Reflector Fiasco
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,359
Likes: 2
From: MA
RE: Reflector Fiasco
Not long ago someone on the boards posted a thread about stripping the clear coat off the lowers and polishing them to a high, almost chrome like shine. That is an option and you might want to post a question here:
https://www.hdforums.com/forumid_242/tt.htm
https://www.hdforums.com/forumid_242/tt.htm
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 748
Likes: 1
RE: Reflector Fiasco
nofxd - First off, I LOVE the back drop in your sig pic!!! Sal-ute! Served proud for 20+ and really love to see others with the same pride in ole glory as me.
OK, lemme correct CraigC in that the stock fork legs are clear coated with paint, not powder coat. Storm8732 suggested the BEST way to remove those dang reflectors without causing damage. We remove them all the time and have experimented with different techniques so I could post suggestions on here and HOPEFULLY save someone from encountering this problem. The only thing I would add to his method is to use a stiff plastic scraper to GENTLY pry the reflector off after heating. I guess pry would be the wrong word, put the scraper behind the reflector and pull after heating, don't pry against the leg.
It kinda looks like you did cut through the clear but it's too hard to say for sure. If you didn't, you may be able to buff the scratches out with a good quality glaze. I use 3M products simply because I believe they are the finest quality but you use what you like. I would NOT use anything aggressive since it will be very easy to cut through the remaining clear. Take your time!!
If the scratches did go through I guess now is the time to decide if you want to make any cosmetic changes to the rest of your bike. Looking at your sig pic, I think it would look a little outta place to only powder coat, polish or chrome you fork legs. Maybe replacing the reflector is the best option in this case... if you don't want to change up your current look.
OK, lemme correct CraigC in that the stock fork legs are clear coated with paint, not powder coat. Storm8732 suggested the BEST way to remove those dang reflectors without causing damage. We remove them all the time and have experimented with different techniques so I could post suggestions on here and HOPEFULLY save someone from encountering this problem. The only thing I would add to his method is to use a stiff plastic scraper to GENTLY pry the reflector off after heating. I guess pry would be the wrong word, put the scraper behind the reflector and pull after heating, don't pry against the leg.
It kinda looks like you did cut through the clear but it's too hard to say for sure. If you didn't, you may be able to buff the scratches out with a good quality glaze. I use 3M products simply because I believe they are the finest quality but you use what you like. I would NOT use anything aggressive since it will be very easy to cut through the remaining clear. Take your time!!
If the scratches did go through I guess now is the time to decide if you want to make any cosmetic changes to the rest of your bike. Looking at your sig pic, I think it would look a little outta place to only powder coat, polish or chrome you fork legs. Maybe replacing the reflector is the best option in this case... if you don't want to change up your current look.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,572
Likes: 5
From: Templeton California
RE: Reflector Fiasco
I used Goo Gone which I assume is about the same thing, and I had no problems
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RE: Reflector Fiasco
Thanx for the replies. I cant believe I made something so simple into a major ordeal. Goof off sucks. Its way too harsh but I just thought it was like goo gone. So I started to buff it with some mothers polish and it polished up better only now I have to polish the whole fork and the other one. I actually dig the way it is coming out. Ive been liking the sanding method by Tommay but it seems like I might be getting the same results by just digging in and polishing the heck out of it. What am I missing here? Am I just ruining my whole clear coat?? Thanx
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,722
Likes: 7
RE: Reflector Fiasco
Never heard of goof-off but if you used a paint remover, that probably wasn't good. I've used goo-gone on many different surfaces, including removing my reflectors, and never had any problem with it causing damage. Another option for you would be to just cover it with some fork sliders. Not the cheapest option but it would easily clean it up. Or, use it as an opportunity to customize your forks by painting them black. Someone had a thread a while back detailing how they did it and it really looked good on their bike (a street bob I'm pretty sure).
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,027
Likes: 4
From: Eastern NE
RE: Reflector Fiasco
Wow! I've never had a problem like that. I have always found it very easy to heat with wifes hair dryer and pull off, leaving little to no residue to clean off. Same procedure on fender emblems. The tank emblems was a whole different story though.[:@] I hope your successful polishing out the marks.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 0
From: Western MA
RE: Reflector Fiasco
Used Goof off on my Sporty and it was BAD,BAD, BAD. I like you made the assumption that it was one in the same and learned the hardway. Mine was the actual paint (fuse panel and oil tank covers) Sorry for the legs getting screwed up but that a somewhat easy fix....even if you got them redone.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
RE: Reflector Fiasco
GOO GONE. Not goof off. Goof off is a solvent. Dont want that any where near your bike. Goo gone is a citricbased degreaser/adhesive remover. Is also great for takin wax offa surfboards.
Try some #7 red then white.
Try some #7 red then white.
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Joined: Sep 2007
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RE: Reflector Fiasco
Yeah I basically learned the hard way that those two solvents are way different. But its polishing up pretty nice. My pops thinks Im crazy and he says he cant really tell. But I know!!!! So I guess ill just use the hairdryer on the other side and just be thankful that I didnt start with the fenders first! The Goof Off is going away now.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
RE: Reflector Fiasco
Ya dont need a hair dryer. geta paper towel underneath the sticker/reflector. Apply some goo gone. let it sit. Then use the fishing line. If needed apply some more goo gone. clean w/ soap & water.