1920s front end bolt issue

[ssutherland]

1920s Chief question. I put the front end together and the bolts that hold the fender brackets on went on by hand. But after tightening them up a little and they seem to lock in place. The picture on the right shows where I had to cut the bolt off. the bolt completely tore the thread up. The other picture shows the other side with the bolt still on. I just barely tightened that one and now it will not turn at all. I'm afraid I will have to cut that one off too.
What did I do wrong?

wheel 2.jpg wheel 1.jpg

[FNG1]

Look here.
https://boltdepot.com/Fastener-Infor...9chY0G4xefmCg5

[exeric]

Are those aftermarket rocker studs? Regardless; the nickel plating could be the issue if the tolerance between the stud and nut threads is too tight (galling). You should run a thread die over the rocker stud threads, and a tap into the nut if they have been nickel plated as well as using Never-Seize on the threads. My 1940 Chief had a castle nut & cotter pin on the end of the rocker stud.

[exeric]

By the way, Scott; what year is you Indian? I had a 1924 Indian Big Chief and selling it was the stupidest motorcycle thing I have done (to date). Big Chiefs are beautiful, well designed, and fun to ride. Unfortunately, they are also rare and hard to find but you can go to later Chiefs for engine, and trans parts (with some research). This is one of only 2 pictures I took of it (for more stupid reasons).

bigchief1.jpg