I used Bell Automotive 22-5-14101-M Monkey Grip Bead Sealer. Worked good after clean up just apply as directions indicate. I would just visit a Napa or automotive parts and ask for a good aluminum wheel bead sealer.

 

What fuzzy said...

Cleaned them with rubbing alcohol, then taped them off, then a little tack cloth and a bit more alcohol. Made sure it was completely dry and then did 4 light coats (a few minutes apart) of Rustoleum Acryclic Enamel Crystal Clear (rattle can).

Still holding up 10K miles and 8 months later. If at some point it does start to go bad, then I will take the time and PC them or hydro dip them.

 

Thanks Kevin
I have started the process
Have them cleaned up and one coat applied.
Will do the 4 total coats.
Wonder what it would cost Harley to chrome them from factory.
Terrible wheels
On a great trike !
Hap

 

Thanks for the info. I got the new wheels yesterday and will get them done before riding weather. Can't wait.

 

I had the worst luck with the clear coat. I tried some crap that cost $25 a can, other stuff from NAPA. I could actually scrape it off with a finger nail. I cleaned them up and sent them out for chrome.

 

I purchased a set of take offs, as I wanted to change the dunflops
for a good rain tire. My thought being that I would clear coat them.
But talking to my powder coat shop he said they would send the
rims out to be buffed to a high luster and clear coat them for $100.
each. I think this will make me HAPPY, as I am too old to do a lot
of cleaning........uh.. change that to ANY cleaning!....tenn.

 

Seems more and more of us are getting there ...

 

Several posts on this issue, including by me about mine being damaged beyond repair. Chrome is the only way to go. ***** Shiny...did mine. Check out the pic below:

 

I bought my first set of aluminum wheels (American Mags) in the 60's. Nothing has changed. Aluminum is a porous metal. It can leak if not sealed, and stains very easily. I personally like the look of polished Aluminum over Chrome, I even like polished nickel over chrome. All personal taste. I finally had to convince myself that I would rather ride it than spend way too much time polishing it. We don't have a long winter layoff out here so the trike has very little 'down' time.

 

Yep, same thing here. Three years later they still look like the day I got them from ***** Shiny!