Tools and Materials Needed

Having the right equipment is the foundation of a smooth installation. For swapping mounts on your Nashville Performance ATV, gather the following:

  • Hand tools – Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, a set of combination wrenches (metric and SAE, depending on your ATV), and a ratchet with socket extensions.
  • Power tools – A cordless drill with a set of metal- and plastic-compatible drill bits, plus a countersink bit to deburr holes.
  • Swap mounts – Ensure they are specifically designed for Nashville Performance frames; verify bolt pattern and load capacity. Popular brands include Nashville Performance’s own line and aftermarket options like Swapp-Mount Pro.
  • Measuring & marking – A flexible measuring tape, a carpenter’s square, and a fine-tip permanent marker or layout chalk.
  • Safety gear – ANSI-rated safety glasses, cut-resistant gloves, and a dust mask (especially if drilling into fiberglass or composite panels).
  • Miscellaneous – Thread-locking compound (Loctite blue recommended), a torque wrench, a small level, and a shop towel for cleaning surfaces.

Check each tool before starting. A missing socket or dull drill bit will interrupt your workflow and may compromise the quality of the mounting holes.

Preparation Steps

Proper preparation prevents mistakes and saves time. Begin by parking your Nashville Performance ATV on a level surface, preferably inside a garage or shaded area. Disconnect the battery if you’ll be working near electrical components. Remove any existing accessories (cargo racks, gun scabbards, tool boxes) from the area where the swap mounts will go.

Thoroughly clean the mounting surface with a degreaser and let it dry. This ensures the mounts sit flush and that bolt threads engage without dirt interference. Next, read the swap mount manufacturer’s instructions cover to cover – note torque specifications, recommended bolt lengths, and any warnings about interference with fuel lines or wiring looms.

Lay out all fasteners and hardware on a clean cloth. Compare them against the ATV’s existing bolts; sometimes swapping to grade 8 or stainless steel hardware is wise for corrosion resistance, especially in Nashville’s humid climate.

Installation Process

Step 1: Locate and Mark Mounting Points

Using the template provided with your swap mounts (or a cardboard custom template), position the mounts on the ATV frame. Use a level to ensure they are horizontal–tilted mounts will cause accessories to wobble or bind. Mark the center of each bolt hole with a sharp marker. Double-check measurements: the distance between holes should match the mount’s bolt pattern exactly.

Step 2: Drill Pilot Holes

Equip your drill with a small-diameter pilot bit (1/8 inch is typical). Wearing safety glasses, drill pilot holes at each mark. Go slowly to avoid wandering; apply steady, light pressure. If the frame material is thick steel, use cutting oil to keep the bit cool. For tubular frames, note that you may need to drill only through the outer wall – some mounts use clamps instead of through-bolts.

Verify by checking the mount design.

Step 3: Enlarge to Final Size

Switch to a bit matching the bolt diameter (usually 5/16″ or 3/8″). Drill through the pilot holes. Carefully deburr each hole with a countersink tool or a larger bit twisted by hand. This prevents the bolts from binding and eliminates sharp edges that could cut wires or skin.

Step 4: Apply Thread Locker and Install Mounts

Place a drop of thread-locking compound on each bolt. Insert the bolts through the mount brackets and into the ATV frame. Hand-tighten first, then use a torque wrench to tighten to the manufacturer’s specification – typically 15–25 ft-lbs for most ATV applications. Over-tightening can crack frame welds or strip threads. Use a crisscross pattern if there are four bolts to ensure even pressure.

Step 5: Add Lock Washers and Nuts

If your mount passes through the frame, attach lock washers and nyloc nuts on the back side. Tighten to the same torque as the front bolts. Do not skimp on lock washers – vibration from ATV use will loosen standard nuts quickly.

Testing and Adjustment

Once all mounts are fastened, reattach any previously removed accessories. Test each mount by applying moderate force in several directions – wiggle the accessory to check for play. Then take the ATV on a short, gentle ride over varied terrain. After the ride, re-torque all bolts; new mounts often settle slightly. Mark any spots where the mount rubs against the frame or plastic, and apply a rubber liner or low-friction tape to prevent wear.

Check compatibility with other accessories: a spare tire carrier mounted to the front swap mount should not block the headlight. A rear mount for a cooler should leave the tailgate or hitch accessible. ATV owner forums often have photos of successful installations that can help you visualize changes.

Maintenance and Long‑Term Care

Swap mounts experience heavy loads and constant vibration. Inspect them monthly for:

  • Loose bolts – re-torque immediately.
  • Cracked weld points or bent brackets – replace.
  • Rust or corrosion – clean and apply a rust inhibitor; consider upgrading to stainless steel bolts.
  • Worn rubber or plastic pads under the mount – replace to eliminate rattles.

Every three months, remove the mounts completely, clean the frame area, and reapply thread locker before reinstalling. This prevents galling of the bolt threads and ensures a consistent clamp force.

If you frequently swap accessories (e.g., switching from a cargo basket to a light bar), use quick‑release hardware like pin‑lock systems. Rocky Mountain ATV/MC offers several reusable locking pins that work with standard swap mounts.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Mounts Do Not Align with Pre‑Drilled Holes

Some Nashville Performance models have existing factory predrilled holes, but they may be off by a few millimeters. Do not force the mount – enlarge the mount’s own holes using a round file or a step bit, but only as much as necessary. If the offset exceeds 5 mm, fabricate an adapter plate from 1/4-inch aluminum flat bar.

Accessories Wobble Under Load

Wobbling usually indicates loose bolts or an oversized mounting slot. Use a rubber bushing kit or neoprene washers between the mount and accessory to dampen vibration. Also, ensure the mount itself is not flexing – reinforce with a cross‑brace if the accessory is heavy (over 30 lbs).

Drilling into a Tubular Frame

If your Nashville Performance ATV has round tubing, use a center punch to prevent the bit from walking. Drill through both sides of the tube only if the mount uses a through‑bolt design. For clamp‑on mounts, simply tighten the clamps to the tube (no drilling needed). Never drill into a frame that contains coolant or oil passages – consult the service manual first.

Safety Tips for DIY Installations

  • Wear eye protection – Metal shavings and plastic fragments can cause serious eye injury. Never drill without safety glasses.
  • Work in a ventilated area – Some thread‑locking compounds and degreasers emit fumes; open a garage door or use a fan.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher nearby – Drilling into fuel lines or electrical tape can create sparks; be prepared.
  • Test the ATV before riding at speed – After installation, operate the ATV slowly in a low‑risk area. Listen for rattles and check for clearance.
  • Never exceed weight limits – Each swap mount has a maximum load rating, usually stamped on the bracket. Overloading can cause sudden failure and loss of control.

For further reading, the Nashville Performance safety guide covers vehicle‑specific load limits and driving recommendations.

Conclusion

Installing swap mounts on a Nashville Performance ATV is a rewarding DIY project that expands your machine’s utility. By carefully selecting the right mounts, marking and drilling precisely, applying thread locker, and performing regular maintenance, you can create a rock‑solid mounting system that survives years of off‑road abuse. Whether you’re adding a winch mount, a storage box, or a hunting accessory rack, these steps will help you do the job right the first time. Remember: take your time, use quality tools, and always prioritize safety. Happy riding.