Can anyone tell me what fasteners are used to attach the "Bed Standard Interface Plates" to the box? The holes on my '16 XLT are not threaded, it appears, and the dealer's Parts Dept. does not know the answer. I suspect that they are some kind of self-tapping fastener which chews it's own threads into the hole as it is installed. Or, perhaps a tap is involved.

These:


Thanks for any info.

 

The box link attachments have a mating piece that slide into that bracket and locks in with a key. I'll attach a picture when i get a chance if someone doesnt beat me to it.

 

I think he is looking for what type of fasteners are used to attach the boxlink plates to the bed, not the boxlink accessories..

 

They are advertised as attached to a "reinforced bed area". I doubt they are self tapping just into the bed metal as I think you were describing...unless those areas of the bed are much thicker.

 

Yes, the type of fastener is the exact info that I am looking for. I understand the purpose of the plates themselves.

 

They are just straight bolts.
Due to the bed being aluminum and the bolts being steel, I don't believe the bed is threaded, but a separate piece behind the bed.
steel to aluminum leads to accelerated oxidation.

 

Just pulled one out of mine :

6mm x 1.0 x 24mm T-30 TORX



Looks like the bed metal itself is tapped.

 

Where did this idea come from ?

The reason I ask is Japanese motorcycles / UTVs / ATVs have dozens of steel bolts that thread into the aluminum engine, frame, etc. and I never have an issue removing them or having problems with them oxidizing. As a matter of fact, I see more rust on steel bolts going into cast iron or steel than I do steel bolts going into aluminum.

Or am I missing something ??

 

Well.....don't I feel stupid

 

You must have young bikes. My 30-40 year old bikes have had the screws oxidize in the aluminum cases. I keep anti seize on them to prevent this.