I purchased my 99 Fxsts last year and have finally gotten it to the point that I am satisfied with the look and ride. Has been total enjoyment cause I did all mods myself (thanks to this forum). The overall finish of the paint is excellent, but there is a small chip and at least three scratches I want to address. Is it feasible to "repair" these or go with a new paint job on all sheet metal. I am not expecting perfection. Would be happy with something that "looks good from a distance".

 

It'll be interesting to see what suggestions you get. One possibility is a local car chip franchise. Some of them will visit and colour match.

 

The chip is on the lip of the bobtail fender. I've been looking for some sort of fender tip accessory on the aftermarket but so far no luck.

 

If you have a solid color paint, not metallic or metal flake, and you get a good color match touch up paint you can make repairs that are totally invisible.
It would require taking your time and filling the chip and scratches with several applications, then color sanding and rubbing it out but it can make the damage go away completely.
I think the best you can hope for with metallic and metal flake is "looks good from a distance" and often that is sufficient for the owner.

 

I'd start with the dealer. Maybe there's a touch-up paint available from them. If not, then try the touch-up paint companies. They should be able to match it if you have the paint code.

 

It's Diamond Ice, or silver to me. Because the defects are so small, I have no problem giving it a try myself. I'm in no hurry, the rest of the bike is fine.

 

I have seen the paint online so I know that is not a problem. I am going to seek out a local painter and get a quote. If it's ridiculous, I will do the job myself. Thanks for the reply.

 

You can do a Google search for Harley paint codes. There is a list out there that will have all of the PPG codes for Harley paint for all of the 90's bikes. Any PPG paint shop can mix it for you if you take the proper code for your color. I painted the lowers on my 98 Ultra Mystique Green with the internet code and the paint matched perfectly. I had my local paint shop mix up a rattle can of the base coat, sprayed great, then a couple coats of clear and it is perfect.

 

Are the scratches down to the undercoat or just something that can be felt when running finger nails over? The reason I ask is the smaller scratches that can be felt with finger nails but not down to undercoat I have removed with Meguiars SCRATCH X 2.0 very successfully

 

I'd catagorize the scratches as "down to the base coat" since they are now black. The chip is about the size of a pencil eraser. The previous owner tried to "touch it up" but it looks lame.