Clearcoat Problem

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Jun 16, 2009 | 08:24 PM

SteveM

Thread Starter

Road Captain

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 661

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From: Indianapolis, IN

Clearcoat Problem

I've got a vivid black 07 Ultra w/ 24,000 miles. I am meticulous about keeping it clean. While cleaning it after a recent trip of 1,200 miles I found 2 areas on the front fender where the clearcoat appears to be separating from the basecoat. Anyone had any experience with clearcoat problems or heard of anyone who has? Although my 2 year factory warranty has expired, I am in the first year of my extended 5 year warranty. I've heard and read that Harley doesn't cover paint under warranty anyhow. Here are a couple pictures of my problem. Any input is appreciated.

Last edited by SteveM; Jun 17, 2009 at 08:02 AM.

Jun 16, 2009 | 09:05 PM

Donnylee

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 3,159

Likes: 1,071

From: Brandon, Mississippi

Thats not good! I think your on your own with it. Is it just the front fender?

Jun 16, 2009 | 09:13 PM

stro1965

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 10,602

Likes: 721

From: Bellevue, NE

Ouch! I better keep an eye on my vivid black '07 Ultra!

Jun 16, 2009 | 09:25 PM

trkmd

1st Gear

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 5

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From:

I understand!

Same thing just happened to my 2007 vivid black ultra classic! Top of my saddle bag has some clear coat flaking... having to get a body shop to repair...wonder if motoco bought their clear coat products from China or North Korea???

Jun 16, 2009 | 10:19 PM

bigskyhd

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 8,051

Likes: 50

From: Florence, MT (Bitterroot Valley)

That's just wrong. My sympathies. I've got a 2000 in vivid black base, and fortunately it still looks like brand new. Good luck trying to get the MoCo to cover it. THEY SHOULD!!! It's an obvious factory defect, and I'd fight that all the way up the ladder. Definitely contact one of the zone reps. PM me if you need a rep phone#.

Jun 16, 2009 | 11:14 PM

ky_ace

Road Master

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 858

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From: around

I have to say... I'm not seeing what you're referring to. Can you get a pic up of you pointing to the defect?? The clear is baked on so I really don't see it just flaking off.

Jun 17, 2009 | 06:45 AM

jharanin

Road Master

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 863

Likes: 1

From: Dover, DE

It's hard to see what you are trying to point out in the picture. There are several things that can be going on. First, is that the only place you see it? If that's the case it could be surface contamination on the base before clearcoating. If it's in other locations I would have someone check mil thickness to see if the correct amount of product was put on in the first place. If they didn't put enough clear on you could have delamination from lack of UV protection. In that location I don't think thats the case. I have an 07 as well and the paint looks fine...do some homework before you go to MOCO at least you'll have a leg to stand on. On automotive finishes you look for 4.5 - 6.0 mils from sheet metal up.