Chrome front end - DIY

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Jan 17, 2009 | 10:31 AM

#11

gmc

Road Warrior

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 1,802

Likes: 2

From: Salt Lake City, UT. Dushore, Pa.

One thing that bugs me is they charge 33.95 ea side for the chrome caliper bolt hardware kit #44473-02A, they don't have just the 4 caliper mountng bolts. I originally just bought one custom cliper bolt cover kit # 40955-05 24.95 and used two covers on each side bolt that attaches the caliper to the lowers then I painted the other caliper bolts black using DecorArt no-prep metal paint. You'll see alot of chrome lowers that have the ugly stock 12 pt bolts put back in. I just recently ordered the actual bolts, 2ea. M10-80 and 2 ea M10-35, fr Ace Hardware but Gardner Wescott (520-298-9661) has them also in 12 pt. You can use the axle wrench if you don't have the 1 3/8" special socket.

Jan 17, 2009 | 11:57 AM

#12

steveh326

Road Warrior

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 1,548

Likes: 163

From: Mt. Airy, MD

just did this swap myself. the only special tool I needed that wasn't in my box was a length of pvc pipe to use as a seal driver. I bought new fork seals, and 2 new drain screws/crush washers that go in the bottom.

if you are concerned about diving, would be a good time to add in progressive springs. I think mine were $86 or so. I also did the SE fork oil. Both of these combine to give me no nose dive on stops... I am not sure what either one by itself would have done.

Take your time and follow the steps in the SM... 1st fork will take a while, 2nd fork will go fast.

The ignition lock was troublesome for me... till I finally figured out that one of the slots on each one was dovetailed, the other was square (after putting on my damn reading glasses). I lined the dovetails up at 2:00 and the switch on 'lock' and it dropped right in place.

good luck with your install, IMO it's well worth the time and effort in how it improves the look of your bike.

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Jan 17, 2009 | 12:23 PM

#13

bigskyhd

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 8,051

Likes: 50

From: Florence, MT (Bitterroot Valley)

Try the search button on the same subject or PM UltraKla$$ic. I know he did the same thing just a few months ago, and he had pictures and "how to" for the entire process. Hope this helps.

Jan 17, 2009 | 12:56 PM

#14

patsfan

Thread Starter

Road Captain

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 559

Likes: 0

From: La Vergne, TN

Thanks Guys, great info. I believe I now have all my ducks in a row. I'm 6 ft and ride 2 up most of the time, so I have no plans to lower the bike. I had thought about Progressive springs but dont want to stiffen the ride anymore. When I did the handlebars, I put in poly bushings which seemed to stiffen a little anyways. To be honest, I have no problems with the ride with stock springs & oil, so I think I'll keep em stock. I've got a week vacation coming up and the wife has to work, so the bike is going up on the lift and this and a few other mods are getting done. The front end is the biggest project and I didnt want to have to run back and forth getting stuff I need. Thanks again.

Jan 17, 2009 | 03:06 PM

#15

Lonewolf176

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 2,447

Likes: 662

From: Vancouver Island B.C.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 04harleyboy

There are three different fork oils that HD offers, stk, SE HD and SE race, I use the SE HD and would not go back (just replaced it last week), it firms up the ride a little, and dives less, just what I wanted. We ran the race in my buddies and he will be going to the SE HD oil next time. I am also changing my rear shock oil from the stk 5wt to Amsoil 10 wt.

What is the weight of the SE HD?

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigskyhd

Try the search button on the same subject or PM UltraKla$$ic. I know he did the same thing just a few months ago, and he had pictures and "how to" for the entire process. Hope this helps.

I think IClick also had a thread about this