I'm having my heads done. I want nicer looking head bolts, like stainless steel. Any good options without spending a fortune? Or should I just paint the old ones black?

No covers, I hate covers.

I just found Colony makes a chrome upper bolt set #2012-B. Is that any good?

 

I had covers. They came off. I would try something made specifically like the colony.

 

Look at Diamond Engineering in Holly Hill, FL. They have some awesome hardware. http://depss.com/

 

I put a set of headbolt covers on once. They were the individual ones with some sort of plastic do-hickey that slipped on the headbolt, and then a chrome cover that used an Allen head screw to secure it.

One trip around the east side of Lake Okeechobee on US 441/Hwy 15, and two of them fell off. In addition to a couple other things.

I installed a different set that is secured in place with an o-ring around the spark plug. They haven't moved a thousandth.

 

I did some reading and found someone who said they had SS head bolts loosen up on 'em and blow the head gasket. No thanks. I'll just stick with my stockers and hit 'em with Rustoleum satin black like most everything else.

 

all new headbolts from Harley are chrome now. you cant buy non-chrome headbolts anymore...same price as the old ones

 

i would stay away from stainless steel, as well... i don't think the strength will be there given the heat and torque

most stainless steel is only slightly stronger than grade 2 steel because it typically has much less carbon in it, and when it cools can actually be quite brittle....and given vibration...not good, imo

now, there ARE stainless steel bolts out there that have a moly composition, and are pretty strong...but you NEED to make sure it is specified...wouldn't know where to find them, though...specialty hardware

 

well I was thinking colony or ARP... but now that jasper says all the harley bolts are chrome.... and shouldn't I have new bolts anyway on a rebuild?

 

I always just use stock they are easy to get and usually the right ones And I never reuse them ones they are out they go in the garbage.

 

ARP... those are the ones

i have chrome ones from Harley and they're very high quality