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CVO Technical => Cleaning/Detailing => Topic started by: mitch.smith on April 02, 2013, 11:45:51 AM
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What is the best way to remove rust from inside of chrome bolt heads?
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Don't know if this is the "best" but WD-40 on a Cu-tip works just fine. To keep the rust away, some clear nail polish.
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The WD-40 trick works for the short term, but of course the rust will eventually return so you'll need to make it a regular part of your cleaning regimen. There are many other solutions, some more practical than others. You could clean the rust stains with solvent on a Q-Tip, then apply a coat of high temp paint to the recess in the head of the bolt. I actually did this on a previous bike using gloss black paint and thought the two-tone look was pretty neat. Probably not worth the time and effort however. Then there is the aftermarket solution known as chrome toppers (Hot Toppers is one brand). These are covers that plug into the recess in the head of the bolt, usually to make a regular bolt appear to be chrome. They seem to be very popular with the Harley crowd and can be found at many dealerships as well as in all the various catalogs like J&P, Drag, etc. The Ultimate fix is to replace the bolts with top quality stainless. This might make sense if you plan to tear the engine apart for other reasons anyway, but I seriously doubt I would ever consider it otherwise, unless I was building a show bike.
Jerry
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The WD-40 trick works for the short term, but of course the rust will eventually return so you'll need to make it a regular part of your cleaning regimen. There are many other solutions, some more practical than others. You could clean the rust stains with solvent on a Q-Tip, then apply a coat of high temp paint to the recess in the head of the bolt. I actually did this on a previous bike using gloss black paint and thought the two-tone look was pretty neat. Probably not worth the time and effort however. Then there is the aftermarket solution known as chrome toppers (Hot Toppers is one brand). These are covers that plug into the recess in the head of the bolt, usually to make a regular bolt appear to be chrome. They seem to be very popular with the Harley crowd and can be found at many dealerships as well as in all the various catalogs like J&P, Drag, etc. The Ultimate fix is to replace the bolts with top quality stainless. This might make sense if you plan to tear the engine apart for other reasons anyway, but I seriously doubt I would ever consider it otherwise, unless I was building a show bike.
Jerry
I used the polished stainless bolts. Best $250.00 I've ever spent
Rich
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I used the polished stainless bolts. Best $250.00 I've ever spent
Rich
Where did you buy them?
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I have used Gardener-Wescott Company (http://www.gardner-westcott.com). Excellent quality. They sell a builders kits for the different Harley models. You can get them stainless polished or stainless chromed. Many Harley shops carry them but you can probably get them cheaper online.
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Where did you buy them?
Not sure. My tuner gottem 4 me. As was said find them online. Much cheaper than HD
Rich
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Hogasm on the site here sells the kits too.
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I used the polished stainless bolts. Best $250.00 I've ever spent
Rich
Did you install them by yourself?
Is it possible to replace all the bolts, one bolt at a time.. without replacing gaskets?
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My dealer did mine for $150.00 w/Loctite and no new gaskets were needed.
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I used the polished stainless bolts. Best $250.00 I've ever spent
Rich
Agreed, best money ive spent on the bike as well ... I did the 12 point ... looks nice, easy clean.
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Replaced all the bolts on the SERG and a 2002 Duece with Alloyboltz, check them out online, would do again anytime.
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here is a 2nd choice this where i'm going to buy my for my bike
http://alloyboltz.com/catalog/index.php?osCsid=i5ui61h39v0hp3e4l1li6tqdb0