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[neanderpaul]

OK...I don't really want to replace the cover I have. I like the clean chrome look, but I want to put the chrome screw set in. Unfortunately, the EVO timing cover has rivets.

Can I drill these out, and replace with the screw set there? Will they thread?

[RedFXR2]

I did this a while back.  Yes, you can drill the rivets out but be careful because the timing cover is softer than it looks--easily chewed up by a drill bit.

Backing up a bit--I bought a new "Medallion" timing cover for my FXR2, to match the Medallion trim used in many other places.  It came with a self-tapping screw, two chrome allen heads, an allen wrench, and the cover itself.  The holes on the medallion cover are at 12 and 6.  If I remember correctly the rivets are at 3 and 9.  After drilling the rivets out, you find a cover plate that is screwed to the housing.  This plate has two holes at 12 and 6 that are not threaded.  Using a phillips screwdriver and the self-tappping screw provided, tap the two existing holes and use the two allen head screws (suggest a touch of loctite) to attach the new timing cover.

I mention damaging the original cover because the HD instructions with the medallion cover say what size drill bit to use (I forget the size) but I would say to use a smaller one.  I followed the instructions and damaged the original cover.

So, yes, you can drill out the rivets and re-attach it with screws.

[neanderpaul]

Odd...my rivets are at 12 & 6.

I only bought the chrome screw set. It came with no directions, and an allen wrench.

I own the FXR 2/3 manual, and the Evolution Owner's Bible repair manual. Neither gives any instruction for drilling out these rivets.

I'm concerned about drilling these rivets out, and then not being able to drop those new screws in. Do I now need to go get a tap set?

[hd-dude]

Don't worry about drilling them out. Just as REDFXR said use a small drill bit. If you start at 1/8 and they dont come out you can always go to the next size or two up. You will have another plate inside that is screwed to the timing plate screws. The new plate will mount to the timing plate screws so the holes will be at 9 and 3 when your done. You will not need a tap set.

Good Luck!

[RedFXR2]

Odd...my rivets are at 12 & 6.

I could be wrong about the clock orientation--like I said, it's been a while.  If that's the case, then the holes you need are the same ones presently occupied by the rivets, so don't enlarge the holes when you drill them out--just take off the mushroomed flange.  I seem to remember drilling the flange off the rivets, allowing me to remove the cover, then carefully picking the rest of the rivet sleeve out of the holes before tapping them.  My kit came with the correct size self tapping screw so I didn't need to buy a new tap.