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Replacement Stainless Bolts/ Polishing

My VS 1400 cylinder cover chrome bolts and washers started to
rust after being removed a few times
(excess washing I guess);
(National Cycle) windshield chrome dome nuts started to
rust and break; and slip-on muffler bracket bolts were rusting.
Also, I wanted nice chrome number plate bolts/nuts.

Scared off with the price and delay in shipment of OEM chrome stuff,
I bought 304 s.s. (cheaper than 314) hardware from a local
fastener supplier for a fraction of the cost, got them straight
away and they fit perfectly.

Minimal polishing was required (jeweler’s' rouge) on a 3" felt
wheel attached to a drill or modified spindle of a bench
grinder brings them up to near chrome finish in no time. The
" DREMEL " is too slow and polishing wheels are expensive!

No rusting or rust marks, stronger bolts and nuts and they'll
last forever (if I don't drop the bike) & I always buy a couple
of extra to have on hand. The ss washers are particularly handy
for stopping rust bleeds. I am amazed at the range of hardware
and the price is unbelievably cheap compared to chrome. So
far no one has picked out the difference.

WARNING: Stainless Steel is stronger than OEM mild
steel chrome, so be careful tightening them into alloy casings
observe tightening torques.

 

I take exception about DREMELS being too *slow* however, as
they spin many times faster than regular drills. However they
lack the power of a drill until you get into like the
Forstner type rigs which have plenty of power.

If you call DREMEL themselves, they will tell you their tool is a
strictly lightweight, hobby type tool...

I should know as I've been through maybe 15 of them.

And BTW, the term *** stainless steel *** is a misnomer,
as it can rust in certain applications

This Tip came via a CD from Chuck @ The Cafe
Originally submitted by Phillip With the Final
Note from Kevin

Chrome
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Helpful answers are $1.00 each dumb looks are still FREE
These Tips come from many people, on the various
motorcycle forums I frequent.
Chrome
Note: "VS" Intruders & "S" series Boulevards
I started gathering this information in 2002
Some of it has been collected since 1985

Some information (parts & part numbers/suppliers etc...) are no longer
available or have Changed. The Information contained in these pages,
should be considered to be a
GUIDE
, on where to start YOUR search if information has Changed
Chrome
If You Attempt Modifications & Ruin Your Motorcycle

It Is Your Problem.
If You Are Not Mechanically Inclined,
Get Help From Someone Who Is

I Am Not Responsible For Use/Misuse Of These Tips & Tricks
Use @ Your Discretion

Chrome

© 2002-------> Intruder Alert.Ca