Screw needed
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 655
Likes: 0
From: Monroe, LA
Screw needed
Well maybe I should have said bolts needed. I'm having a lot of problems with discoloration and rust on most of the bolts on the bike I keep in FL and tired of spending money on hot toppers. Does anyone have a suggestion? Are there kits that provide all the bolts in stainless steel or chrome. I'm thinking about changing out everything. You thoughts, suggestions and links will be appreciated.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 992
Likes: 1
From: Mechanicsburg, PA
Well maybe I should have said bolts needed. I'm having a lot of problems with discoloration and rust on most of the bolts on the bike I keep in FL and tired of spending money on hot toppers. Does anyone have a suggestion? Are there kits that provide all the bolts in stainless steel or chrome. I'm thinking about changing out everything. You thoughts, suggestions and links will be appreciated.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 66
Likes: 9
From: Northern New York
Screw needed
What I've done in the past, and am currently doing to the bike I've got now, is to make a list of the fasteners/washers, etc, to do a particular job. Then when I've got a decent list I go to a hardware store and buy the fasteners in stainless or chrome (there's an Ace Hardware nearby that has drawers of chromed fasteners).
When I was active duty Coast Guard the bike would either go on the ship with me when we went to another port, or at least, it sat very near the ocean while I was working. I quit buying chrome fasteners at the time because of the rust problem and only bought stainless steel. Since I've retired (sold the old FXS and have a new-to-me FXR) and don't live close to salt water (now I'm close to Lake Ontario) I buy chrome fasteners when they're next to chrome accessories, and stainless when it's next to unpolished aluminum. If it's next to black paint, I use a small bottle of black automotive touch up paint (like from Walmart) and paint the fasteners black. A word of caution though, stainless doesn't have the same tensile strength as a grade 5 or grade 8 bolt.
Dave
When I was active duty Coast Guard the bike would either go on the ship with me when we went to another port, or at least, it sat very near the ocean while I was working. I quit buying chrome fasteners at the time because of the rust problem and only bought stainless steel. Since I've retired (sold the old FXS and have a new-to-me FXR) and don't live close to salt water (now I'm close to Lake Ontario) I buy chrome fasteners when they're next to chrome accessories, and stainless when it's next to unpolished aluminum. If it's next to black paint, I use a small bottle of black automotive touch up paint (like from Walmart) and paint the fasteners black. A word of caution though, stainless doesn't have the same tensile strength as a grade 5 or grade 8 bolt.
Dave
chrome bolts and fasteners
Found an interesting article on this subject.(http://www.hotbikeweb.com/tech/0612_...als/index.html)
You will find all kinds of chrome hardware at: chromebolt.com and colonymachine.com
I found this info when I talked to some guys who are doing a project on a Sportster. They tell their story at http://www.harley-oldschool-bobber.com/
You will find all kinds of chrome hardware at: chromebolt.com and colonymachine.com
I found this info when I talked to some guys who are doing a project on a Sportster. They tell their story at http://www.harley-oldschool-bobber.com/
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,592
Likes: 6
From: Florida
I do the one or bunch at a time replacement with stainless from Lowes/Home Depot/Daytona Bolts and Nuts. The chrome ones always rust so I don't bother with them. The zinc plated hardware holds up better than the chrome in my experience. On stuff that requires more strength (like pegs) I use the black oxide coated bolts (allen head for the foot pegs works great and lets you adjust the tension on the peg...stock is a pin and snap ring on mine). You can always paint them with clear or any color you choose at the local hobby store. Model paints seem to hold up very good for this and it's a whole lot cheaper than the so-called touch-up paint. While you're at the hobby shop pick up a few different size/shape high quality brushes and clean them for reuse. Every time you r&r a bolt you will want to touch them up again after install.
The chrome lug nuts on my Dodge rust up and I have found that if I clean them and wax them before installation and wax the inside of the spline drive socket....no more rust issue! Something like this will probably help on any chrome fasteners.
The chrome lug nuts on my Dodge rust up and I have found that if I clean them and wax them before installation and wax the inside of the spline drive socket....no more rust issue! Something like this will probably help on any chrome fasteners.
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,192
Likes: 168
From: Knoxville, Tn
Hardware
Custom Chrome has all the fasteners for your bike in stainless.
www.customchrome.com They are not cheap but cures a lot of problems.
www.customchrome.com They are not cheap but cures a lot of problems.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 3
From: Sasser, GA
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Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
If you live in Florida...bettter get the polished SS fasteners. There is no stopping salt water corrosion in Florida. I have seen beautiful bikes turn to oxidized garbage in 2 years.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,562
Likes: 11
From: Palm Harbor fl.
what bolts are rusting exactly? do not get chrome they are the only bolts I have trouble with. I replaced the chrome in my rear strut, and front fender so no more rust or chrome crappy bolts.
