It is at least for my new (to me) '08 Crossbones. I picked up a HD luggage rack and spotlights for pennies on ebay but they are in chrome. I'm planning to use black epoxy paint to make them match the bike. Any good ideas on how to prep the chrome (its brand new) so the paint sticks? Will sandpaper work?

 

I used sandpaper (a few different grits) on a few small parts to see how it works. I then spray painted the parts. It worked great! I am thinking of taking the heat shields off and painting them black next. I figure if it doesn't look good I can just use exhaust wrap or get a different exhaust. Heck, I am loving the blacked out look. I am tempted to paint my primary cover too.

I do realize I could get all the parts powder coated for pretty cheap, but where is the "old school" in that?

 

I would get them powdercoated. Much more durable, especially if you plan to use the luggage rack any. I got several pieces powdercoated for $20 recently.

 

Powdercoating would be ideal. I'd have to send them away by mail, I doubt there is anyplace here int he sticks that does it. Can they put powdercoat over chrome or does it have to be stripped?

 

Yes you can powdercoat over chrome, it turns out very good because the surface is so clean. I did several parts on my RK this way.

 

I also agree on some bikes with a lot of black, the new chrome does look really good...

 

Powdercoat shops are in more places than you think. I live in Chattanooga and there are several places here. It appears from your signature, you probably aren't too far from here...You are right, the E TN mountain area is pure heaven Jerry

 

Any powder coat shop you can particularly reccomend?

 

Like others have said powder coating would be best...

But if you're gonna try paint you need a good two or three part self etching primer to start with...

Charlie D.

 

I used Jason at Autocycle PowderCoating in Red Bank, TN, which is a suburb of Chattanooga. He was extremely reasonable and the gloss black over the chrome pieces were perfect. His number is 423-876-8132.