Blacking Out Suggestions, Help
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,032
Likes: 9
From: Queen Creek, AZ
Blacking Out Suggestions, Help
Hey all, looking for some suggestions and/or ideas of what I'm going to be dealing with as I black out some of the engine stuff.
Last winter, I did alot of the bike outside the motor and need to finish it off. Couple of things I'm wondering are what 'type' of black do you think would look best, gloss, matte, etc. I did most all in gloss so far except the exhaust which is ceramic and a matte look.
The other questions I have are concerning what I'm going to run into taking these pieces off. I've never dug into these covers before and just not sure what to expect. Also, the heads...will that be extensive stuff?
Finally, would I be better off buying the black covers that HD sells as opposed to blacking out my pieces for fitment purposes?
Thanks guys...I've attached some pictures.
Steve
Last winter, I did alot of the bike outside the motor and need to finish it off. Couple of things I'm wondering are what 'type' of black do you think would look best, gloss, matte, etc. I did most all in gloss so far except the exhaust which is ceramic and a matte look.
The other questions I have are concerning what I'm going to run into taking these pieces off. I've never dug into these covers before and just not sure what to expect. Also, the heads...will that be extensive stuff?
Finally, would I be better off buying the black covers that HD sells as opposed to blacking out my pieces for fitment purposes?
Thanks guys...I've attached some pictures.
Steve
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,863
Likes: 172
From: Clarksville, TN
The only pieces I had powdered was the primary cover...it's $$$ from HD, and the console, cause they don't sell one. The tranny top and side, and horn cover I got from one of the 20% off on-line guys. The parts weren't that expensive so it seemed like the best way to go. The points cover I got off ebay (they are pretty easy to find cause so many will work). The rocker box tops I also had powdered but I had an extra set from my Dyna so it wasn't a big deal.
The stuff is easy to swap out. I did it in conjunction with a fluid change...cuase fluid is coming out so it was best to have it as empty as possible.
The exhaust and and floor boards will have to come off and the pipes as well. If your gonna do the rockers taking off the tank is the way to go and it's a simple job.
Here it is done:
The stuff is easy to swap out. I did it in conjunction with a fluid change...cuase fluid is coming out so it was best to have it as empty as possible.
The exhaust and and floor boards will have to come off and the pipes as well. If your gonna do the rockers taking off the tank is the way to go and it's a simple job.
Here it is done:
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 143
From: Santa Cruz
Bike looks good the flames really set the black off! As you started with gloss keep going with it. Looks mismatched with flat/wrinkle/gloss. The flat pipes and wrinkle cases is as far as I'd go and give a nice accent. Have your parts coated by a good shop! No use buying parts ya already have? The rocker covers are really the only somewhat involved covers. Don't know if ya plan on pushrod tubes/lifter blocks but they are not a big deal once ya have the rockers off.
Last edited by 0ldhippie; Mar 2, 2013 at 09:13 PM.
Advanced
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 63
Likes: 1
From: Minnesota
Gloss Black
The one thing that you want to remember is that if you go with flat, the more you wipe it down and rub on it, the shinier it will get in that spot. My preff. is to go gloss. Make sure you get a good powder coater and make sure they do a good taping job. You shouldn't have to powder coat the heads, only the rocker boxes. Your going to save yourself a TON of money by taking your parts off and powder coating them. If you do powder coat them, can you sandblast them yourself and save you some $$$$$$?
One more suggestion if your a little nervous/iffy on taking these parts off. Go to and H-D dealer and purchase the $60 service manual. It explains EVERYTHING!!!!
Good luck and you'll have to let us know which way you go!!!
One more suggestion if your a little nervous/iffy on taking these parts off. Go to and H-D dealer and purchase the $60 service manual. It explains EVERYTHING!!!!
Good luck and you'll have to let us know which way you go!!!
Road Captain
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 610
Likes: 5
From: N.C.
Just my personal preference but when I started swapping out my chrome engine bits I decided on going with the wrinkle for all the large pieces and using gloss for small/accent/contrast pieces. I think the wrinkle just looks better on major engine covers like the primary, rocker boxes, tappets, tranny covers. I would say go gloss on small stuff like the little round points cover, horn cover. Anything that sits up against the frame I would go gloss on for consistency. It's really a matter of personal preference and what makes you happy and best represents your vision of what you want the bike to look like.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 5,282
Likes: 2
From: Northwestern Nevada
I use a paint brush and latex inside/outside house paint. That way when I choose to change something I only have to pressure wash it and go again.
good luck.
good luck.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 537
Likes: 2
From: watertown, wi
gloss black....send your stuff to the powder pro....in woodstock Ill. Not far from you. Superior quality....great prices and fast turnaround. I have delt wilt them on 3 different occasions....awesome everytime!!!
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,863
Likes: 172
From: Clarksville, TN
Just do so home work first and save yourself some time, trouble, and money.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 466
Likes: 16
From: Montgomery,Il.
Went w/ wrinkle black on all my engine covers except for lower rockers which were left chrome. Bought them from vendor on Ebay got agood deal & still have the shiny parts left.I like a mix of blacks & chrome, went w gloss black front end then gloss fender supports & filler strips. Looks good w/ blk. cherry-blk. pearl paint.