Reflector Fiasco

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Dec 10, 2007 | 11:22 AM

#21

trip20

Grand HDF Member

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 3,553

Likes: 17

RE: Reflector Fiasco

Quote:

ORIGINAL: nofxd

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.

Yes, use the hairdryer on high nice and close to the reflector, get it good and hot, and saw back and forth behind it with some fishing line. Then simply use WD-40 to rub off any left over adhesive. I did this for all four reflectors after reading many posts on this topic, and did not have any issues. Good luck with the rest of the reflectors.

Dec 10, 2007 | 12:31 PM

#22

CraigC

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 2,958

Likes: 1

From: West Tennessee

RE: Reflector Fiasco

Quote:

ORIGINAL: powdercoater

OK, lemme correct CraigC in that the stock fork legs are clear coated with paint, not powder coat.

Well that would certainly explain why the clearcoat came off with a solvent. I figured they were powdercoated or clear anodized. At least paint should be easy to touch up.

Dec 10, 2007 | 01:58 PM

#23

SPECIAL ED

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 3,572

Likes: 5

From: Templeton California

RE: Reflector Fiasco

Quote:

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

You can polish the whole thing with just polish it just takes longer because you have to polish off the clearcoat to polish the metal.And yes you are ruining your "whole clearcoat" because you're removing it.But once you have it polished out you really don't need a clearcoat if you keep it garaged and polish it once in a while.You might be able to speed this up by intentionally removing the clearcoat with that Goof Off.

Dec 10, 2007 | 02:13 PM

#24

Cornhusker

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 2,027

Likes: 4

From: Eastern NE

RE: Reflector Fiasco

Quote:

ORIGINAL: Wyde Glyde Bry

Quote:

ORIGINAL: nofxd

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.

I don't even go that far, never have! I just do as you say, hold the dryer close to the reflector, then hook my nails behind the reflector along the top sidesand pull like hell. Once the top pops loose, I just pull it the rest of the way off. No left over residue as a rule, especially on the sliders. Some small residuesometimes left on the fenders but very little. "Powdercoater" uses something plastic to pop the reflectors loose after heating instead of his fingers. No muss, no fuss and no chemicals.

Dec 10, 2007 | 02:22 PM

#25

Topspin

Road Warrior

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 1,643

Likes: 3

From: Palm Beach

RE: Reflector Fiasco

Quote:

ORIGINAL: nofxd

Any suggestions would be killer. Thanx!

Why not put the reflectors back on?

Why would you take off ANYTHING that makes you easier to see? I personally don't get it!

If the bike came without them, we'd all buy them from Kury for $200!

Glue 'em back...

Dec 10, 2007 | 03:32 PM

#26

Beefy

Tourer

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 331

Likes: 0

From: Palm Coast, Fl

RE: Reflector Fiasco

As soon as I read the other post, I too went out and took off the reflectors. I used fishing line and goo gone and a dish scrubber made from plastic. It worked good, just about 30 minutes of scrubbing off the extra glue. I used regular line, not syder wire as I thought this would scratch the tubes.

Dec 10, 2007 | 03:42 PM

#27

2007fxdc

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 4,722

Likes: 7

RE: Reflector Fiasco

Quote:

ORIGINAL: Topspin
Why not put the reflectors back on?

Why would you take off ANYTHING that makes you easier to see? I personally don't get it!

If the bike came without them, we'd all buy them from Kury for $200!

Glue 'em back...

I remember when I used to say that (notice any reflectors on my bike?).

I didn't realize Kuryakyn sold reflectors. Maybe they are Infinity reflectors with LED's that make your forks look like they have a hole going through them. Only $200? Maybe I can find them cheaper on ebay!

Dec 10, 2007 | 04:55 PM

#28

nofxd

Thread Starter

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Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 64

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RE: Reflector Fiasco

So the fork is polishing up pretty nice, I actually like it. I definately have a different attitude towards my bike now. Having it for about three months now I have been pretty much worried about every little scratch and nick. But now I realize that all of that is just secondary to keeping the rubber side down and having a great time. 500 miles in the last 2 days in 80 degree weather is what its about. In fact I might not even polish the other fork because nobody is ever going to notice and I really dont care if anybody does.
Thanx for all the replies.Peace.