For the wires I pulled the pins out of the connectors, routed the cables through the hollow bolt, then wrapped them in tape and flex loom for protection and put the pins back in the connectors. They were plenty long enough to route through the bolt with length to spare.
I trimmed an inch or so off the side cover with a razor blade. You don't really notice it at all.
I also took the bearing cassette out and packed it full of lithium grease to quiet it down. I didn't like the way it sounded while swiveling. It sounded like a bearing with no grease in it, because it was. When you pull the swivel apart you'll find its three prices. The top, the bottom and a bearing cassette between them. I wish I had taken photos. If I pull it apart again I will be sure to get some.
I didn't think the nut was welded on mine. It was hard to get off, like the nut was an oval locknut or the threads were intentionally distorted to keep it tight with thread tension. I'm tempted to crank it down super tight, mark the spot, then pull it apart and drill a hole for a cotter pin or set screw to keep it from loosening. Or I could just find a nylon lock nut in that size, that would be way easier.
On a positive note, the seat covers I ordered from Coverking arrived and they look and fit fantastic!
I got the premium leatherette in charcoal. They seem durable and easy to clean. My cloth seats were already starting to look filthy. My dog turns everything brown and he loves riding shotgun.
This is him. He's a Rhodesian Ridgeback.
