Primary Clear Coat removal
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 440
Likes: 1
From: NW Burbs of Chicago
Primary Clear Coat removal
(Tried asking this in a self help section with no joy)
I'm pulling the outer primary case to replace the gasket and would like to clean it up at the same time. There seems to be some sort of clear coat which has been eroding away. It is some sort of coating - I can feel the lines with my fingertips. Looks like a case of leprosy. Hope the pics make the situation clear - not a great camera
How can I remove the balance of the clear coat? Will it be just elbow grease with the right abrasive like steel wool and if it's steel wool what is the most aggressive grade I could use? Any chemical assistance possible?
I'm pulling the outer primary case to replace the gasket and would like to clean it up at the same time. There seems to be some sort of clear coat which has been eroding away. It is some sort of coating - I can feel the lines with my fingertips. Looks like a case of leprosy. Hope the pics make the situation clear - not a great camera
How can I remove the balance of the clear coat? Will it be just elbow grease with the right abrasive like steel wool and if it's steel wool what is the most aggressive grade I could use? Any chemical assistance possible?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,071
Likes: 89
From: NEPA
Here is how I did it and I'm not saying this is the right way, but it work great for me. I'm not expert and don't claim to be.
I started with a 400grit wet sand paper and removed all of the clear coat. I switched to 600grit to smooth everything out.
I then used a buffer and some aluminum buffing compound.
I then took some clean rags and removed the compound. This also helped bring out the shine in it.
Good Luck
I started with a 400grit wet sand paper and removed all of the clear coat. I switched to 600grit to smooth everything out.
I then used a buffer and some aluminum buffing compound.
I then took some clean rags and removed the compound. This also helped bring out the shine in it.
Good Luck
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,198
Likes: 3,087
From: NW AR
I've removed the clear coat with abrasives, wire brush, and a buffing wheel, but the easiest way is to remove the piece, set it on the driveway, spray some aircraft stripper on it, wait a couple minutes, hose it off and it's gone. Then you can buff or polish it as you want.
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 49
Likes: 1
From: Iowa
Get some TSP from Home depot and mix it strong let the parts soak overnight and it will come off in strips or just pressure wash it all off.
Trending Topics
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,402
Likes: 2,605
From: NC USA
Any paint remover will make short work of the clear coat. From there, it's all about how much time you want to spend. If you get it like you want it, you can clear it again, but it won't have quite the luster as fresh polished.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Cruiser
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 204
Likes: 3
Aircraft stripper and then hit it with a mothers mini powerball or buff it by hand. If it does not want to polish out you can use some very fine steel wool with some polish followed by the hand or machine buffing.
Last edited by the_ogre25; Jun 8, 2009 at 09:30 PM.
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 440
Likes: 1
From: NW Burbs of Chicago
Thanks all.
Like the aircraft stripper idea sinceI will have the cover off anyway. Where do I find that? Or would a paint stripper I get at Home Depot do the job the same?
My plan is ... barring advice otherwise ... just to wax it after polishing it up.
Like the aircraft stripper idea sinceI will have the cover off anyway. Where do I find that? Or would a paint stripper I get at Home Depot do the job the same?
My plan is ... barring advice otherwise ... just to wax it after polishing it up.