Painting Inner Fairing Cap Switches

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Dec 12, 2011 | 11:20 AM

cayers

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From: Las Cruces, NM

Painting Inner Fairing Cap Switches

Has anyone painted the inner fairing cap switches on an Ultra Classic?

I am getting ready to have the inner fairing painted along with the cap and noticed the switches look like crap so...........I was looking for information on painting rather than replacing these less than cheap items.

Any ideas or suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

Last edited by cayers; Dec 12, 2011 at 11:24 AM.

Dec 12, 2011 | 11:59 AM

Redbeard719

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From: On the Front Range, CO

I've not seen it done. IMO, I would imagine that the paint would be too thick for the switch to function properly. I could be wrong though.

If the switches are painted, how would you know what each one does? Wouldn't the writing on the switched be covered?

Dec 12, 2011 | 12:43 PM

cayers

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From: Las Cruces, NM

Well........the lettering or image depicting it's function will need to be applied prior to the clear coat and this is part of the reason for the question to begin with.

Thanks.

Dec 12, 2011 | 12:46 PM

sgdiesel

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Joined: Nov 2008

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From: Cheltenham, UK

Quote:

Originally Posted by fish eye

I've not seen it done. IMO, I would imagine that the paint would be too thick for the switch to function properly. I could be wrong though.

I painted my inner but not switches, but I would agree totally with you on this

Dec 12, 2011 | 01:03 PM

Harleypingman

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From: Roswell, GA

Ask the painter if he can paint the switch caps to match, then add white for the lettering. Hope he can, though I haven't seen it done.

Don't forget to ask the painter to shoot the small, black plastic bezel that surrounds the turn signal indicators and idiot lights. It's a separate piece that HD doesn't paint or include with their factory painted inner fairings/caps.

Good luck with your project.

Carl

Dec 12, 2011 | 01:11 PM

cayers

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From: Las Cruces, NM

Thanks for the heads up on the bezel, I didn't realize it would come off!

I have talked with the painter and he thinks the painting of the switches won't be difficult. I was curious if the buttons would come off of the actual switch so to make working with them easier.

Thanks again.

Dec 12, 2011 | 01:33 PM

Harleypingman

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From: Roswell, GA

Quote:

Originally Posted by cayers

Thanks for the heads up on the bezel, I didn't realize it would come off!

When you remove the inner fairing, you'll see two tabs from the bezel securing the turn signal indicator and idiot lights module to the inner fairing. You'll need to release those tabs to remove the turn signal indicator and idiot light module from the inner fairing.

My painter used a GEM clip to hold one of the tabs to hang it for painting.

To avoid installing the module wrong when you reassemble the inner fairing, mark the module with a Sharpie on the top before removal--I didn't do this and when I reassembled the the inner and module I installed it backwards; i.e. when I hit the right turn signal the the left turn signals were activated.

Easy to have the bezel painted, and with the top of the module marked to install it right, you shouldn't have a problem.

Good luck with your project; hope you paint the switches and your painter can do the white paint on the lettering, and mask the light lens.

Carl

PS: The fairing cap switch caps are not removeable, unlike the turn signals, run/stop, etc. switch caps. He'll need to mask the switch/cap fairing cap switches.

Last edited by Harleypingman; Dec 12, 2011 at 01:36 PM.

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Dec 12, 2011 | 07:30 PM

GLACIERPEARL

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 2,930

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From: OHIO......UGH !!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harleypingman

Don't forget to ask the painter to shoot the small, black plastic bezel that surrounds the turn signal indicators and idiot lights. It's a separate piece that HD doesn't paint or include with their factory painted inner fairings/caps.

Of course they don't Carl !! They want you to buy that fancy chrome cover for the idiot light bezel,...........like I did !!!