I just went to put removeable sideplates on my Heritage, and I was pisse- that the Factory rigid sideplates have ruined the Chrome on the fender strut, under the sidelates. Should there have been little spacers on there to prevent metal on metal contact for the whole length of the sideplate.There is not much sense leaving the removeable ones on there so I can look at rust.

 

I put mine on the second Yr I had her in 08.
didn't have any rust.

What yr is Ur bike? I guess one could get some rusting if its been left stock for yrs.

U might try some chrome polish and see if U can clean her up.. Harley chrome is usually really good chrome..



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Yup, had the same problem with mine. Had the original side plates on for one season and they scarred up the struts pretty bad. I was able to clean them up some, but it's still really obvious in the sun. I never recommend the hard mount side plates. I'm having my struts PC'd this Winter.

 

When my dealer put on the luggage rack they would have removed the sideplates for access, they must have torqued it down so tight that both ends have dug right into the metal. Another reason you are better to do it yourself.