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Author Topic: How to fix rust line in bare metal part of front fender?  (Read 21207 times)

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tmitchellofpg

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How to fix rust line in bare metal part of front fender?
« on: October 24, 2008, 08:02:52 PM »

I did a search on here and couldn't find anyone that has recently had a problem with a rust crack in the bare metal part of the front fender. I found 2 that were years ago and were fixed under warranty. I just noticed mine recently. Thought I would put a chrome fender tip on to cover it, but think it may keep spreading. Just wondering what would be the best way to fix, or at least keep it from spreading, before I cover it.
My rust crack is  1/3" long and the width that a heavy pencil mark would make. I figure it would be better to fix it, even it doesn't come out too good, then cover it with a fender tip and then have it spread past the tip.
Have any SE Fat Boy owner's gone through this yet?
Thanks for any suggestions.
Tom
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BayouBiker

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Re: How to fix rust line in bare metal part of front fender?
« Reply #1 on: October 24, 2008, 08:04:34 PM »

owwch!!

No idea about a fix, but my condolences go out to ya...
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Re: How to fix rust line in bare metal part of front fender?
« Reply #2 on: October 24, 2008, 10:49:44 PM »

buy a new one
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Re: How to fix rust line in bare metal part of front fender?
« Reply #3 on: October 25, 2008, 09:18:41 AM »


Tom, I don't think that would fall in to the DIY category like a simple chip in the paint would, you will most likely need to seek the help of a professional painter.  If it were me, I'd look for someone who does custom paint jobs rather than someone who only knows prime/base/clear repairs.  The tricky part of this one will be getting the "grind" matched close enough to not stand out after it's shot with clear.  The best advice I can offer is to first get a price from the dealer for a new fender, then get some quotes from some qualified painters.  If you can find a pro who has some slack time in his schedule, he may be willing to negotiate a good price for a spot repair.

Your thoughts about just covering it with a tip are right on the money; the odds are that this will continue to spread.  Even if the tip idea is OK with you, you still need to stop the corrosion from spreading first.

Jerry
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tmitchellofpg

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Re: How to fix rust line in bare metal part of front fender?
« Reply #4 on: October 25, 2008, 10:09:32 AM »

Jerry,
Thanks for the response.
I would think that there are quite a few SE Fat Boy owner's that have had this problem and came up with various fixes, but the odds of them reading this forum are fairly slim.
I will have to check with my local dealer for the price of a new SE painted front fender and also one of the dealers that sell for 20% off through the Internet. When I find out how much an SE painted fender costs, I will probably try and fix it myself or have it fixed.
The crack is only .3" long, so it is not that noticeable yet.
I 'm going to put some acrylic, top coat, nail polish on it, to see if that keeps it from spreading.
Tom

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Ride n Shine

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Re: How to fix rust line in bare metal part of front fender?
« Reply #5 on: October 26, 2008, 03:38:14 PM »

I took my paint set off, waxed them and put them away because I could see this would happen. It is a very neat looking paint job for a factory set but not one that will be around on bikes when they become classics.
All I can suggest is that you remove the clear from the rust and treat it and reclear it. Not an easy job but with a bit of time and a lot of care you can do it or get someone to do it for you. Shame I'm on the other side of the world or I'd give you a hand.
« Last Edit: October 27, 2008, 12:19:18 PM by Ride n Shine »
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tmitchellofpg

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Re: How to fix rust line in bare metal part of front fender?
« Reply #6 on: October 26, 2008, 09:57:21 PM »

I rode to the local dealer today to see what a new SE front fender cost.  They said $780, but suggested I take it to a body shop. I will try one that has a good reputation and see what they want to do the repair. I figure I might as well get it fixed, before it spreads further.
Tom
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Re: How to fix rust line in bare metal part of front fender?
« Reply #7 on: October 29, 2008, 12:20:34 PM »

My 05  SE fat boy has two rust spots on the front fender. I think they started from rock chips. I`m sure the dealer or a custom paint shop can fix them, but at what cost?

I can tell how i`am going to resolve my problem. I have my order in for a SERG/ orange & black.
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MikeD

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Re: How to fix rust line in bare metal part of front fender?
« Reply #8 on: October 30, 2008, 06:49:08 PM »

My 05  SE fat boy has two rust spots on the front fender. I think they started from rock chips. I`m sure the dealer or a custom paint shop can fix them, but at what cost?

I can tell how i`am going to resolve my problem. I have my order in for a SERG/ orange & black.

Thats the best idea I've heard of yet!!!
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AUSSIE_FLSTFSE

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Re: How to fix rust line in bare metal part of front fender?
« Reply #9 on: November 19, 2008, 06:18:08 AM »

I did a search on here and couldn't find anyone that has recently had a problem with a rust crack in the bare metal part of the front fender. I found 2 that were years ago and were fixed under warranty. I just noticed mine recently. Thought I would put a chrome fender tip on to cover it, but think it may keep spreading. Just wondering what would be the best way to fix, or at least keep it from spreading, before I cover it.
My rust crack is  1/3" long and the width that a heavy pencil mark would make. I figure it would be better to fix it, even it doesn't come out too good, then cover it with a fender tip and then have it spread past the tip.
Have any SE Fat Boy owner's gone through this yet?
Thanks for any suggestions.
Tom


I had one replaced under warranty but very soon after I removed it, wrapped it in bubble wrap & replaced it with a chrome fender problem solved!

Cheers
Aussie
« Last Edit: November 19, 2008, 06:23:14 AM by AUSSIE_FLSTFSE »
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MikeD

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Re: How to fix rust line in bare metal part of front fender?
« Reply #10 on: November 19, 2008, 06:42:42 AM »


I had one replaced under warranty but very soon after I removed it, wrapped it in bubble wrap & replaced it with a chrome fender problem solved!

Cheers
Aussie

I knew you were going to say that! :huepfenlol2:
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mark kal

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Re: How to fix rust line in bare metal part of front fender?
« Reply #11 on: March 22, 2010, 06:17:11 PM »

I have the exact same problem!!! no chips or dings and it appears that the clear coat is in perfect shape!! I would welcome any advice as what to do!!!! Mine is an 05 Fatboy CVO with slate gray paint>
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tmitchellofpg

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Re: How to fix rust line in bare metal part of front fender?
« Reply #12 on: March 22, 2010, 10:36:57 PM »

I fixed it myself. I sanded the fender area, where the rust line was, until it was gone. Then I taped off the tip of the fender and sprayed it,  using a can of clear. The first time I did it you could see a line between the original clear and where I sprayed the new clear, because of my taping it off.
About a year later a couple of more rust lines showed up. I did it again but didn't tape off the fender. I just laid towels over the good part of the fender and the wheel. This time it didn't leave a line between the resprayed area and the untouched area of the fender.
I figured I had nothing to lose doing this. If I screwed it up I would have ordered a new fender.
I don't know why after the first time I did it, it didn't keep it from rusting again. I had put a lot of paint under the fender and there wasn't any sign of rust when I sprayed the clear coat on the top of the fender.
The hardest part was sanding out the rust and keeping the original swirling grinding pattern.
Tom
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ironpeddler

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Re: How to fix rust line in bare metal part of front fender?
« Reply #13 on: March 23, 2010, 09:30:50 PM »

I had the same problem about six months ago. I wrote a letter to the President of HD with photos attached.  I was contacted by a customer support rep and was directed to take it to my local HD dealer to inspect. Within three days the local dealer called me to inform me that the fender would be replaced under warranty.  Five weeks later, new fender, dealer installed.  Kudos to HD for recognizing a production flaw and standing behind the brand.

Peddler

« Last Edit: March 23, 2010, 09:33:08 PM by ironpeddler »
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ironpeddler

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Re: How to fix rust line in bare metal part of front fender?
« Reply #14 on: April 01, 2010, 03:28:16 PM »

Forgot to post my "before" pic that I sent to HD.  These marks literally appeared overnight.

Peddler
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deadbox

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Re: How to fix rust line in bare metal part of front fender?
« Reply #15 on: April 02, 2010, 09:58:11 PM »

Time to inspect my front and rear on my 06.
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Re: How to fix rust line in bare metal part of front fender?
« Reply #16 on: April 10, 2010, 02:35:41 PM »

I had the same problem about six months ago. I wrote a letter to the President of HD with photos attached.  I was contacted by a customer support rep and was directed to take it to my local HD dealer to inspect. Within three days the local dealer called me to inform me that the fender would be replaced under warranty.  Five weeks later, new fender, dealer installed.  Kudos to HD for recognizing a production flaw and standing behind the brand.

Peddler


Can u pass along the info on who n where to contact Harley main office mine is way worse.  I would like to have a chat with someone.
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Re: How to fix rust line in bare metal part of front fender?
« Reply #17 on: April 10, 2010, 04:06:15 PM »

Can u pass along the info on who n where to contact Harley main office mine is way worse.  I would like to have a chat with someone.
To speak with a Harley-Davidson customer service representative call (414) 343-4056.

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Re: How to fix rust line in bare metal part of front fender?
« Reply #18 on: April 10, 2010, 07:18:44 PM »

This appears to be quite a wide spread problem. I bet Harley Davidson are glad they only produced around 3500 fatboys with this metal grind finish. Even though it looks great there is an obvious fault with this system. It appears to be only the front fender & I would love to know how many they have replaced!

Cheers
Aussie
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taffymarsden

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Re: How to fix rust line in bare metal part of front fender?
« Reply #19 on: July 23, 2010, 03:17:13 AM »


I had one replaced under warranty but very soon after I removed it, wrapped it in bubble wrap & replaced it with a chrome fender problem solved!

Cheers
Aussie

AUSSIE, that is brilliant. I've been worried about how mine is going to go if it gets a chip but the full chrome look is a sensation. Problem solved. Well done mate. (I'm in Sydney 2005 CVO Fat Boy, blue).
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Re: How to fix rust line in bare metal part of front fender?
« Reply #20 on: August 23, 2010, 06:33:33 PM »

Seems I have a more extreme issue with this. Front and rear of mine have just really started to get progressively worse. Called the # Fired00d gave & got a REF# to give to the dealer. Has been about 2 months now and nothing back from them. Guess it is time to start hounding them for results.
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Re: How to fix rust line in bare metal part of front fender?
« Reply #21 on: September 25, 2010, 06:13:01 PM »

Deadbox have you heard anything from HD? 

Just wondering because I just filed a claim for my rear fender and sent pics as they requested.
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sovereign1

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Re: How to fix rust line in bare metal part of front fender?
« Reply #22 on: September 28, 2010, 07:26:48 PM »

Just herd back from HD.  They are replacing my rear fender. :bananarock:
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Re: How to fix rust line in bare metal part of front fender?
« Reply #23 on: September 28, 2010, 07:27:28 PM »

Just herd back from HD.  They are replacing my rear fender. :bananarock:
That's great... glad it worked out. :2vrolijk_21:

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Re: How to fix rust line in bare metal part of front fender?
« Reply #24 on: May 31, 2014, 07:51:32 PM »

wonder if harley would still replace one on an 2005 with real low miles neighbor is having this exact problem with hers
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Re: How to fix rust line in bare metal part of front fender?
« Reply #25 on: May 31, 2014, 08:08:14 PM »

Anyone that suspects this may be an problem on their bikes can perform a PT, dye penetrant, test on the suspect area, without removing any paint or finish as long as the indications are open through the finish and you will detect every flaw. Dye penetrant is much more sensitive than Mag Particle and you do not need anything but 3 spray cans.
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Re: How to fix rust line in bare metal part of front fender?
« Reply #26 on: May 14, 2015, 05:09:48 PM »

Just got my CVO Fatboy and was so happy I completely over looked this. It's going to the shop as soon as I can find someone that is worthy.
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Re: How to fix rust line in bare metal part of front fender?
« Reply #27 on: June 25, 2022, 06:21:53 AM »

Are these "imperfections" actually patina? I had a 2008 CVO Springer and totally stress about a small paint spider under the seat. The bike was no longer perfect. I've since chilled out and regret selling it!
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