06-03-2018, 12:27 AM
I like doing clean little mods that do not detract from the original look of the bike. I got to wondering why there is no cap on the left side of the front axle. The front axle is hollow, the right end capped with a nut, but the left side is an open 17mm Allen hex. Being open and hollow all the way through the axle, it occurred to me that water could get into, and crud might build up inside over time.
The closest fraction to 17mm is 11/16". I put a 17mm socket in my pocket and went to the local Ace Hardware. Low and behold, I found some black nylon 11/16" hole caps. On trying them in my 17mm socket, perfect and snug fit! Bought 2 for 69 cents each, one to use and one spare. Went home and installed, perfect fit and very clean looking. To remove, get under the edge with a razor blade and gently pry enough to expose the locking tabs. the locking tabs are directly across from each other ( think 6 and 12 oclock ) . A small flat blade screwdriver on both sides pushing simultaneously inward, gently, releases the tabs and the plug will pull out.
The closest fraction to 17mm is 11/16". I put a 17mm socket in my pocket and went to the local Ace Hardware. Low and behold, I found some black nylon 11/16" hole caps. On trying them in my 17mm socket, perfect and snug fit! Bought 2 for 69 cents each, one to use and one spare. Went home and installed, perfect fit and very clean looking. To remove, get under the edge with a razor blade and gently pry enough to expose the locking tabs. the locking tabs are directly across from each other ( think 6 and 12 oclock ) . A small flat blade screwdriver on both sides pushing simultaneously inward, gently, releases the tabs and the plug will pull out.