok in length.
The bumpers were in a Servalite box in the nuts ands bolts department, labeled "automotive bumpers" and are part number RBA-XJ for Fords. They need to be trimmed to length with a razor, and the bottom edge also must be beveled a bit with a razor to fit into the depression surrounding the mounting plate hole, but they work perfectly and have the same size mounting stem as the stock ones. (.99 each and a two minute job)
I used pickup truck cap tape, sticky on one side, to insulate between the mounting plate and my stock rack. (stock rubber pad is removed) It is waterproof, and easy to remove.
For the Hepco-Becker center-stand, I found that the chain came too close to the left center-stand leg when the stand is retracted (as previously posted). Mine did not actually rub yet, but I think it may when the chain gets on the slack side of adjustment.
I replaced that skinny bumper that comes with the stand with a bolted-on 7/8 inch black rubber chair leg cap. (these are the rubber caps to put on the bottom of a round chair leg to protect your floor/chair leg) Bolts right on with a 5/16 inch bolt (x 1.25") and a washer to go under its head, with a nut and lock washer on top. This had to be trimmed with a razor also, and now holds the stand off the chain perfectly. They sell a set of 4 of these "Chair Leg Tips" for about $1 at Lowes. 5 minute job to drill, trim and mount it.