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Softail engine bay

  • Kato
    Kato
    4 years ago
    Hi 
    Ive got an old 03 Fatboy Anniversary (photo attached) 

    I am wanting some advice from anyone regarding the zinc plated bolts that HD use in the engine bay on the Timing cover / Primary case/ right side engine case etc 
    The cleaner the engine bay becomes the more these zinc plated bolts stand out for me and its frustrating 
    Its done 80,000 Kms so its no garage  queen but I would like to spruce up the engine bay if at all possible 
    it suits my purposes fine and i dont at this stage plan on upgrading it so a bit of personalization in the engine bay is on the  agenda 

    So would anyone have any advice on changing out these engine bolts such as 
    - getting them swapped to chrome ( what looks best / has anyone done black etc ) 
    - gold plating them ( dont get too excited Im just after some bolts being done that way and i have not had any luck getting any advice in getting parts plated in that gold look ) Ive seen engine cases / swing arms done in a gold look but i cannot find whom does it - zilch . I mean Ive seen Toyota badges done in gold ??

    Any advice would be very appreciated 


    IMG_0764_1.JPG
  • Kato
    Kato
    4 years ago
    Quoting Wideglider on 20 Apr 2020 01:46 AM

    Beaglebasher may be able to advise you on this one, click link below for thread to see his handy-work.

    Cheers - i don't have the time to do it myself but it does sound pretty cool thing to actually do .

     I brew my own beer so i know the feeling of doing it yourself (feels great)

    THANKS for the reply too

  • Wideglider
    Wideglider
    4 years ago
    Sounds like the perfect trade deal to me, BB gold-plates the bolts - you supply BB home brew beer!
  • tussuck
    tussuck
    4 years ago
    replace them with Stainless Steel... I have done all mine years ago and they are still mint.
    secret is to plonk them into a drill/drill press, turn it on and the polish the head end using 400/800/1200 grit wet and dry.  Drill press works best as it holds them well.  Then install and forget forever.

  • Kato
    Kato
    4 years ago
    Quoting tussuck on 20 Apr 2020 02:32 AM

    replace them with Stainless Steel... I have done all mine years ago and they are still mint.

    secret is to plonk them into a drill/drill press, turn it on and the polish the head end using 400/800/1200 grit wet and dry.  Drill press works best as it holds them well.  Then install and forget forever.

    Tussuck - i had thought of that but S Steel isn't as "strong" as the original bolts are they ?.

    Does that present an issue at all ?

    The wet N dry process sounds a great idea - cheers

  • Birtyyy
    Birtyyy
    4 years ago
    I powdercoated a bunch of bolts black on my bike, still quite a few that need to be done. I'm the same, they annoy me because they stand out so much.
  • Hoodeng
    Hoodeng
    4 years ago
    Colony do excellent repro and chrome fastener kits. All Harley fasteners are grade 8 on the drive line, unless you order specialty fasteners all stainless will be grade 5.

    Customers sometimes ask for stainless fasteners, i wont fit them as the Harley torque specs are over the stainless fasteners limit.They can put what they like on it when they get a job back.

    You can get the stock fasteners parkerised if you like a black purple type finish.

    Cheers.
  • tussuck
    tussuck
    4 years ago
    Quoting tussuck on 20 Apr 2020 02:32 AM

    replace them with Stainless Steel... I have done all mine years ago and they are still mint.

    secret is to plonk them into a drill/drill press, turn it on and the polish the head end using 400/800/1200 grit wet and dry.  Drill press works best as it holds them well.  Then install and forget forever.

    Quoting Kato on 20 Apr 2020 02:37 AM

    Tussuck - i had thought of that but S Steel isn't as "strong" as the original bolts are they ?.

    Does that present an issue at all ?

    The wet N dry process sounds a great idea - cheers

    These are all none load bearing bolts.... ie they just hold covers in place so Stainless are on par with the OEM plain steel ones.  If anything it has a higher tensile strength.
  • Wideglider
    Wideglider
    4 years ago

    Or you could just cover the Allen-head screws. I use these. They push on, called Kool Kaps.

    20200421_230755.jpg
    20200421_231217.jpg
  • tussuck
    tussuck
    4 years ago
    Quoting Wideglider on 21 Apr 2020 01:08 PMedited: 21 Apr 2020 01:10 PM


    Or you could just cover the Allen-head screws. I use these. They push on, called Kool Kaps.

    20200421_230755.jpg
    20200421_231217.jpg
    Nooooooooooooooo, not a fuckin Kyerakin set!   ALL is LOST
  • Wideglider
    Wideglider
    4 years ago
    Quoting Wideglider on 21 Apr 2020 01:08 PMedited: 21 Apr 2020 01:10 PM


    Or you could just cover the Allen-head screws. I use these. They push on, called Kool Kaps.

    20200421_230755.jpg
    20200421_231217.jpg
    Quoting tussuck on 21 Apr 2020 09:48 PM

    Nooooooooooooooo, not a fuckin Kyerakin set!   ALL is LOST

    Haha - yeah it's a cheap alternative, saves going through changing all the screws - I'd rather spend my time & money on other goodies!
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