Removing reflectors off front forks

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Dec 23, 2011 | 02:47 PM

#21

Smurf14

Stage IV

Joined: Dec 2011

Posts: 4

Likes: 0

From: Big Lake, Minnesota

I used Goo-Gone and a small screwdriver now got some scratches and marks and idea how to get them fixed?

Mar 10, 2013 | 09:19 AM

#22

LoudPipes

1st Gear

Joined: Jan 2013

Posts: 5

Likes: 0

From: Atlanta, GA

Hair dryer and a plastic putty knife, took 3 minutes. Cleaned residue, which was very little, with nail polish remover.

Mar 10, 2013 | 11:07 AM

#23

Bone Doc

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 13,104

Likes: 13,047

From: Texas, USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smurf14

I used Goo-Gone and a small screwdriver now got some scratches and marks and idea how to get them fixed?

This may be a learning experience for you. In the future, I wouldn't use metal objects (eg: screwdrivers) to scrape dirt, residue, etc. off of metal, especially chrome. They scratch as you found out. Notice the posts to this thread recommend PLASTIC scrapers.

If the scratches are in chrome, they are likely permanent and the only fix is to rechrome. You can try a metal polish like Simichrome but they will not disappear. Hopefully they are only fine scratches and not very noticeable.

If the scratches are in aluminum, like lower legs, you can sand the scratches out using wet sandpaper or steel wool and an abrasive metal polish. The depth of the scratches will determine how aggressive you will need to be. You can search the forum for "polishing aluminum". I am not suggesting you should proceed to finish the aluminum to a highly polished surface but it will contain information for you to help remove the scratches.

Good luck with it.

Mar 10, 2013 | 12:14 PM

#24

jwilson77

Cruiser

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 108

Likes: 0

From: Cleveland

I put a little goo-gone on around the reflector and let it sit about an hour. Came back, gave 'em a twist and popped right off. A little more goo-gone on a folded up paper towel and let it sit on the remaining adhesive for a while. Came back, rubbed it clean and good to go.

Mar 10, 2013 | 12:14 PM

#25

Kowan

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: May 2010

Posts: 7,882

Likes: 5

From: So California

I used a small block of wood as a fulcrum and to protect the surface.
Used a large screwdriver to pry the reflectors off.
Chrome polish to remove the very small amount of adhesive left on the forks and wax to remove it off the swing arm.

Mar 10, 2013 | 01:16 PM

#26

mlodzik13

Intermediate

Joined: Feb 2013

Posts: 26

Likes: 0

From: Wisconsin

is there any special way to take them off of denim paint?

Mar 10, 2013 | 01:34 PM

#27

Kowan

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: May 2010

Posts: 7,882

Likes: 5

From: So California

Since the primmer, I mean demin isn't a smooth finish, I'd use the goo gone to loosen the adhesive before removing them.

Mar 10, 2013 | 06:55 PM

#28

smokeygold

Road Master

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 821

Likes: 2

3 freakin pages on removing reflectors and I'm reading them! Winter in New England!

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Apr 3, 2013 | 04:09 PM

#29

Govno

Road Captain

Joined: Jan 2012

Posts: 517

Likes: 3

From: Cleveland

Okay. Now that I have read all this and know "how" to remove my reflectors, lol, I was wondering if anyone took them off an older bike and if there was discoloration on either the aluminum or the paint? I have a 2003, so it's 10 years old...