Bending chrome, can it be done?
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,358
Likes: 53
From: WA State
Bending chrome, can it be done?
Here is my dilemma. I bought a chrome engine guard off Ebay for my bike.
Tried to install it last night and it's a no go. There seems to be 2 problem areas. I think 1 fix will solve both issues.
The top L shaped flange mounts where the 2 bolts go that hold the rubber engine mount. In order for this to bolt on, the flange (which is welded onto the bar) needs to be bent out about 1/8- 1/4 inch. This will allow the 2 bolts to screw in at the appropriate angle. As it stands now, it's nearly impossible to get even 1 of those bolts in.
After 2 hours I was able to get 1 bolt in. I had to remove both forward controls and put an extreme angle just to get 1 bolt in. There was no way to get the 2nd bolt in. I also discovered that in order to mount the bottom brackets, I was going to have to really pull out on the bottom of the guard to bolt those. Close to 3 inches. I can't imagine the guard is made to withstand that much constant pressure.
Can and how do I go about bending that upper flange out without breaking the weld or the chrome? Is it as easy as mounting in a vice and bending it?
Tried to install it last night and it's a no go. There seems to be 2 problem areas. I think 1 fix will solve both issues.
The top L shaped flange mounts where the 2 bolts go that hold the rubber engine mount. In order for this to bolt on, the flange (which is welded onto the bar) needs to be bent out about 1/8- 1/4 inch. This will allow the 2 bolts to screw in at the appropriate angle. As it stands now, it's nearly impossible to get even 1 of those bolts in.
After 2 hours I was able to get 1 bolt in. I had to remove both forward controls and put an extreme angle just to get 1 bolt in. There was no way to get the 2nd bolt in. I also discovered that in order to mount the bottom brackets, I was going to have to really pull out on the bottom of the guard to bolt those. Close to 3 inches. I can't imagine the guard is made to withstand that much constant pressure.
Can and how do I go about bending that upper flange out without breaking the weld or the chrome? Is it as easy as mounting in a vice and bending it?
Last edited by SgtMic; Jun 10, 2009 at 02:47 PM. Reason: Added a pic
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Chrome will bend, to a point. Then it will crack and start flaking off. It's not meant to stretch. You can try heating it up before bending it (which would be the preferred method even if it wasn't chromed).
Is it an HD part, or aftermarket? If HD, do you have the part number? If so, you can try to sell it to someone that has the bike it will fit, and try again to get one made for your bike.
Is it an HD part, or aftermarket? If HD, do you have the part number? If so, you can try to sell it to someone that has the bike it will fit, and try again to get one made for your bike.
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,358
Likes: 53
From: WA State
Chrome will bend, to a point. Then it will crack and start flaking off. It's not meant to stretch. You can try heating it up before bending it (which would be the preferred method even if it wasn't chromed).
Is it an HD part, or aftermarket? If HD, do you have the part number? If so, you can try to sell it to someone that has the bike it will fit, and try again to get one made for your bike.
Is it an HD part, or aftermarket? If HD, do you have the part number? If so, you can try to sell it to someone that has the bike it will fit, and try again to get one made for your bike.
If I heat it with a torch, will the chrome heat up and be a little more flexible?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Yes, it should, but it could be tricky. Don't get into a hurry with it. It's also going to depend on how good a job the plater did. The better the job, the more you'll be able to do with it. Too much heat and you'll snap it off and/or permanently discolor the chrome.
Another option would be for you to make some brackets to fill the gaps, like spacers. May have to connect the part to the new bracket, then the new bracket to the frame. That way you won't have to worry about it. Or, if you or someone you know can weld, weld the brackets to the part and then bolt it on.
Yeah, what Kabear said.
I was too busy typing.
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Joined: May 2007
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From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
chrome is one of the hardest metals, and hard means brittle. so it will give a little if plating is 3 part. if stressed to far it will crack and start flaking and rusting under neath..
was the guard for Ur bike or just a good deal?? now U end up fighting it.
was the guard for Ur bike or just a good deal?? now U end up fighting it.
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