Seat bracket misalignment.

[Allen B]

One of my attachment brackets for my seats does not align to the threads underneath. I’ve attempted to adjust and loosen all the bolts to create some slack. Nothing works. I’ve spent a good amount of time sanding the holes to no avail. I CAN force it into position with moderate pressure but thats not something I want to do long term. The alignment is very close but just a smidge off. Is reaming to the next size up acceptable? Any other suggestions?

As always, thanks for the advice.

Allen

[BrokenStraw]

I had the same issue. I found that by simply squeezing two support bars together that I could fit the fourth bolt into place.

[Allen B]

And you were comfortable with the amount of tension on the bolt threads? I can do the same but would need to use a socket to thread the bolt after about 2 turns. I worry longterm about taking them in and out. Maybe I shouldn’t be so concerned?

[BrokenStraw]

It is something that I will keep an eye to see if the shear tension creates an issue.

[Gerhard Rieger]

Cut the tube open and weld a new tube in place to make it line up properly, no short cuts.

[Bcone1381]

Cut the tube open and weld a new tube in place to make it line up properly, no short cuts.

Good advice. Its good to talk about this stuff....issues we have and how to fix them.

Gerhard, I am curious and wonder....If the seat was installed under tension, then the offending tube, instead of being cut, was heated up red hot, would its length stretch and then cool and result in no stress?

[Gerhard Rieger]

You can try to heat treat it, but in my 30 years experience having a steel manufacturing business, its easier to just cut it out and re-align , spot weld it, take it to a steel table, drill through all four holes, bolt it in place to the table, weld it and leave it to cool down naturally. Then it should fit perfectly without trouble. If you force it in and out it will mess up the treads soon and then you will have even more work

[Bcone1381]

I'm so glad I asked. Advice from 30 years of experience is all we need.

[500AGL]

Is that bolt not an AN-5?

If it will thread in and out of the hole with a wrench it will never shear from that amount of side load, and will work for many lifetimes. If you cut and reweld it the first thing you’ll find is it will be worse, unless you were to jig all four corners in a thick welders bench, cut and jig for weld shrinkage, and so on. You’re looking for a 1/16 or less and you’ll probably end up at 1/8”.

Leave it alone and use it.

[Allen B]

Thanks for all the input. It’s an AN5-17A. The alignment is so minor I really hate to get involved with cutting and welding. For someone like me you’re talking about an incredible amount of work to cut that off, re-weld it (hoping somehow it’s more aligned than it is) and re-painting the seat frame. Honestly I would have multiple days of work in it. My welding skills are sub par and I really wouldn’t trust the job anyway. I would likely end up sourcing out the work.

I’m not worried about side load either. There’s no way that bolt is snapping under any amount of pressure I put on it. I’m pretty sure that bolt will out last the thin 4130 tubing the frame is made of.

I’m leaning towards reaming out the hole with 21/64 reamer. We’re taking about .312 (5/16) vs .328 (21/64). It’s such a small amount but I honestly feel like that should do it. I’ll let you all know how it turns out.

As always, thanks for the advice.

Allen