Advise on Plastic/Chrome Bolt covers.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,796
Likes: 36
From: Toronto, Ontario
Advise on Plastic/Chrome Bolt covers.
Hi Guys,
There are a few bolts/nuts that are getting really ugly looking on my bike.. (the passenger footpeg first to jump to mind
.
I wanted to top them off with those cheap Plasticy Chrome thingys ..they are cheap and use Silicone to attach.
What is the down side to that if any ? I understand I can always yank that crab off with some heat and pliers and throw in the garbage ? correct ?
Let me know what you think.
There are a few bolts/nuts that are getting really ugly looking on my bike.. (the passenger footpeg first to jump to mind
.I wanted to top them off with those cheap Plasticy Chrome thingys ..they are cheap and use Silicone to attach.
What is the down side to that if any ? I understand I can always yank that crab off with some heat and pliers and throw in the garbage ? correct ?
Let me know what you think.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,103
Likes: 13,043
From: Texas, USA
Hi Guys,
There are a few bolts/nuts that are getting really ugly looking on my bike.. (the passenger footpeg first to jump to mind.
I wanted to top them off with those cheap Plasticy Chrome thingys ..they are cheap and use Silicone to attach.
What is the down side to that if any ? I understand I can always yank that crab off with some heat and pliers and throw in the garbage ? correct ?
Let me know what you think.
There are a few bolts/nuts that are getting really ugly looking on my bike.. (the passenger footpeg first to jump to mind
.I wanted to top them off with those cheap Plasticy Chrome thingys ..they are cheap and use Silicone to attach.
What is the down side to that if any ? I understand I can always yank that crab off with some heat and pliers and throw in the garbage ? correct ?
Let me know what you think.
http://www.hottoppers.com/home.asp
I attach them with a dab of silicone. The down sides are:
1. They fall off.
2. They break when you remove them
Both situations are unusual in my experience.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 526
Likes: 4
From: North Atlanta Georgia
I actually used them quite a bit. Things like covering nearly all engine Allen heads on an Iron 883 and the rear fender strut bolts on a Fatboy Lo to name a few. Most don't require silicone and push on without falling off. I thing they can clean up a HD a lot .
Downsides are , like was said, the small ones can get messed up removing them and they are expensive for what they are. The larger ones can be reused quite a bit though. The Harley mechanics don't like em if they have to remove for a service.
I use mostly black ones to clean up silver looking bolts next to black frame, engine, or sprocket.
If you are not sure what size to order go to their website. They have individual toppers and whole bike packages. In the packages it tells you how many of each size you get and where they go so you can figure out what you need. If you still need help, the folks at Hotoppers are very helpful. Tell them what you are trying to cover and they will tell you what you need. If you order online, but tell them what you are trying to cover, they will call you to correct your order before shipping it. Good folks.
Downsides are , like was said, the small ones can get messed up removing them and they are expensive for what they are. The larger ones can be reused quite a bit though. The Harley mechanics don't like em if they have to remove for a service.
I use mostly black ones to clean up silver looking bolts next to black frame, engine, or sprocket.
If you are not sure what size to order go to their website. They have individual toppers and whole bike packages. In the packages it tells you how many of each size you get and where they go so you can figure out what you need. If you still need help, the folks at Hotoppers are very helpful. Tell them what you are trying to cover and they will tell you what you need. If you order online, but tell them what you are trying to cover, they will call you to correct your order before shipping it. Good folks.
Last edited by atlantaallen; May 4, 2013 at 06:41 AM.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,796
Likes: 36
From: Toronto, Ontario
Thanks folks, I used the chinese cheappo (or so it seems) ones online .. they are about 30$ for a full kit will see how bad/good this is ?
For the Engine rocker boxes I used a more expensive hot toppers bolts.
For the Engine rocker boxes I used a more expensive hot toppers bolts.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 444
Likes: 1
From: Grand Rapids, MI
I only use the Hot Toppers on my handlebar clamps. Most other fasteners I have replaced with stainless steel from "alloy boltz" (sp). If you were to go to SS anti-seize MUST be used to prevent SS/Al issues.
Hey keep us informed please I just cant see spending the kind of monye hot toppers wants for theirs.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,501
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From: Sheboygan,Wi
I bought a bunch of the toppers on ebay for 1/3 of the price of Hot Toppers. I got black ones last time but the chrome were just as good.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,103
Likes: 13,043
From: Texas, USA
If you use the correct size Hot Topper, it should be a snug fit around the bolt head. It shouldn't require much silicone at all.