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Here is the issue.. On one of them the locking plate and rivet spin freely around the inner cap. On the other it is loose and wiggles, but does not spin. Both my 65 and 67 with OEM caps use these left-side gas caps. Neither are loose.
On the one that spins freely, I took out the original rubber gasket (gonna need replacing anyway) to get a better look at the piece. The brass spacer/washer turns on its own. The locking plate and rivet turn as one. This leads me to believe I need to separate the inner cover from the outer cap cover and re-peen the rivet to the inner cap.
Problem is I do not have a clue as to how to separate the outer and inner cap. Appears to be a press fit. Anyone with some guidance that has done this before?
Last edited by panz4ever; Mar 14, 2025 at 01:53 PM.
I've taken caps apart before and they come apart easy. In my case we tack welded a washer onto the cap knowing I was rechroming the outer caps. In this case I would use an adhesive used by bodyshops to pull dents or those paintless dent places. Stick it to the chrome without marking it and do something similar on the bayonet side or mechanics wire wrapped around under the tabs.
Another thought is chill the cap in the freezer then holding the bayonet side dip the chrome in boiling water briefly. That might be enough to make the cap fall off or be easily pulled off.
Well, finally getting closer to starting the 65. Lower gas line is definitely not fitting tho. no way to return it (had it about 2-1/2 years). ordered another from Strangebird. Thought it odd that there are three different ones listed. 48 only (knew that). 49-57 - #62366-48A, and 58-65 - #62355-48B (did not know that).
So where I am at....still waiting on the frame repair being done by Wasco (Tacoma Washington) for the 49 FL project (but at least he returned my call with an update...most likely one more month). Put a couple miles on the chopped '50 and then decided to see about the final touches on the '65 before a re-start. And, of course the lower crossover line from Strangebird did not fit properly. So after some stretching, bending and tweaking the piece fits as it should between the bottom of both tanks. Then Murphy's Law kicks in ,because now my shut-off rod binds. I can force it into position, but that obviously is not correct. Mind you I had used the shut-off rod tank alignment tool before painting to ensure the shut-off rod functioned as it should. I end up pulling the left tank, get out the tank alignment tool and use the Harley hammer (painted tanks mind you) to correct the alignment so the the shut-off rod assembly operates smoothly and without binding. All I could think of is please do not let me miss.
Next step is to add some gas to ensure the connections do not leak, charge the battery, add some oil and see if there is life (been 25 years).
So, damn, my painter had been using Dupont Chroma Base Brilliant Black on all parts painted black on the 65, but the paint is no longer available. All my research indicates that the appropriate substitute that is close is the Axalta chroma pro Super Jet Black. Only problem is that the Dupont formula is solvent-based and the Axalta (who bought out Dupont) is water-based. To use the latter requires a sealer and then the application. This obviously runs up the cost and the possibility af the paint bubbling if the sealer somehow f's up.
My painter got really sick (as in almost dying) and has been out of the box for 16 months. He is back at work now and called to tell me that he can't find the Dupont color.. So the sidecar and fender are down to their last coat and at this stage they are unfinished sans the final coat.
Anyone with some input here please. Suggestions on an acceptable substitute for the solvent-based Brilliant Black?
Been using the same painter for near 30 years now, but will probably switch to another a bit further away for the 49 FL project. In an ideal world he would be trying to do what I am trying to do. That said, I get it, time is money and he still has a business to run.
Just wondering if I should call it at this point, pay him for what he has done, bring the pieces home and sort it from there.
Final thought.... maybe switch to a solvent based PPG black and try get it as close as possible?
Last edited by panz4ever; Oct 9, 2025 at 06:48 PM.
This PPG Brilliant Black single stage paint was so easy to spray and flowed out beautifully on my HD golf cart. I used Ford black because I also used Wimbledon white and it was easy for them to find the formula. It looks like any Harley black that I've seen.
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