I am interested in changing the front heatshields on my 07 train. If I am to do this do I need to prep the shields to get the finish off? anything special to do this? I plan on spraying them with high temp paint...thanks

 

I did my 05 sportster last year, just lightly sanded the chrome drilled some holes and sprayed with flat black high temp , a year later when i traded it in it still looked good, about 8000 miles, touch up would have been easy just did not need to.

 

I suggest going beyond a light sanding. Gymrat523 had good results from what he did but it's very important to thoroughly scuff the shine off of chrome before applying paint or powder coat. That will ensure good adhesion so you won't be spending your quality riding time touching up the areas that came loose and flaked off. I recommend using 80 grit sandpaper for the initial scuffing, then you can drop down to 120 grit if you want. Apply several coats of good quality high temp paint letting each coat dry between applications.

Good luck with your project!

 

I just did mine. I used a DA sander with 100 grit and three light coats of VHT black. They look good. My sig pic just has the forwards done, but I just finished the rears and installed them today.







Edit: I changed the sig pic.

 

thanks for all the good info and i can't wait to get it started. One question...stupid...maybe...what if i threw the heat shields in my oven for a short time to make the paint adhesion better. If my wife don't mind....

 

The adhesion comes from the paint having an adequate surface to get a good grip on. Once you put them back on the bike they will get plenty hot enough to thoroughly cure the paint... and you won't have a p-o'd wife!

Good luck with the project.